Easy upkeep of Stoneware Tiles

Regular mechanised cleaning and maintenance not only ensures dirt-free joints, but it also increases the life of the tiles

Tackling cement film

On a newly laid fine stoneware tile floor, the first step is to remove any coarse dirt by sweeping or vacuuming. Mortar or plaster residues, varnishes and paints can be removed with a blade. There is also cement film left after grouting the tiles. The surface must first be thoroughly wetted with clean water before applying the cement film remover so that the joints between tiles become saturated and are not damaged by the acid in the cement film. Once the surface is set, use a cleaning machine. There are two different methods:

Method I

A slow-running single-disc machine (150rpm) which applies a high torque to the surface is suitable. The machine should be equipped with a detergent tank, an additional weight and a pad carrier with microfiber pads. Only synthetic microfiber can penetrate the porous surface structure of fine stoneware tiles and remove dirt particles. The secret is the electrostatic charge inducted by friction which attracts dirt.

First apply the cement film remover (in a solution of approximately 5%) in strips, section by section. While it is taking effect (approximately five minutes), the floor is to be scrubbed several times in well overlapping circular movements so as to achieve even removal. When applying detergent to and working the areas to be cleaned, ensure that the cement film remover does not dry. Apply additional detergent from the tank as and when necessary.

Next vacuum up the dirty solution with a large, powerful wet & dry cleaner. Be sure to change the microfiber pad at regular intervals, that is, after cleaning an area of 20 to 30sqm, when the pad’s dirt-absorption capacity has been exhausted. Soiled disc pads cannot simply be rinsed out after use, but must be washed in a washing machine before re-use.

The area cleaned with acid must be rinsed with plenty of clean water, then vacuumed with wet & dry vacuum.

Method II

As an economical alternative to a single disc machine, a compact floor scrubber with microfiber rollers can be used to apply the cement film remover. Here again ensure the cleaning solution applied on the floor does not dry up. While it is taking effect (approximately five minutes), pass the machine over the prepared area several times with the microfiber rollers at medium contact pressure. This simultaneously cleans the joints. Vacuum the dirty solution and finally run the scrubber-drier to rinse the floor with plenty of water, using the one-step method.

The high contact pressure of microfiber rollers is a critical factor for achieving the best possible cleaning result on fine stoneware tiles. At up to 130g/cm² (average contact pressure), it is many times higher than that of disc brushes (40g/cm²) because the contact area is much smaller. The speed of rotation of the microfiber roller (approximately 1,100rpm) also plays an important part in achieving a good cleaning result.

The high rate of rotation used in the roller technology ensures no dirt remains in the microfiber. It is a self-cleaning technique. There is no need to change the microfiber rollers while cleaning, as they retain the same cleaning efficiency throughout. This also dispenses with the need for time-consuming washing of the microfiber rollers after the floor has been cleaned. They just have to be rinsed under the running tap.

For mechanical maintenance cleaning, a compact scrubber-drier with a roller scrubbing head and microfiber rollers can be used. It applies a three to five per cent solution of fine stoneware tile cleaner evenly, brushes it in and vacuums up again in a single operation. With this cleaning system, joints are always cleaned thoroughly, too.

For maintenance cleaning of smaller areas and for cleaning hard-to-access places, use of specially designed scrubber-drier or a twin-compartment wet wiping trolley with a microfiber mop is ideal.

The detergent used for cleaning fine stoneware tiles should have good moistening properties. Tenside-free detergents help prevent re-soiling.

Inevitably, fine stoneware tiled floors that have been subjected to wear and tear for years and only been maintenance-cleaned by wet wiping must be deep cleaned at certain intervals using a machine and the two-step method. Depending on the type and degree of soiling, a tenside-free fine stoneware tile cleaner or a strongly alkaline deep cleaning agent with good moistening properties should be used.

As for initial cleaning, the following sequence could be followed:

1. Apply the detergent section by section and do not allow it to dry on to the floor. There is no need to pre-soak the joints since the grouting material is alkali-resistant.
2. While the detergent is taking effect, work the area to which it has been applied with the single-disc machine or the roller floor scrubber.
3. Vacuum up the dirty solution.
4. Rinse the floor with plenty of clean water.

Though the micro porous structure of fine stoneware tiles makes them more demanding, if they are cleaned regularly greying can be avoided. This will enable the tiles’ original properties to show to advantage and cater fully for the anti-slip aspect.

