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Washdown Actuator Applications - RACO has the solutions

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RACO Electric actuators are suitable for washdown environments

Electric actuators for washdown areas require a more robust overall construction, should be fully sealed, and provide for corrosion-resistant designs to withstand high-pressure, high-temperature, and chemical cleaning. These designs may include stainless steel components, corrosion resistant paint, and fewer metal-to-metal contact surfaces. Additionally, specialized plastic or rubber gaskets along with high-quality seals will keep moisture ingress to a minimum. A smooth, rod-style, body design to the actuator will also help prevent food debris buildup and bacteria growth.

washdown motor

RACO Electric actuators also require an electric motor be supplied that is rated washdown duty. Unlike standard motors, washdown units are engineered with specialized components to survive rigorous cleaning routines. Key features include:

- Higher ingress protection ratings such as IP55, IP66, or IP69K, to block pressurized water jets and steam.

- Will be constructed of corrosion-resistant exteriors, either made of all-stainless steel, such as Types 304 or 316 grade, or coated with USDA-approved white epoxy.

- Specialized shaft and bearings will include lip seals, O-rings, and V-ring slingers which are used to stop water and cleaning agents from seeping along the rotating shaft into the motor's bearings.

- The stator internal windings will be encapsulated and will be dipped or potted in hardened epoxy resin to protect them from humidity and potential shorts.

- Keeping the motor’s overall shape hygienic as possible with stainless steel models featuring smooth surfaces, radiused corners, and sloped designs so that debris, food particles, and liquids cannot accumulate

Most Common Washdown applications for RACO Electric Actuators:

    • Food and beverage processing equipment.
    • Pharmaceutical manufacturing.
    • Chemical processing and packaging environments.
    • Marine or wet industrial applications
    • Any facility that does daily sanitation 
    • Water and Wastewater Facilities, especially in caustic areas

    Untitled design (91)Untitled design (92)

Disadvantages of utilizing Pneumatic Actuators in washdown areas include:

- The need for a dry, clean, and constant supply of compressed air. RACO actuators are all electric.

- Compressed air can also lead to less precise positioning.

- These types of actuator devices and their exhaust air can be very noisy as well.

- Good seals, connections, and hoses must be maintained.

- Energy is consumed by the air compressor at all times as this holding force typically means a constant air pressure must be maintained. Not so with RACO Electric Actuators

- Pneumatic actuators have maximum size and limited capabilities for many applications, especially in outdoor and corrosive environments

Disadvantages of Hydraulic actuators for washdown applications:

Power usage: pumps and motors consume energy while moving and even when not moving a load. Not energy efficient. RACO Electric Actuators are the most energy efficient and most Green Actuators of all the types.

Environmentally, not a practical solution for Green Initiatives, around lakes and rivers, and even in maritime, or at sea applications. The hydraulic oil in the actuator is prone to spills, leaks, and can contaminate water supplies and food sources. Additionally, hot oil is combustible and can be a safety concern.

With so many piping connections, valves, fittings, and other components, the overall hydraulic system is not a space saving package and makes installation and repair/replacement extensive and costly.

 

 

 
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