The SBS Ecoclean Group specializes in the development, production, and sale of forward-looking systems, solutions and services for industrial component cleaning and surface treatment. The innovation engines behind these advancements are the two Competence Centers located in Germany. These Centers support the Group's companies worldwide with their technical expertise, research, and innovative developments. In this interview, we speak to Joachim Ritter, Key Account Manager at Ecoclean GmbH, Center of Competence in Monschau, Germany. He discusses the challenges and possible solutions for industrial parts cleaning of fragile components that demand highest levels of cleanliness as well as extremely short cycle times.

(?) MFN: Thank you for taking the time for this interview, Mr. Ritter. We are excited to talk about this interesting topic today. To start with, can you tell us a little bit more about the particularities of cleaning fragile components with high cleanliness as well as throughput requirements?

(!) J. R.: Certainly. Let’s take bipolar plates for fuel cells or electrolysis stacks as a practical example. Bipolar plates consist of two foils, the cathode and the anode, typically made from uncoated stainless steel alloys or coated stainless steel substrates. These materials are extremely thin and therefore very delicate. The raw material for producing metallic bipolar plates is usually uncoiled from a coil, which means that it may already have unknown contaminants present on its surface. When the plates are formed, cut, and punched, special oils are used. Both film and particulate contaminants are generated during the production processes. These include, for example, burrs, swarf, fibers, and general airborne dirt. Any of these residues can later cause malfunctions in the functional process of the final product. Therefore, the cleanliness requirements are extremely high. In addition, these plates are produced at a very high speed, so the cycle time per part is crucial as well. To ensure optimum performance, cleaning solutions must be seamlessly integrated into this fast-paced production process.

(?) MFN: Mr. Ritter, can you explain which production steps are critical for cleanliness when manufacturing bipolar plates? To find the right cleaning solution, is it important to consider the type of contamination?

(!) J. R.: To answer this question, we need to focus on one of the most critical steps in the production of bipolar plates: the "joining" process. This involves placing the anode and cathode plates on top of each other and welding them together, typically using a laser. During this welding process, contaminants may be generated, which can negatively impact the performance of the fuel cell. One common type of contamination that can occur on these bipolar plates is soot marks. These are typically resulted from residual organic material or oil on the surface that burns during the welding process. At Ecoclean, we take a few steps back into the production process and examine each step closely. This is crucial for identifying the types of contaminants present beforehand. Our solutions thus address not only the cleaning itself, but also consider and help to improve the entire production process.

(?) MFN: How does Ecoclean support the manufacturing process of bipolar plates, particularly in dealing with the various contaminants that arise during production and ensuring the required cleanliness before further processing?

(!) J. R.: Let's take a closer look. Bipolar plates for automotive fuel cells, for example, are typically made from pressed graphite powder or stainless steel alloys. The surfaces of these components are usually contaminated with various substances and elements that arise during the manufacturing process. During the subsequent production steps, the coil material is formed and cut, and the oils and emulsions used in these processes further contaminate the plates. As mentioned previously, oxides and soot can also be formed during the joining of the plates. It is essential to clean the plates before subsequent processes such as coating. Over time, we have accumulated considerable experience in this area. We can guarantee the required particle cleanliness, degreasing, and freedom from substances. This ensures that later, a tightly sealed and perfectly coated bipolar plate will function efficiently in the fuel cell, achieving maximum performance. We are active in final cleaning, surface preparation, and treatment with highly efficient solutions to support these processes.

(?) MFN: Could you tell us more about the cleaning methods available on the market for bipolar plates? Which ones do you consider to be especially suitable?

(!) J. R.: On the market, several cleaning methods are offered, and manufacturers must carefully weigh up the pros and cons of each option. One method presented is CO2 blasting. However, the high consumption of CO2 gas and compressed air can become a significant cost factor that needs to be considered before making a decision. We see CO2 blasting more as a partial solution, useful for specifically targeting and removing soot marks in a controlled manner. However, we do not recommend relying on this method for the entire cleaning process.

At Ecoclean, we offer alternative solutions that manufacturers can use either individually or in combination. Our approaches are designed to address a wider range of cleaning needs efficiently and sustainably.

(?) MFN: Interesting, let's take a closer look at that for our readers.

(!) J. R.: We have achieved excellent results in cleaning bipolar plates using steam, or thermal processes. Not only is this method fast and highly effective in removing stains and substances, but it also requires minimal liquid usage. When applied correctly, this process allows oil to evaporate completely, with precise temperature control, which is crucial for optimal results. Additionally, we've had success with our Hydro-Cleaning method, which uses nozzles to apply the cleaning medium at specific pressures and temperatures. This method is effective depending on the surface type. To complement our cleaning process, we also employ various technologies based on the type of contamination and requirements, including ultrasonic cleaning, pressure pulse rinsing, and plasma cleaning.

(?) MFN: So, are there certain cleaning systems that are particularly suitable for such a cleaning task?

(!) J. R.: We offer a range of systems, including water- or solvent-based chamber systems like the EcoCwave and EcoCcore, as well as a series of immersion systems by UCM. Additionally, we now provide the EcoCbelt GEN-2 series, a continuous cleaning system. This system integrates various process options such as spray, steam, plasma, hydro-cleaning, CO2 blasting, and drying, all tailored to specific requirements. The transport system is designed to handle sensitive components such as bipolar plates or electronics with care.

(?) MFN: Mr. Ritter, you also mentioned electronic components. Which other types of components are the cleaning solutions and procedures you mentioned suitable for?

(!) J. R.: With our technology, we can clean not only flat bipolar plates but also cubic components such as electronic parts and enclosures, as well as various metallic materials that require high cleanliness standards and short cycle times. These include components like battery cell cups, heat sinks, and battery connectors. Additionally, our systems are capable of cleaning small parts, including those pre-stamped in endless strips, efficiently as a batch.

(?) MFN: One last question: how do you make sure that you have the right approach for the respective cleaning task? 

(!) J. R.: We operate our own specialized Test Centers for this purpose. At our Center of Competence in Monschau, we have the capability to conduct tests on original contaminated parts in an environment very close to production. Our affiliated laboratories are equipped with advanced testing methods such as surface tension analysis, fluorescence analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. In addition to evaluating the cleaning processes, we also test the cycle times of our systems to ensure that they meet the required standards. This approach allows us to provide our customers with efficient, tailored solutions that address their individual needs.

MFN would like to thank Joachim Ritter for this interview!

For Information: Ecoclean GmbH

Sales

52156 Monschau, Germany

Tel. +49.2472.83 0

E-mail: info.monschau@ecoclean-group.net

www.ecoclean-group.net