Type of Stone tiles

There are different types of fine stoneware tiles with treated or untreated surfaces. They are divided into:

• natural finish
• brushed finish
• slightly polished finish
• polished finish
• structured finish

All fine stoneware tiles have a microporous surface, small dirt particles can penetrate and become embedded. The result is a greying that presents a major challenge to floor cleaners. The only way of dislodging the dirt from this surface structure is to use special cleaning agents with a good moistening capacity, powerful machines and microfiber cleaning textiles.

Niels W Buhrke, Freelance Journalist,

Gerd Heidrich, Kärcher

Primary publication in “rationell reinigen” magazine / Germany

Mechanics of Road Sweepers

Now that road sweepers are being much preferred for flat surface cleaning in large areas, it is also essential to know the mechanisms of these powerful machines

Most commonly, there are three types of road sweepers – mechanical, vacuum and regenerative. The mechanical/power road sweepers are generally being used to clean large flat-paved surface areas of streets, parking lots, markets, commercial areas and residential blocks. The rotating brushes located underneath or behind the chassis with suction/blow chutes on the left or right side of the machine, make sweeping of large areas much fast and effective.

The machine lifts off the dirt from the ground which is sucked through the duct. It utilises an airflow system that re-circulates the air to carry debris to the hopper, rather than venting it into the atmosphere. Proper use of dust suppression ensures that no dust returns to the environment. The suction group recycles exhausting air, acting ecologically on the dust dispersion in the air. This system does not require any filters and least maintenance of only container washing.

The powerful auxiliary engine in such sweepers is heavy duty diesel operated. The engine rotates the blower and operates the various hydraulic systems of the unit. To avoid noise emission the auxiliary engine and the exhaust fan are protected with sound proof installation. Exact in-cab noise levels depend on cab/chassis being used, generally levels are less than 75dB (A) when measured in accordance with the relevant EC directives. Ear protection is not required in the cab. Exterior noise level is with 103Lwa when operating in environmental mode. This value equates to a nominal Lwa of 78dB (A) at 7.5m from the center axis of the machine.

Road sweeping needs interventions which suit customer requirements such as independence, easy construction and strength. In other words, long operation periods with lowest “dead times”; big capacity container; big capacity water tank and reliable auxiliary engine.

The stainless steel body takes care of the corrosion and the large water tank with capacity as much as 1300lt with the big diameter side brush enables it to operate with minimum effort.

Components

The major components of a road sweeper include:

• Body
• Auxiliary engine
• Exhauster fan
• Sweeping equipment
• Water tank and spraying system
• Hydraulic and pneumatic system
• Electrical system
• Control panel
• Coating

Body : The self-supporting shell construction made of anticorrosive steel plate, debris container with a volume of at least 6.5m3 and the rear door opened and closed by a hydraulic cylinder makes the body of the sweeper. A three-point system guarantees perfect closing of the rear door. The metal mobile filters are in the container for easy maintenance. The lowered body provides full encapsulation of the mounted auxiliary engine and exhaust fan unit.

Auxillary Engine : The equipment is powered by an auxiliary engine which drives the suction fan through step up gear box and fluid coupling.

• Power capacity 75HP @ 2800rpm.
• Operational speeds: normal 1600rpm & maximum 1800rpm
• 24V electrical system battery powered from chassis
• Alternator 30AH – 24V / 12V depending on chassis system
• Suction system with dry air filter, with obstruction indicator visible
• Oil pressure warning light and fluid cooling warning light
• Control panel in the driver’s cabin
• Water cooling temperature light
• Centrifugal dust filter

Exhauster Fan: It’s a heavy duty construction, dynamically balanced with multi-vane self-cleaning and abrasion resistant blades. There’s direct transmission between auxiliary engine and exhauster fan via step up gearbox & fluid flywheel coupling.

Sweeping Equipment: It consists of Suction and blowing nozzle, channel brush diameter 500mm in steel plate 3mm and central roller brush diameter 400mm and length 1300mm.

Lifting and lowering functions are pneumatically operated from the driver’s cabin. The brush is provided with manual adjustable spindles to adjust the inclination of the brush to meet all road conditions. Variable speed controls brushes, nominal speed of brushes 180rpm.

The suction nozzle is made in resistant steel with size 550 x 150mm. Nozzle carriage with 250mm diameter solid rubber wheels. Behind the nozzle is the blow-air system which provides the exhauster air fan. Sweeping dimensions: minimum width: 2300 mm.

