Smart dosing helps Canadian startup in corona fight

To get their sanitization equipment out to front-line health workers, Ontario-based Clean Works repurposed a cleaning process originally designed to sanitize fruits and vegetables.

Normally, Clean Works use the Clean Flow Mini machine to sanitize produce. Now, it has been approved by Health Canada to be sent to healthcare facilities so they can start reusing N95s – a critical piece of personal protection equipment for people who may be exposed to COVID-19.

A key component of the Clean Flow Mini is a chemical metering pump to provide continuous dosing of their sanitation solution. Precise control of the dosing levels and constant spray are essential to effective sanitation, whether sanitizing produce or PPE plastic. Early on, Clean Works faced some challenges in this area.

“Pulsation was a big issue with the previous pump manufacturer,” says Joe Symons, General Manager of Clean Works. “We needed a fully integrated solution that could deliver the needed accuracy and precision, while communicating with the PLC controls.”

‘Cool’ atomizing
To meet the accuracy and precision demands, Grundfos began testing its DDA FCM pumps with the Clean Works nozzle and chemicals. The team was committed to ensuring the pumps worked with the innovative equipment. “The atomizing was really cool to see. As we tested the solution with our pump variants, I took video for the Clean Works team, so they could see the pump in action. I also joined them at the plant for on-site testing to ensure our solution consistently delivered the results,” says Aninda Sarker, Grundfos Energy Sales Manager.

Maintenance worries ease
By using stepper motor technology, the Grundfos SMART Digital dosing pumps provide a smooth continuous flow profile, even when very small volumes are required. Additionally, an integrated pressure sensor and flow monitoring algorithm controls the flow rate by comparing the actual flow to the set point and automatically making any needed adjustments.

“This pump has completely alleviated our maintenance worries, and it’s hands free,” said Paul Moyers, owner of Moyer's Apple Products and co-founder of Clean Works. “This has allowed a consistent flow of our hydrogen peroxide across the treatment area.”