Industrial Painting and Coating: Types and Uses

Industrial paint coatings are typically applied to structures that need protection from mechanical, chemical and environmental degradation.

Let’s take a look at some of the industrial coating products our coating application service has used successfully on multiple projects. They fall into 2 main categories:

Organic coatings
Alkyd paint
Epoxy paint
Polyurethane paint

• Inorganic coatings

Acrylic paint
Ceramic paint
Intumescent paint

Let’s take a look at the characteristics of each of these industrial coatings.

Organic coatings

Organic coatings usually contain carbon, refined and/or modified petroleum products, and various solvents, pigments, additives and fillers.

Alkyd paint

Alkyd paint is a mixture of alkyd resin and water that contains a minimal amount of volatile organic compounds. Therefore, it’s not hazardous for those applying it or for the environment. It cures by oxidation, which takes longer than other types of paint. Depending on the ingredients added, alkyd paint can withstand a variety of difficult conditions in indoor, outdoor, underground and underwater environments.

Epoxy paint

Epoxy paint has excellent protective properties against wear, abrasion, corrosion, moisture, salt air, fuels, chemicals and offers short drying times. It adheres to many types of surfaces, including metals such as steel, zinc, aluminum and galvanized components.

Polyurethane paint

The additives incorporated into polyurethane paint offer exceptional resistance to corrosion, abrasion, chemicals and aging. This type of paint is often used in the construction, furniture and automotive industries.

Inorganic coatings

Inorganic coatings are made with ingredients such as enamels, additives and pigments that provide protection against many harsh industrial environments.

Acrylic paint

Acrylic paint is a kind of water-based industrial paint that is valued for its strong adhesive properties and its ability to resist the harsh Quebec climate. Acrylic paint contains binders and additives to provide adequate protection in industrial environments.

Ceramic paint

Ceramic paint offers superior durability and excellent protection against chemicals and corrosion. In industrial settings, it is used to protect tanks and piping systems from water, moisture, UV rays, chemicals and high temperatures. However, it is quite vulnerable to mechanical pressure.

Intumescent paint

Intumescent paint expands to form a protective coating that insulates structures that are exposed to extreme heat or fire. It is ideally suited to face fire and corrosion, and also offers an aesthetically-pleasing coating.

What are industrial coatings for?

The list of uses for industrial paint is almost endless, but it’s good to get a general idea of what it’s for. The main reason for applying an industrial coating is to protect the surface underneath in some way, against different types of corrosion, for example. Aesthetics can sometimes be an important factor as well, and should not be overlooked.

More specifically, the most common use of industrial coatings is to prevent the corrosion of concrete or steel. A common secondary objective is to make these materials more resistant to fire and other types of damage.

What are industrial coatings made of?

Polymers, more specifically thermoplastics, are frequently used as industrial coatings. Popular polymers for this use include urethane, epoxy, fluoropolymer and polyurethane, which cure when exposed to moisture.

Of course, there are a wide variety of materials that can be used as industrial coatings, and just as many ways to apply them. That’s why it’s best to leave coating application to industrial painting and cleaning experts.

Among conventional liquid coatings, powder coating is an increasingly popular process for protecting and enhancing metal parts. Unlike liquid paint, this technique involves applying an electrostatic powder, then heating it to form a solid, homogeneous and resistant coating. By choosing powder coating, you benefit from durable, impact-, scratch- and corrosion-resistant finishes, with a variety of coats and textures suited to demanding industrial environments. By combining different formulations and application techniques, aesthetic and functional results are achieved that often surpass traditional methods. It’s an ideal solution for metal parts subjected to extreme conditions or requiring superior performance.

Get your industrial coating applied by Solutions Trexo

The right industrial coating can make industrial products last longer and look better. A wide range of surfaces can be treated: all types of metal, wood, plastic and composites, rubber, glass, leather, etc. Almost all materials used in factories are candidates for protective industrial painting.

With our mastery of all types of industrial paint, the Solutions Trexo team can select the coating that precisely matches your equipment’s requirements.

If you need an expert industrial painting or cleaning company, contact us today for more information. We operate throughout Quebec and Ontario with an experienced team and bring all of the expertise we have developed since our inception in 1987.

