Located near the vital petrochemical centre of Tarragona, ARCOI specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of cleaning systems for tank trailers, tank containers and industrial vehicles. The company offers turnkey washing systems, which are well known in the industry for their durability and ease of maintenance.
ARCOI has been a major player in the internal tank cleaning sector for several decades. Can you share a bit about how the company has evolved over the years?
Arduengo: ARCOI has been at the forefront of the internal tank cleaning industry for the past half century. Over this time, we’ve dedicated ourselves to the design, manufacture and installation of advanced tank cleaning solutions that meet modern regulatory and traceability standards. The industry has evolved significantly and we have continuously adapted our technologies to ensure that our systems still are efficient and reliable.
The internal tank cleaning sector is indeed evolving rapidly. What are the key factors driving this change?
Arduengo: The main drivers are efficiency and sustainability. Today’s industrial processes demand configurable technologies that can wash the interior of tanks quickly and efficiently, while ensuring the best final wash results. Regulatory requirements and the need for traceability of transported products also play a crucial role. At ARCOI, we’ve developed intelligent pumping systems that adjust cleaning pressures based on the specific needs of each product. This customisation helps us improve the consumption of electricity, water and fuel, thus ensuring that our processes are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Can you explain how these intelligent pumping systems work?
Arduengo: Our intelligent pumping systems are designed to treat each wash individually, tailoring the process to the specific requirements of the product being cleaned. Qualified personnel at each cleaning station select the right working pressure for each product. For example, a tanker that has transported hypochlorite doesn’t need the same pressure and flow rate as one that has transported fatty acid. This level of customisation is key to achieving efficient cleaning. By precisely adjusting the pressure, we avoid wasting resources and ensure effective cleaning.
It sounds like precision is critical in your processes. How do your rotating heads contribute to this efficiency?
Arduengo: Our rotating heads are a vital part of our cleaning systems. They are designed to keep consistent rotation speeds regardless of water pressure. They use a hydraulic oil traction system and in the case of food cleaning lines, the oil used is food grade. This allows us to work at low pressures and flow rates without affecting the rotation RPM, unlike other rotating heads on the market. This way we significantly reduce detergent consumption — by almost 90% compared to conventional water-driven spray heads. The result is a much more efficient and environmentally friendly cleaning process.
That’s impressive. What about managing different types of products, like fats and oils? How do your systems manage that?
Arduengo: For products that respond well to thermal treatment, such as fats and oils, our systems use superheated water effectively. We don’t need high pressures or large water flows to achieve good results. In fact, we can lower working pressures below 30 Bar, which reduces fuel consumption for heating the water. This method allows us to achieve efficient cleaning with minimal resource use. For instance, our experience shows that superheated water works exceptionally well for breaking down and removing residues of fats and oils without the need for high pressure.
Can you give us an example of how efficient your systems are?
Arduengo: Sure, we have documented cleaning procedures for fatty acids that take only 20 minutes without prior vapourisation. These procedures use less than 1,000 litres of water and under two litres of concentrated detergent. Such figures highlight our capability to deliver highly efficient cleaning processes without compromising on quality. It’s all about optimising every aspect of the cleaning process to reduce waste and improve performance. What about after the cleaning process? How do you ensure the tanks are dried efficiently?
Arduengo: Efficient drying is crucial, especially in industries where tanks need to be turned around quickly for the next load. Our post-wash drying system is designed to dry a tank in less than five minutes. Our air heaters have the capacity for an air thermal jump of +55ºC and a flow rate of 24,000 m³/h. The steam radiators in these heaters are made of AISI 316 stainless steel, providing robust and long-lasting equipment. This high airflow ensures record drying times, making the entire process more efficient and allowing for quicker turnaround times for the tanks.
Can you tell us more about the system for superheated water, especially about temperatures up to 100 degrees?
Arduengo: Our system for superheated water is a notable change in the industry. By using water heated up to 100ºC, we can effectively tackle tough residues like fats and oils. The elevated temperature helps to break down these residues more efficiently than cold or even warm water without need of prior steaming the tank. Our system is designed to maintain consistent water temperatures throughout the cleaning process. This system not only enhances the cleaning power but also reduces the need for excessive detergent use. The heat alone is often enough to loosen and remove stubborn residues, meaning we can use lower concentrations of detergents, which is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Additionally, the reduced need for high water pressure means we save on energy costs associated with pumping and heating. It’s clear that ARCOI is at the forefront of innovation in the tank cleaning sector. What’s next for the company?
Arduengo: Our focus will continue to be on sustainability and efficiency. We are constantly refining our technologies to meet and exceed industry standards. Our goal is to provide reliable systems that not only follow regulations, but also contribute to environmental conservation by minimising resource usage. We are also exploring innovative technologies and methods to control performance and consumptions of our systems without the need of lots of instruments and flow meters.
It sounds like ARCOI is committed to continuous improvement. How do you see the future of the internal tank cleaning industry?
Arduengo: The future of the internal tank cleaning industry lies in further advancements in technology and a continued focus on sustainability. As regulations become more stringent and the need for efficiency increases, companies will need to adopt more advanced and sustainable technologies. At ARCOI, we are committed to leading this charge by developing solutions that are not only effective and efficient, but also environmentally responsible. For example, we recently designed a semi-automatic and portable system to heat tank-containers by steam, including an Android application that allows to control and operate the functions remotely by GSM. We believe that the industry will continue to evolve, with a greater emphasis on reducing resource consumption and improving overall efficiency.
It’s exciting to see how ARCOI is leading the way in sustainable and efficient tank cleaning solutions. Are there any final thoughts?
Arduengo: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure discussing our work and we look forward to continuing our journey towards more innovative solutions in the future. We are committed to making a positive impact on the industry and the environment, and we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
For more information. Visit: arcoi.net
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