4 Installation
10
Read the instructions carefully and pay special attention to the warnings! Always check the tank cleaning
machine before operation.
Step 5
Location inside Tank
Generally, a single Alfa Laval GJ 18 will be positioned in the approximate center of the vessel in order to equalize the cleaning
radius in all directions. However, some vessels may have specific obstacles such as coils, or heavy deposits such as the liquid
level line or “bathtub ring”, that present a challenge in terms of cleaning. In these situations, the Alfa Laval GJ 18 should be
located closer to the difficult area for the best cleaning results.
Tanks with internal mechanisms or structures such as an agitator shaft, impellers or baffles will require careful positioning to
minimize the “shadow” on areas that do not receive direct jet impact. Sometimes more than one machine, or varied placement
of a single machine, may be necessary to avoid these “shadow areas” or striping.
Step 6
Entry Openings
When using the Alfa Laval GJ 18, the vessels being cleaned must provide entry openings large enough to avoid interference
during insertion and removal. The minimum opening size required for the Alfa Laval GJ 18 is 7.0 inches (177.8 mm) for free-
hand installation, and 9.7 inches (246.4 mm) for automated or fixed-centerline installation.
Step 7
Vessel Drainage
If it is necessary to clean the floor of a vessel, any standing liquid will diminish the effectiveness of the Alfa Laval GJ 18 by
covering any soils underneath. Wherever possible, the tank floor should be pitched toward the drain and the drainage opening
should be large enough to eliminate or reduce any liquid buildup or puddling. If gravity alone is insufficient, a scavenger pump
or similar should be connected to the drain to suck out the excess wash fluid. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to use
smaller nozzles on the unit, or even to operate it intermittently to allow time for draining.
Step 8
Filters and Strainers
All tank cleaning systems should be equipped with a filter or strainer that will trap solids 1/16” (4.23 mm) or larger, as these will
not pass through the Alfa Laval GJ 18. These particles can become caught in one of the internal passages of the machine and
cause it to stop turning or reduce its cleaning effectiveness due to a loss of flow. It will then be necessary to disassemble the
Alfa Laval GJ and remove the blockage.
In recirculated (closed-loop) cleaning or any application where the cleaning solution may carry abrasive solids in suspension,
adequate filtration is a must. These particles can be extremely destructive to the Alfa Laval GJ, pumps, valves, and other
system components. Filters, properly installed and maintained, will more than pay for themselves with lower overall operating
costs in these applications. Furthermore, to ensure that clogged filters or strainers are cleaned, we recommend using automatic
self-cleaning models.