High-Pressure Water Blasting: Definition, Role and Benefits

High-pressure water blasting is a well-known technique that is used in many sectors in Canada, including the industrial sector. This high-pressure cleaning process has specific characteristics that make it effective against a wide variety of contaminants.

In this article, our industrial cleaning experts explain everything you need to know about high-pressure water blasting and its advantages for your business.

What is high-pressure water blasting?

High-pressure water blasting is a cleaning process that uses intense pressure to spray hot or cold water through a hose against a surface. The technique makes the most of the pressurized water jet to dislodge dirt and debris. Meanwhile, the very hot water used in power washing effectively removes grease from surfaces.

While the technique is well-known when it comes to washing the exteriors of buildings, it is also commonly used in industrial facilities. High-pressure water blasting is a very effective way of deep cleaning industrial machines and tools and removing the filth that encrusts them over time. Hiring a company that provides water blasting services to clean your equipment ensures that it will be more effective and have a longer lifespan.

High-pressure water blasting: a popular solution in many sectors

Building owners often use high-pressure water blasting to clean their decks and walls. This type of high-pressure cleaning is also commonly used to remove graffiti.

Professional high-pressure water blasting is particularly suitable for cleaning food-processing tanks, factory façades and industrial machinery.

High-pressure water blasting is used in many sectors because of its ability to effectively eliminate dust, mud, metal or wood residue, and much more. The food, industrial, mechanical and automotive sectors regularly make use of high-pressure cleaning companies.

Quality equipment for high-performance cleaning

The heart of our efficiency lies in high-performance high-pressure cleaners, capable of delivering flows of up to several GPM (gallons per minute). Combined with precision nozzles and accessories adapted to each application, this equipment enables rapid maintenance, without compromising surface safety.

We use rotary, turbo or fan nozzles, depending on the type of substrate (concrete, metal, brick, etc.), to ensure uniform cleaning without damaging the material.

The importance of the right product and detergent

In addition to pressure and temperature, the choice of cleaning product is crucial. We carefully select detergents adapted to the stains targeted: oils, metallic dust, mildew or organic dirt. These products are chosen according to industry standards and the nature of the wire or electrical equipment present on site.

What are the benefits of high-pressure water blasting?

As mentioned above, high-pressure water blasting has benefits for a wide variety of industries. But what exactly makes it so popular?

Efficient cleaning

One of the main advantages of high-pressure water blasting is its efficiency. Combined with gentle soap, it takes very little time to completely cleanse a façade or industrial equipment.

Like soda blasting and dry ice blasting, high-pressure water blasting is a formidable tool against most debris and residue. With heated water that can reach 160 °C, the process effectively breaks down grime and has powerful cleansing properties, eliminating bacteria without damaging the surface.

Effective in hard-to-reach areas

The ability to clean hard-to-reach areas is another significant benefit of high-pressure water blasting. When cleaning an industrial plant, it’s almost impossible to reach every nook and cranny, but it can be done with high-pressure cleaning.

The pressurized water jets get into your equipment and flush out all contaminants without risk of damage. Contact industrial cleaning experts to get your plant looking good as new!

Impeccable precision

The hose used to spray the pressurized water is adjustable, enabling the cleaning specialist to target a specific area with a continuous jet of water. The flow can also be adjusted based on the area that needs to be cleaned, providing exceptional precision.

This is a crucial advantage for sectors that require precision cleaning for their equipment or machinery, such as the industrial or food-processing sector.

Flexible service across Quebec

Whether you’re located in Montreal, Laval, Sherbrooke, Quebec City or in the regions, our service is available in all industrial zones of Quebec. We operate both in confined spaces and outdoors, with fully autonomous mobile units.

Our customers particularly appreciate our ability to adapt to their production schedules and deliver uncompromising results, even in complex environments.

A constant commitment to quality and customer satisfaction

Every job is carried out by a trained team, supervised by a quality manager. Our mission: to guarantee visible results from the very first application, with constant attention to detail.

Contact Solutions Trexo for effective high-pressure cleaning

With such variation between different sectors and machines, high-pressure cleaning needs to be adaptable. Professional cleaning companies must be familiar with their client’s business and operations in order to adjust their services to suit the equipment in question.

