Dxplaination of key components of a high-pressure cleaning machine.
1. Safety Valve: The safety valve is installed at the discharge end of the pump. It contains a spring and a valve assembly mechanism. Typically, the valve stem is pre-positioned in the closed position by the spring. When the pump pressure exceeds the predetermined value, the valve opens.
2. Pressure regulator (overflow type): The pressure regulator is installed at the outlet end of the pump and uses control of the bypassed water flow to automatically expand the working pressure of the high-pressure water jet equipment. When the system pressure exceeds the preset value, the valve partially opens. The higher the valve’s lift, the more water is bypassed, and the smaller the flow at the nozzle. The water that flows through the valve can be directly returned to the pump or the pre-existing water tank. Pressure regulators can be categorized into zero-reset and non-zero-reset types. Zero-reset means that the pressure line between the stop valve and the pump is “zero” while the pressure line between the valve and the stop valve maintains high pressure. Non-zero-reset pressure regulators remain under high pressure even after the stop valve is closed. We commonly use manual and pneumatic versions of zero-reset pressure regulators.
3. Pressure gauge: A high-pressure cleaning machine should be equipped with a pressure gauge to display changes in pressure. The range of the pressure gauge should be at least 50% higher than the maximum operating pressure of the high-pressure cleaning machine. When there is significant pressure pulsation, a pressure stabilizing container should be installed to accurately display the pressure readings.
4. Foot-operated control valve: The function of a foot-operated control valve is similar to that of two types of high-pressure spray guns. Its characteristic feature is that the operator can use their feet to control the high-pressure nozzle.
5. High-pressure plunger pumps: High-pressure plunger pumps are used to increase water pressure and transport high-pressure water to spray guns or nozzles. These pumps can be either mobile or stationary, and often employ positive displacement plunger pump designs to ensure a constant flow rate under specified pump speeds. Ceramic plunger pumps are also known as volumetric pumps, as they draw in and expel an equal amount of water. The sizes and materials of these pumps vary depending on the pressure and flow rate. They can be categorized based on material: cast steel, cast bronze, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, etc. They can be classified into cold water and hot water types! Currently, the inlet temperature of hot water pumps is 85°C.
6. High-pressure spray guns: These are connected to the discharge end of a high-pressure pump through a high-pressure hose assembly. They are a common type of actuator used for cleaning purposes. High-pressure spray guns can be further defined based on the type of control valve used for controlling the discharge pressure: if the valve is closed, the high pressure is released into the atmosphere, making it an overflow type of spray gun; if the valve is closed but the high-pressure water remains within the system, it is an isolation type of spray gun.
7. High-pressure nozzles: components that contain one or more nozzles and thereby generate a water jet. High-pressure nozzles restrict the cross-sectional area through which water flows, accelerate the water’s velocity, and create the desired jet shape. Both high-pressure nozzles and high-pressure nozzles belong to a large family of components and are a focal point of research in high-pressure cleaning equipment.