Washdown Computer or Monitor Applications, Processes, and Solutions

Washdown computers and washdown monitors are installed in environments where they are exposed to water, dust, and other harsh corrosive materials. These environments include food processing plants, meat processing facilities, pharmaceutical factories, chemical plants, and other industrial settings where equipment needs to be regularly washed down and sanitised. Washdown computers are designed to be rugged in order to withstand the high-pressure water and chemicals used during cleaning processes, and they are built with specialised enclosures, sealed ports, and other features that help protect them from damage caused by exposure to moisture, dust, and other contaminants.

It is essential to select the proper level of ingress protection when choosing a washdown monitor or washdown computer for an area with steam, splash, spray, or water submersion. We will explain what needs to be considered for a computer to survive these washdown processes and help you pick a panel PC or industrial monitor with the appropriate level of ingress protection for the task to avoid failures in the field.

Furthermore, we will discuss different grades of stainless steel chosen in the manufacturing of a washdown solution which help prevent the corrosive effects of saline environments or washdown chemicals used to eliminate bacteria.

At the end of a shift, food processing operations often require a thorough washdown procedure to ensure the removal of bacteria, microorganisms, and particles from areas near or in contact with consumable items or those with a tightly regulated chemical process. This process was designed to clean equipment with maximum safety.

Implementing a regular cleaning schedule ensures that the computer is cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. Employees should be trained on proper cleaning procedures and make sure they understand the importance of keeping the washdown computer clean and free from bacteria.

The National Sanitation Foundation provides a summary of the washdown process which takes place at regular frequencies at food packaging facilities. These facilities have IP69K Panel PCs placed at various locations on the manufacturing line.

1. Remove Debris – Clear away any large pieces of matter, such as dirt, proteins, minerals, or lubricants, by using a cloth, mop, or broom.

2. Rinse Residue – It is necessary to start off by rinsing with warm water not exceeding 48.9°C/120°F in order to prevent the particles from sticking to a surface due to increased heat.

3. Apply Detergent – Creating a balanced blend of water and cleaning agents is necessary to ensure effective cleaning without causing too much damage. In some cases, a strong concentration of detergent and hot steam are needed to prepare a surface for sanitising with an alcohol-based solution, thereby allowing the equipment to dry quickly.

4. Rinse Detergent – It is critical to completely remove any soaps or cleaning products from the area before moving on. After taking out the dirt and dust, the temperature of the water can be higher than what it was during the first washing.

5. Inspection – A thorough examination of all equipment should be conducted, paying close attention to areas that may be harder to access and any cracks or crevices present. Efforts should be made to reduce the amount of cracks and crevices in all areas when choosing or installing a washdown computer.

6. Sanitise – Utilise an anti-microbial substance to terminate germs and other microorganisms.

7. Dry – The best way to dry a sanitised surface is to simply let the air do its work. If a high temperature spray or steam is used, the surface will still be warm and will be able to dry quickly in the air.

Deploying hundreds of Panel PCs and Industrial Displays into environments where they must withstand harsh cleaning processes, we have gained an understanding of the features and elements that will best stand up to such treatments. Smaller details such as the inclusion of flat antenna covers, M12 circular connectors, and waterproof cables all play a major role in the computer’s longevity. Learn more about M12 circular connectors providing rugged and waterproof connectivity.

Aside from the stainless steel computer housing of a washdown computer, the touchscreen glass, any buttons or antennas, and I/O such as LAN or USB all need to be able endure the cleaning procedure as well as prevent bacteria build-up. Utilising a true flat front bezel design, specialised hygienic bolts for assembly, and simplified mounting methods all help in reducing contamination build-up which is harder or more time consuming to remove.

With decades of industry insight, Things Embedded has been utilising its expertise to provide these washdown computers or display solutions and is looking forward to continuing to provide new computer technologies to the manufacturing industry.