At Solutions Trexo, we know how vital equipment cleaning is to plant safety. That’s why our teams use the best cleaning practices to offer you impeccable results.

If you require high-pressure water blasting services for your equipment or plant, contact us. We will be happy to answer all of your questions!

Everything you need to know about dry ice

You’ve probably heard of dry ice and its benefits. But what is it? Dry ice is carbon dioxide in a solid state, frozen at atmospheric pressure at a temperature of -78.5°C.

It gets its name because when it “melts” it goes directly into a gaseous state without any residual moisture.

Although recommended to be handled by professionals, it is very useful in many situations, especially for dry ice blasting. In this guide, we will explain:

The characteristics and properties of dry ice
The benefits of dry ice
The risks and dangers associated with dry ice

Characteristics and properties of dry ice

Dry ice is the frozen form of carbon dioxide. When heated, most frozen solids turn to liquid, whereas dry ice turns directly to gas.

In this process, dry ice does not generate liquid water or moisture. In fact, it tends to reduce the amount of moisture in the atmosphere. This gas is therefore very useful for the conservation of products sensitive to moisture.

Dry ice benefits

Dry ice is used extensively in many industries because of its properties.

Unsurpassed cooling capacity

Dry ice is capable of cooling 170% more than conventional ice at the same weight. This is very useful in cooking, since it can chill products at a higher speed. Since the density of dry ice is greater than 1.5 Kg/dm3 and that of water ice is equal to 0.95 Kg/dm3, it follows that for the same volume of ice used, dry ice has a cooling capacity equivalent to 170% more than conventional ice.

This is a particularly attractive feature in areas with limited space.

Antimicrobial properties

Dry ice not only has great cooling properties, as mentioned above, it also acts as a bacteriostatic and fungistatic agent. When it sublimates, it generates an atmosphere with such a high concentration of CO2 that it has an antimicrobial effect. It is therefore an excellent solution to slow down the development of bacteria, molds and yeasts and creates a completely disinfected environment.

Dry ice is able to displace oxygen in the atmosphere and inside containers, which helps to improve the purity of the areas where products are stored.

How is dry ice used?

Dry ice is presently used for various treatments and operations. This includes:

Industrial cleaning

When industrial cleaning companies use dry ice, particles of dry ice are propelled at high pressure to clean surfaces that have been weathered by water, such as certain electrical installations.

At Trexo, we offer this service to our customers, depending on their work environment and the condition of their equipment.

Keeping products as cold as possible in various industries

Medical and scientific research: Many medical institutions use dry ice to preserve organs for transplantation or research, as its high cooling capacity keeps them in good condition.

Restaurant industry: In fine dining, dry ice is used to create exotic dishes of the highest quality. Chefs all over the world use dry ice to create original presentations with misty effects, cold infusions, ice creams, mousses and creams that are extremely appetizing.

Agribusiness: In this sector, dry ice is used to cool dough in kneaders during the mincing and mixing of meat, the freezing of foodstuffs and temperature control. Dry ice is used in transport to ensure that the cold chain is maintained.

Large-scale distribution: Used when urgent repairs are needed in case of disconnection of some refrigeration equipment and to maintain the cold chain.

What are the dangers of using dry ice?

It is extremely important that people handling or using dry ice are trained and aware of the hazards and precautions to be taken, otherwise they may be exposed to one of the following three dangers:

Burns

Dry ice is cold enough to cause ice burns and frostbite damage to unprotected skin and eyes.

Asphyxiation

Dry ice turns to gas when exposed to air in cold environments, causing the oxygen level to drop. Under certain conditions, the oxygen level drops so low that it can cause a drop in blood oxygen levels. This has a variety of health effects, ranging from simple headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness and difficulty breathing, to loss of consciousness.

Explosions

Pressure can build up to explosive levels inside unventilated airtight containers containing dry ice.

Need dry ice cleaning? Call Trexo Solutions

As you can see, the properties of dry ice are particularly useful for a number of reasons. Industrial cleaning companies such as Trexo make use of this popular solution.

