Maintaining high standards of surface cleanliness is essential in surface preparation applications across various industries such as bridges construction, structural steel, automotive, railway, and energy, and measuring this cleanliness accurately can be a complex task. However, with the advent of WA Clean™, a patented technology, assessing the cleanliness of blasted surfaces has become significantly easier and more precise. This innovative technology conforms to the international standards of ISO/TR 22770, ensuring reliable and objective cleanliness measurement without the variability of human interpretation.
The Challenges of Traditional Surface Cleanliness Measurement
The visual inspection of the surface is the first step of surface cleanliness measurement. This is the most basic form of assessment but is highly subjective and potentially unreliable if not paired with more rigorous testing methods.
Understanding the impact of surface cleanliness on production is essential. A surface that is over-cleaned “to be safe” can significantly drive up costs due to increased shot consumption and extended blast cleaning time. Additionally, when coatings are applied, their longevity is highly dependent on the quality of the surface preparation. In a paint shop environment, these assessments are influenced by:
The subjective judgment of the observer.
Lighting and visibility conditions.
The training and role of the evaluator, whether they are a customer, operator, or salesperson.
These factors can lead to inconsistencies and errors in cleanliness ratings, affecting productivity and operational costs.
6 Benefits of WA Clean Tools
The newly developed WA Clean™ tool by Winoa is engineered to eliminate these subjective influences through its patented optical analysis technology. This tool provides a consistent and objective measurement of the cleanliness level of a shot-blasted surface, ensuring that assessments are reliable regardless of the time of day, the type of metal (Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel), or the operator conducting the test.
Objective and Reliable Measurements
WA Clean™ utilizes a sophisticated colorimetry process combined with mathematical analysis to provide objective measurements of surface cleanliness. This technology reads, quantifies, and archives cleanliness data, offering a standard of precision previously unattainable with manual inspections.
User-Friendly Design
Designed with the user in mind, WA Clean™ boasts a simple, intuitive interface that makes it accessible even for those with minimal technical expertise. The device’s ease of use ensures that quality controls are fast and accurate, making it an invaluable tool for maintaining stringent cleanliness standards.
Versatility in Application
One of the standout features of WA Clean™ is its adaptability to different environments and conditions. Whether used in bright sunlight or in dimly lit areas, the device provides consistent results. Its specific adaptors are also thoughtfully designed to fit various surfaces, such as curved pipes and windmill towers, enhancing its utility across different sectors.
Enhanced Quality Control
The ability to conduct quick measurements—less than two seconds per analysis—means that WA Clean™ significantly speeds up the quality control process. This rapid assessment helps in reducing the need for re-blasting and over-blasting, thereby optimizing the cleaning process and reducing costs.
Integrated Technology
Further enhancing its functionality, WA Clean™ features an internal memory that allows users to save, export, and share quality records effortlessly. The automatic generation of PDF reports and the pre-visualization of the measured area via a built-in digital camera streamline the documentation and inspection processes, making them more efficient.
Reduced Litigation Risk
By providing clear, objective, and reliable data, WA Clean™ minimizes disputes between inspectors, contractors and end-users. This transparency not only fosters trust but also significantly reduces the likelihood of litigations related to surface cleanliness, offering peace of mind to all parties involved.
WA Clean Technology: Ensuring Consistency and Precision
Effective surface cleanliness measurement is a critical component of blasted surfaces. With its cutting-edge technology, easy-to-use interface, and quick, reliable results, WA Clean™ stands out as the ideal solution for any organization aiming to uphold the highest standards.
