Architectural Paint Tank Cleaning

Architectural paint is highly susceptible to bacterial contamination, so material preservative ingredients are added during production to prevent bacterial contamination which can lead to wet-state spoilage of paint. In recent years however, paint formulations have reduced or eliminated volatile organic compounds (VOC) and regulations on the use of material preservative ingredients have been increased, reducing the use of traditional material preservatives. As a result, the coating industry must focus on improving microbial control through manufacturing hygiene programs including process tank cleaning and sanitization. While requirements for tank cleaning are clearly outlined in standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal standards, there is currently no recommendation or procedure for the best way to clean a tank. Tank washing methods vary, but the most common method is a time consuming, manual activity carried out by operators. This project will identify current cleaning process focused on thin down and let down tanks, fill heads, tubs and bowls for architectural sites and determine good/better/best methods based on current state. Outside products and vendors will then be evaluated to determine the best method between current and future state options. Important variables that will be considered will include time, cost, manual labor, cleanliness, water use, and tank configuration