Dry ice blasting is not our only expertise, we also use the best cleaning techniques and adapt them to the needs of our clients. If you need to have your facilities thoroughly cleaned, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Everything to know about cryogenic cleaning

Cryogenics is the science that deals with both the production and use of a variety of materials at very low temperatures. An environment is termed cryogenic when the temperature is below the point at which permanent gases begin to liquefy. These gases include oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and helium.

Cryogenic temperatures range from -150°C to -273°C. At -273°C, known as “absolute zero”, the movement of molecules ceases and they are at their lowest energy state.

Chemical explanation of cryogenics

At such low temperatures, gases undergo a transition from the gaseous to the liquid state. For example, when oxygen is present at a temperature of -183° C, it changes to a liquid state.

These extreme temperatures change the physical and chemical properties of materials, which is a useful tool for companies that know how to use these extraordinary properties in different states.

Trexo uses cryogenics for its dry ice blasting service, a particularly effective (and environmentally friendly) method of cleaning industrial equipment.

What is cryogenic cleaning?

From production facilities in the pharmaceutical and food industries and integrated circuits in the electronics industry to molds in the metal industry and printing machines, many sectors benefit from cryogenic cleaning.

In general, the method is useful for the treatment of surfaces before applying industrial coating to protect the service life of the treated equipment. Cold causes an expansion between the surface to be cleaned and the contaminant particles, which in turn decontaminates the affected surface.

What are the benefits of cryogenic cleaning?

There are several good reasons to use dry ice to strip contaminants:

Non-abrasive method, allowing equipment to be cleaned without risk of damage
Does not use environmentally harmful products
Fast and effective, reducing machine downtime
Investment is quite low

Which industries use cryogenics?

At cryogenic temperatures, some material properties are significantly altered. Various industries benefit from this.

Here are the industries that use cryogenics the most:

Gas storage and transportation

With cryogenics, as gases are converted to liquids, companies can save a lot of space while reducing their transportation costs and the potential risks that arise when these chemicals are returned to a gaseous state.

The best known example is liquefied natural gas, a mixture of methane, ethane and other flammable gases. The use of liquefied natural gas significantly reduces the space occupied by up to 600 times compared to storage in gaseous form.

Transportation costs can therefore be significantly reduced.

Food preservation

Chemical reactions are much faster in the presence of heat, which can be a problem for keeping food fresh. To counter this problem, liquid nitrogen is applied to the food. The nitrogen absorbs the heat present in the food and preserves it.

The nitrogen content then evaporates, eliminating any potential threat to human health from this chemical treatment during consumption.

Electronics

Cryogenic temperatures allow electrons in the materials to move freely with little or no resistance, enabling them to behave like superconductors. As a result, these materials can be used in the fabrication of electromagnets for particle acceleration.

Aerospace

When stored as cryogenic fuels, oxygen and hydrogen become fuel sources that can be used to power rockets for space flight.

Surgery

Certain types of damaged biological tissue, including some tumors, can be removed from the body through cryosurgery. During cryosurgery, a probe or scalpel that has been cooled by a cryogenic liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, is used to freeze unhealthy cells to death.

These dead cells can then be naturally eliminated from the body through normal physiological processes.

Cryopreservation of cells and tissues

Biological cells or tissues obtained from animals, such as those acquired from experiments, are often stored in liquid nitrogen in the laboratory for extended periods of time.

This is a particularly useful tool when researchers want to study the macromolecules present in cells or tissues. In addition, researchers can use cryopreserved specimens for a variety of research applications at a later date.

Need a cryogenic cleaning specialist in Quebec? Call Trexo!

As you can see, there are many advantages to keeping equipment in good condition and maximizing its efficiency by controlling lower temperatures.

Nevertheless, there are other cleaning methods, some of which are sometimes more appropriate. It all depends on the industry, the equipment used and the work environment. This is why industrial cleaning should be done by specialists. At Trexo, we operate throughout Quebec and Ontario, working flexibly so that we don’t interfere with your operations.

If you need your equipment refurbished, or if you have any questions about our services, contact us by phone or by filling out the form on our contact page.

5 Steps to Prevent Corrosion of Metal Parts

In any industry, research and development is crucial to creating advanced equipment and production techniques to improve productivity. Nature sometimes works against it with the deterioration of materials due to corrosion.