Water Tank & Spraying System: Water pump transmission is through the V-belt pulley from auxiliary engine. The pump output is 31lt/minute-1.800rpm engine. The pump feed line is provided with an isolation valve and suction filter. Spraying nozzles made in phosphor bronze are mounted under the front bumper.

Hydraulic & Pneumatic System: The hydraulic system provides the power for the brushes. The system is divided into two sections: Oil for body tip and rear door activation, which is powered by a pump driven by an auxiliary engine. The second section powers the brushes.

Brush speed is regulated by a cab controlled flow dividing valve. The central brush speed control is regulated by external flow dividing valve. It has a suction filtration of 125 micron and return filtration of 25 micron with pressure bypass. The pressure of the system is 120bar. The pneumatic system obtains its air from the truck chassis braking system through a priority safety regulator. Pneumatics is used for various power actuation and lifting functions including nozzles lift/lower and wide sweep brush suspension.

All cylinders are equipped with high tensile steel, barrels are hard anodized extruded aluminum piston is just one piece, designed for double acting operation.

Hydraulic Cylinders are ruggedly constructed with hard chrome plated rods and are provided with heavy duty spherical bearings to ball joints where required and minimises rod ends side loads. Plug-in diagnostic points are provided for both systems for quick gauge connections.

Control Panel: The cab mounted master control panel has the main electrical control and status indicator lamps for the auxiliary engine and sweeping functions. These being engine key switches like Auxiliary engine cooling water (lamp), Auxiliary engine oil pressure (lamp), Engine speed indicator/control, Suction nozzle control, brush controls, spraying nozzles control, Air pressure control and others.

Hemant Ogale, Vice President,

Kam-Avida Enviro Engineers Pvt Ltd

Caere Facility and Resource Management

Seven steps to clean air

Even a closed office room can have pollutants and contaminants which have to be treated, says Mohit Gupta, General Manager-Business Development, Caere Facility and Resource Management.

Just because we cannot see pollution, we cannot assume it does not exist. The air that we breathe has millions of microbes, dust and even allergens. A latest research by Gurgaon-based Dr Lal’s Pathlab discovered that three out of five people suffered from allergies in India due to pollution.

Secunderabad-based Caere Facility and Resource Management, which started with housekeeping services 10 years ago, showcased Pure Room air purifiers at the Clean India Show 2010. “We have now diversified into hygiene spaces,” says Mohit.

The electronic air-purifier clears air eight to 12 times in a day. It is a seven-step air-purifying system. In the first step, the air handling unit is cleaned and sanitized. Later, an enzymatic tablet is placed in the drip pan of the air-condition/air-handling unit to prevent algae and mould. “The enzymatic tablet has to be changed every six months. The service is provided for two years or till the contract ends. Besides, we also place a tea-tree oil canister in the outlet of the air-condition unit. Thus, the air is sanitized at the source itself.”

To maintain indoor air quality, the floor, carpet and upholstery have also to be cleaned on a regular basis. Before the system is installed, the room is deep-cleaned with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. Later, a bacterio-static mixture is sprayed in the room. The mixture is suitable for hard & soft surfaces and even carpets. “The mixture has the ability to rupture the bacteria/virus cell,” says Mohit.

In the next step, an ozone-generator is allowed to run in the room for two hours. After the ozone treatment, the air purifier is installed in the room. The air goes through a carbon filter, ziolite filter, the microbial mesh and the HEPA filter. So any particle that goes through the system is captured. Particles as small as 0.3microns, like swine-flu virus, get trapped in this filter. The air that comes out of the air purifier has zero particles.

US-based Pure Solutions, the patent holders of Pure Room, has been working in indoor air quality for the last five years. The company not only manufactures purifiers but also provides turnkey solutions for clean, environment-friendly and allergy-free spaces for hotels, hospitals, day-care centres, spa and meeting rooms. “The air purifier is suitable for 500sqft of residential, corporate and even commercial areas. Our staff is trained by our principal company Pure Room in the US. Major hotels like JW Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Starwood are already members of Pure Room,” says Mohit.

Caere is in the process of converting all premium rooms at ITC Maurya Sheraton into ‘Pure Rooms’. It is also in talks with few BPOs in India to install the Pure Room system. Ernst and Young in Taiwan has already converted its office into ‘Pure Room’. More than 2000 rooms of the Hyatt chain in the US and Canada have been converted into Pure Rooms. ‘Respire by Hyatt’, a different category of rooms also has the Pure Room system.

Mohit says, “We not only provide solutions for indoor air quality when we turn or convert any place into a ‘Pure Room’, but also certify it as clean and pure room.”