Applications And Methods; Techniques - Nilfisk-ALTO NEPTUNE 5 Operating Instructions Manual

5 Applications and methods

5.1

Techniques

5.1.1 Soaking
5.1.2 Detergent and Foam
5.1.3 Temperature
5.1.4 Mechanical Effect
5.1.5 High Water Flow or
High Pressure
1) Options / model variants
Original instruction
Effi cient high pressure cleaning is achieved by following a few guide-
lines, combined with your own personal experience of specifi c clean-
ing tasks. Accessories and detergents, when correctly chosen, can
increase the effi ciency of your pressure washer. Here is some basic
information about cleaning.
Encrusted or thick layers of dirt can be loosened or softened up by a
period of soaking. This is for example an ideal method within agricul-
ture – for example, within pig sties. The ideal soaking method can be
achieved by using foam or simple alkaline detergent. Let the product
lie on the dirty surfaces for about 30 minutes before pressure wash-
ing. The result will be a much quicker high pressure cleaning process.
Foam or detergent should be applied onto dry surfaces so that the
chemical product is in direct contact with the dirt. Detergents are ap-
plied from bottom to top, for example on a automobile bodywork, in
order to avoid "super clean" areas, where the detergent may collect
in higher concentrations and streams downwards. Let the detergent
work for several minutes before rinsing before rinsing and never let
it dry on the surface being cleaned.
Detergents are more effective at higher temperatures. Greases, oils
and fats can be broken down more effectively at higher temperatures
also. Proteins can be cleaned at temperatures of around 60°C (140°F).
Oils and traffi c fi lm around 70°C (158°F), and grease can be cleaned
at 80°-90°C (176-194°F).
In order to break down tough layers of dirt, additional mechanical
effect may be required. Special lances and rotary or wash brushes
offer this supplementary effect that cuts through dirt.
High pressure is not always the best solution and may also damage
surfaces. The cleaning effect also depends upon water fl ow. Pres-
sure levels of around 100 bar (1450 psi) may be suffi cient for vehicle
cleaning (in association with hot water) and higher fl ow levels give
the ability to rinse and fl ush away large amounts of dirt easily.
NEPTUNE 5 / 7 / 8
english
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