This is why engineers and designers have developed ways to prevent metal corrosion. Our industrial cleaning company presents the 5 most common corrosion prevention techniques:

Protective coatings
Cleanliness of the work environment
Voluntary and controlled oxidation of parts
Electrochemical solutions
Replacing metal with other materials

To better control it, the phenomenon of corrosion must first be understood.

What is corrosion

Corrosion is a chemical process that results in the degradation of metal by the presence of aggressive agents, such as oxygen, moisture, exposure to high temperatures or UV rays.

What are the main types of corrosion?

There are 2 main types of metal corrosion, generalized corrosion and localized corrosion.

Generalized corrosion

Corrosive damage associated with generalized corrosion attacks the metal in a uniform and consistent manner. While this type of corrosion can eventually damage the metal, it is also a known and predictable problem with rarely significant consequences.

Localized corrosion

This type of corrosion attacks only certain parts of the metal structure. It can take form in several ways:

Pitting corrosion

This is corrosion that produces small holes in the material. It usually occurs in stainless steel.

Crevice corrosion

Crevice corrosion is a type of corrosive damage that, unlike pitting corrosion, takes place in crevices and not on the surface of an equipment.

Intergranular corrosion

This type of corrosion occurs when two metals with distinct electrode potentials come into contact in a liquid medium, such as salt water. The molecules of the less active metal will move towards the more active metal. Therefore, the first metal will be affected by intergranular corrosion.

What is the difference between corrosion and rust?

Corrosion is an undesirable deterioration of a metal starting from its surface. Even though rust and corrosion are relatively similar, there are certain features that distinguish them.

Rust forms on the surface of steel or iron as a result of a chemical reaction where the material meets oxygen in the air and the presence of water or moisture. An unwanted consequence of this reaction is that, over time, the metal loses its favorable characteristics due to rusting.

How do you prevent corrosion on metal?

When working with equipment subjected to a harsh environment, the ability to prevent metal corrosion is essential. For this, there are various methods and techniques. Here are the main ones:

1. Protective coatings

The application of industrial coating creates a protective layer on industrial equipment, which greatly limits exposure to agents that cause corrosion.

The coatings used inhibit moisture infiltration, the appearance of contaminants, damage from abrasion and other chemical agents.

There are different types of industrial coatings and applying the right one for your work environment and structures is essential to their long-term protection. You can leave this task to the experts at Trexo.

2. Sanitizing your work environment

Since metal corrosion is generated largely by environmental conditions, one way to prevent it is to ensure that there are few or no corrosive elements in the environment. Hiring an industrial warehouse cleaning service is a great way to prevent this problem.

By ensuring a clean work environment, chemical reactions will be slower and corrosion will not form as easily. Metal corrosion can be prevented by removing oxygen from aqueous solutions or by reducing the concentration of corrosive ions in the electrolyte that can corrode.

3. Controlled oxidation of surfaces

Metal corrosion can be prevented by deliberately generating oxidation to form a protective layer, responsible for making metals insensitive to the aggressiveness of the environment. This is known as the passivation technique.

For this technique to work, it is necessary to create an oxide layer of a volume almost equal to that of the metal where it was formed. In this way, the oxide layer will be uniform and waterproof, preventing corrosion from penetrating the metal. If the protective layer is cracked or detached, the metal will be exposed and continue to corrode.

4. Electrochemical protections

Some techniques for preventing metal corrosion consist in the application of specific materials that are less reactive to corrosion. These include anodic and cathodic type protections.

Anodic protection

Anodic protection consists of covering the equipment with a material such as tin, responsible for protecting the metal and making it less susceptible to corrosion. The metal surface to be protected then becomes an anode.

Cathodic protection

With cathodic protection, the surface of the treated metal oxidizes and prevents rust from developing. This is made possible with the use of certain materials, including aluminum, zinc or magnesium, which prevent the metal from corroding and become a cathode. This method is mainly used in marine environments.

5. Substituting metal with other materials

The best way to avoid metal corrosion is to replace metal parts with other materials, such as plastic, concrete or fiberglass.

Plastics such as PVC, CPVC or polypropylene are designed to resist rust, heat, moisture, impact and hazardous chemicals.

This technique is obviously not always possible to use, as many structures cannot do without the characteristics of metal.

