Maintaining electrical equipment in moist and dusty environments can save money

A Chemsearch specialist recently visited a steel specialist supplier in NSW that was having regular problems with its operating equipment. The equipment was located in an area of extreme moisture and dirt; as a result of the location, the internal control cards in the equipment would regularly corrode and fail. This was proving to be an expensive problem for the company, as each control card that needed to be replaced cost $1000 and every shutdown was costing approximately $8000 per hour. Therefore, a solution was required.

There is often a lot of time and money spent on downtime during these types of electrical failures in many dusty and moist workplaces but, according to Chemsearch, it is easily preventable. Chemsearch has previously identified the need for a cost-efficient way of resolving these electrical issues. It has found that in most workplaces, electrical equipment needs to be cleaned safely without the risk of electric shocks or outages. This research led Chemsearch to develop the Lexite NF non-flammable aerosol cleaner and degreaser, which is specially designed for electrical equipment. It has a dielectric constant of 5000 V and is non-corrosive.

Its research also found that equipment needs to be completely moisture-free and also protected in order for it to continue to run efficiently. This research led to the creation of a product called NC-123 Extra, which inhibits moisture and corrosion with a flexible, waterproof film that can be easily sprayed on. It can also be applied to wet and dry surfaces, as well as moving parts.

The Chemsearch specialist at the steel supplier site recommended the use of the Lexite NF and NC-123 Extra product on the operating equipment at the site. The products have now been used for a year and the equipment hasn’t failed once. Also, by not having to replace the control cards and not having unplanned downtime, the company has made substantial cost savings over the year.