Liquid distribution from cleaning-in-place sprayballs

There is little independently published data available which defines the processes and important parameters involved in cleaning-in-place with sprayballs. Initial tests showed that, in some circumstances, a sprayball was ineffective in cleaning soluble material from a surface. Quantitative experimental data was obtained for the wetting of a surface by a single water jet. The wetting rate ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 kg m(-1) s(-1), which was consistent with the expected results, but lower than a previously suggested design value of 0.4 kg m(-1) s(-1). The wetting rate decreased when the temperature of the water was increased, and increased with the addition of a small quantity of detergent to the water. No significant difference was observed between the wetting rates for acrylic and stainless steel, or when 1 sodium hydroxide solution was substituted for water. The results are discussed from a design perspective.