Translated user manual (EN-V11)
BENOMIC
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Appendix 4: Cleaning the powder coating
The importance of cleaning and maintenance:
It retains the appearance and image of the product over a longer period.
It extends the life-span.
It prevents corrosion.
It helps prevent the spread of plant diseases.
It stimulates employees to operate the machines with care.
Removing contamination periodically prevents any chemical substances that may be present from affecting the
powder coating. The protective layers are vulnerable to acids, salts and corrosive substances which cause premature
aging. Moreover, thick layers of dirt and contamination absorb more moisture which increases the effects of corrosion
on the protective layers.
The cleaning frequency depends on the following factors:
The level of contamination depends on what is being grown.
Type of product, or usage between the crops or, e.g. usage only on concrete tracks.
Exposure to chemical fluids (spraying equipment).
Exposure to chemical vapours or mists (treating the air space in the greenhouses).
Exposure to sunlight and UV rays.
Humidity in the air and condensation.
The above results in a load factor that depends on the type of usage, and where applicable, the following cleaning
schedule should be followed.
When to clean:
Plant and product residues.
daily
Earth and sand
2x weekly
Glass, string, plastic, elastic, clips, wire hooks, etc.
2x weekly
Exposure to chemicals
immediately after use
Dullness or contamination on the top layer
periodically after detection
How to clean:
Remove dirt or contamination on the top layer using a soft brush or cloth, or a compressed air line (<6 bar).
Chemical contamination should be removed using a coarse sponge or soft cloth drenched in tap water.
Clean a dull or contaminated top layer using a neutral cleaning agent with a pH value between 5 and 8 (check
the label on the packaging) and a sponge or soft cloth.
Tip
, when a cleaning agent is used for the first time it is recommended to initially test the agent on a small
section of the top layer before continuing.
What you must not do:
Never clean the powder coating using an abrasive or burnishing cleaning agent.
Never use cleaning equipment with an abrasive surface (steel wool, pot scourer, etc).
Pressing down, polishing or scrubbing, etc, is not permitted.
Never use organic cleaning solutions for cleaning or maintaining the powder coating.
Pouring over water, using a water hose or high pressure cleaner can cause damage.
After cleaning:
Ensure that the cleaned surfaces are properly dry and temporarily remove overlapping protective covers and
screens.
All pivots and hinges, etc, that have been in contact with cleaning agents should be lubricated according to the
recommendations given in the maintenance schedule in the user manual.
Treat any damaged areas on the powder coating layer with lacquer or paint.
Please note:
The above are only
recommendations
and therefore responsibility for the proper cleaning remains with the person
carrying it out. Please contact the manufacturer if you have any queries regarding the appropriate cleaning products
to be used.
