IMPCO has developed a new method of bulk cleaning of parts for production line applications including the impregnation process. This new development increases the efficiency of the “IMPCO Process” of impregnation for the salvaging of porous metal castings and offers similar advantages for the bulk cleaning of parts in a variety of industries.

The improvement, a new piece of cleaning equipment designed by IMPCO engineers, is designated a “rotating surger washer”. It is especially effective for cleaning of intricate, complicated parts which previously had to be individually cleaned or washed.

The unique feature of the unit is that each part, while contained in its carrying basket, is subject to a double rotation, first a 90º rotation on one axis, followed by a complete 360º rotation on a second axis.

The first rotation transforms vertical holes or pockets to horizontal, allowing trapped material to drain for efficient washing during the rotating surging cycle described below.

The operation of the rotator surger unit is as follows:

1. Parts are racked in a special basket, carefully protected from damage to machined surfaces with soft aluminum dividers, and a special “hold down” cover.
   
2. As the basket is loaded into the rotator surger unit, a simple “tilt” bar tilts the basket from vertical to horizontal. The basket is then picked up by two covered rollers mounted on a moveable platform which cradle it in position. After removal of the hoist and repositioning of the tilt bar, the basket is surged vertically up and down 18” at 18-20 strokes per minute while simultaneously rotating as illustrated in the cut-away drawing.

After loading, the operation of the unit is controlled by an automatic preset timer.

The surger is available for systems ranging in size from 30” diameter to 54” in diameter.