Need help protecting your industrial equipment?

Now you know the methods that exist to prevent metal corrosion, but which one should you choose?

In an industrial environment, the most important thing is to prevent contamination. We can intervene in your plant and preserve the quality of your equipment with professional cleaning and the application of coatings to protect them.

If you are in Quebec and have any questions about our services, do not hesitate to contact us.

Dans l’industrie, la « recherche et développement » est cruciale pour créer des équipements et des techniques de production toujours plus avancés afin d’améliorer la productivité. Cependant, la nature joue parfois contre elle avec la formation de matières particulièrement dommageable sur certains matériaux comme la corrosion.

C’est pourquoi les ingénieurs et les concepteurs ont mis au point des moyens de prévenir la corrosion des métaux. Nos experts en nettoyage industriel vous présentent les 5 techniques les plus courantes pour la prévenir, à savoir :

L’utilisation de revêtements, par exemple avec un service d’application d’enduits,
La propreté de l’environnement de travail,
L’oxydation volontaire et contrôlée des pièces,
L’utilisation de solutions électrochimiques,
Le remplacement du métal par d’autres matériaux.

Mais, pour mieux la contrôler, il faut d’abord comprendre le phénomène de corrosion.

Qu’est-ce que la corrosion ?

La corrosion est un processus chimique qui entraine la dégradation du métal par la présence d’agents agressifs, tels que l’oxygène, l’humidité, l’exposition à des températures élevées ou aux rayons UV.

Quels sont les principaux types de corrosion ?

Il existe 2 grands types de corrosion du métal, la corrosion généralisée et la corrosion localisée.

La corrosion généralisée

Les dommages corrosifs liés à la corrosion généralisée attaquent le métal de manière uniforme et homogène. Si ce type de corrosion peut finir par endommager le métal, il s’agit également d’un problème connu et prévisible, dont les conséquences sont rarement graves.

La corrosion localisée

Ce type de corrosion n’attaque que certaines parties de la structure métallique. Il peut prendre forme de plusieurs manières :

La corrosion par piqûres

Il s’agit d’une corrosion qui produit de petits trous dans le matériau. Il se produit généralement dans l’acier inoxydable.

La corrosion par crevasses

La corrosion par crevasses est un type de dommage corrosif qui, contrairement à la corrosion par piques, a lieu dans des anfractuosités et non à la surface d’un équipement.

La corrosion galvanique

Ce type de corrosion se produit lorsque deux métaux au potentiel d’électrodes distincts rentrent en contact dans un milieu liquide, par exemple dans l’eau salée. Les molécules du métal le moins actif vont se déplacer vers le métal le plus actif. Par conséquent, le premier métal sera affecté par la corrosion galvanique.

Quelle est la différence entre la corrosion et la rouille ?

Comme nous l’avons vu précédemment, la corrosion est une détérioration indésirable d’un métal partant de sa surface. Même si la rouille et la corrosion sont relativement similaire, certaines particularités les distinguent.

La rouille se forme sur la surface de l’acier ou du fer à la suite d’une réaction chimique où ce matériau rencontre l’oxygène présent dans l’air ainsi que la présence d’eau ou d’humidité. Une conséquence indésirable de cette réaction est que, à terme, le métal perd ses caractéristiques favorables à cause de la rouille.

Comment prévenir la corrosion sur le métal ?

Lorsqu’on travaille avec un équipement soumis à un environnement difficile, la capacité à prévenir la corrosion des métaux est indispensable. Pour cela, il existe différentes méthodes et techniques. En voici les principales :

1. En appliquant des revêtements protecteurs

L’application d’enduits permet de créer une couche protectrice sur les équipements industriels, ce qui limite fortement l’exposition aux agents qui provoquent la corrosion.

Les revêtements utilisés inhibent le passage de l’humidité, l’apparition de contaminants, les dommages dus à l’abrasion et à d’autres agents chimiques.

Il existe différents types de peintures industrielles, et appliquer le bon revêtement en fonction de votre environnement de travail et de vos structures est essentiel pour les protéger à long terme. Vous pouvez confier cette tâche aux experts de Solutions Trexo.

2. En assainissant votre environnement de travail

En partant du principe que la corrosion des métaux est générée en grande partie par les conditions environnementales, une façon de la prévenir est de faire en sorte qu’il n’y ait pas ou peu de facteurs de corrosion dans l’environnement : recourir à un service professionnel de nettoyage d’usine est un excellent moyen de prévenir ce problème.

En veillant à ce que votre environnement de travail soit sain, les réactions chimiques seront plus lentes et la corrosion ne se formera pas aussi facilement. La corrosion des métaux peut être évitée en éliminant l’oxygène des solutions aqueuses ou en réduisant la concentration d’ions corrosifs dans l’électrolyte qui peut corroder.

3. En générant une oxydation contrôlée des surfaces

La corrosion du métal peut être évitée en générant volontairement une oxydation pour former une couche protectrice, chargée de rendre les métaux insensibles à l’agressivité de l’environnement : c’est la technique de passivation.

Pour que cette technique fonctionne, il est nécessaire de créer une couche d’oxyde d’un volume presque égal à celui du métal où elle a été formée. De cette façon, la couche d’oxyde sera uniforme et imperméable, empêchant la corrosion de traverser le métal. Toutefois, en cas de fissures ou de détachement de la couche protectrice, le métal est exposé et poursuit sa corrosion.

4. En utilisant des protections électrochimiques

Certaines techniques de prévention de la corrosion du métal consistent en l’application de matériaux spécifiques moins réactifs à la corrosion. On peut notamment parler des protections de type anodique et cathodique.

La protection anodique

La protection anodique consiste à recouvrir l’équipement d’une matière comme l’étain, chargée de protéger le métal et de le rendre moins sensible à la corrosion. La surface métallique à protéger devient alors une anode.

La protection cathodique

Grâce à la protection cathodique, la surface du métal traité s’oxyde et empêche la rouille de se développer. Cela est rendu possible avec l’utilisation de certains matériaux, notamment l’aluminium, le zinc ou le magnésium, qui empêchent la corrosion du métal et deviennent donc une cathode. Cette méthode est principalement prisée dans les environnements marins.

5. En substituant le métal par d’autres matériaux

Dans certains cas, la meilleure façon d’éviter la corrosion du métal est de remplacer ces pièces par d’autres matériaux, comme le plastique, le béton ou la fibre de verre.

Des plastiques comme le PVC, le CPVC ou le polypropylène sont conçus pour résister à la rouille, la chaleur, à l’humidité, aux chocs et aux produits chimiques dangereux.

Cette technique n’est évidemment pas toujours possible à utiliser, car de nombreuses structures ne peuvent se passer des caractéristiques du métal.

Besoin d’aide pour protéger vos équipements industriels ?

Vous connaissez maintenant les méthodes qui existent pour prévenir la corrosion du métal, mais laquelle choisir ?

Dans un environnement industriel, l’essentiel est de prévenir la contamination : nous pouvons intervenir dans votre usine et préserver la qualité de vos équipements avec un nettoyage professionnel et l’application d’enduits pour les protéger.

Si vous êtes au Québec et avez des questions sur nos services, n’hésitez pas à nous contacter.

When to clean commercial air ducts

Professionnel en train d'effectuer le nettoyage des conduits de ventilation à Montreal

When you hire a professional to clean your factory, they should make sure to clean the entire building, which can include the air ducts and ventilation systems as well.

Air ducts are the lungs of your commercial building and it is essential to take care of them regularly to ensure the proper circulation of air within your premises.

In this article, the industrial warehouse cleaners at Trexo explain how often you should clean your commercial air ducts and vents.

Why clean your air duct system?

Cleaning your commercial vents is especially important for people who are prone to allergies or have respiratory problems like asthma. Ensuring the maintenance of your vents helps to improve indoor air quality and clean mold and other allergens such as dust.

Even for those who are less sensitive, if mold in the air ducts spreads throughout the building, you could end up with a lot of employees out sick, which would impact the productivity of your plant.

How often should you clean your vents?

Even though the frequency of ventilation duct cleaning is not regulated in Quebec, some industrial cleaning specialists and organizations have determined criteria to take into account on the proper time to perform this maintenance.

Here are the main signs to look for when considering whether to clean the air ducts of your business:

Significant accumulation of visible dirt and debris
Presence of moisture and mold

To prevent problems for your employees and your business, it is recommended that you include air exchanger cleaning in a preventive maintenance plan.

If you have your plant’s air filters changed regularly, the frequency of cleaning the inside of your ducts can be anywhere from 2 to 5 years. At the very least, it is recommended that you service the visible parts of your vents once a year.

How does an air exchanger cleaning work ?

The technician who services your air exchanger will check the unit’s controls, including electrical connections and the condition of the propeller. They will also measure noise and vibration levels. If any of the components are not working properly, they will repair them.

The technician will also clean the filter and core and lubricate the motors. They will clean the air filters, check the exhaust lines and clean the air exchange unit if necessary.

The two most common types of equipment used to clean air ducts are friction and pulse nozzles, and HEPA filter vacuums. These methods allow for efficient and quick cleaning.

Cost of air duct and ventilation system cleaning

Companies use different methods to calculate the price of their services: number of rooms, number of air ducts, hourly rate, fixed price, and so on. However, the average price for ventilation cleaning is between $300 and $600.

Call on Trexo for your air duct system cleaning

Cleaning your company’s air ducts is a maintenance task that is particularly beneficial for your business as well as for the people working inside.

To perform air duct cleaning in Montreal or on the South Shore, it is essential to entrust it to a professional. Trexo has years of experience in industrial plant cleaning. In addition to this, we offer equipment repair solutions and industrial painting services.

For more information, contact us today. Our teams will take great pleasure in answering all your questions.

How to clean mold in a building

Profesionnel nettoyage nettoie de la moisissure

Mold is a natural fungus that can be found anywhere where moisture and oxygen are present, from your home to your workplace. However, as soon as this microscopic fungus begins to multiply and spread over your surfaces, it becomes dangerous as its cells produce toxins.

In this article, our industrial cleaning experts explain the reasons why it’s important to clean mold and several effective methods for getting rid of it.

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus that produces a distinctive damp smell when it grows. This unattractive odor comes from the spores it releases. If inhaled in large quantities, this odor can trigger allergies and other illnesses, which can be harmful to humans.

How does mold develop?

Mold most commonly grows on dusty surfaces and porous materials such as wood, cardboard, etc. The most important component needed for mold to develop is moisture. This considered, it’s very possible for mold to develop inside workplaces, especially within warehouses where there’s often a lot of dust and moisture.

The places where you’re mostly likely to find mold include walls, ceilings, windowsills, closets, and any other enclosed, unventilated spaces, as well as in stagnant water.

How to clean mold

Although it’s not always easy to get rid of mold, our industrial warehouse cleaning experts give you their best advice for removing it indefinitely.

1. Create a mixture of white vinegar and water

The acid in white vinegar is an excellent cleaner for many surfaces. Simply mix it with an equal amount of water and spray it onto the mold.

Once you have sprayed this mixture evenly over all the mold in each room, wipe off the residue and allow the surfaces to dry naturally.

If you also want to get rid of the damp smell, you can add a few drops of lavender oil into your mixture.

2. Cover in bicarbonate soda

An alternative solution for getting rid of mold is to combine 2 spoons of bicarbonate soda with a drop of white vinegar. Spread this mixture onto the walls and other surfaces where mold is present. After 10 minutes, you can wipe the areas and let them dry.

Repeat this process until the mold has gone.

3. Hire a professional

Finally, if you are unable to remove the mold by yourself or there is simply too much of it to deal with, we recommend that you hire a company specialized in industrial cleaning. Our experts at Trexo Solutions can help you to effectively remove the mold in your warehouse.

Whatever the situation, avoid waiting too long before attempting to remove the mold. Early intervention can prevent many problems and ensure that your building is a healthy and safe work environment for your employees.

Health effects of mold

Although most mold isn’t harmful to your health, if present in large quantities, it can pose health risks to your employees. If someone develops any of the following symptoms, it may mean that there’s too much mold in your workplace:

Mild cough
Throat and eye irritation
Continual runny nose
Headaches and chronic fatigue

If these symptoms linger for several days, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. Employees with pre-existing respiratory illnesses may develop more severe symptoms. Therefore, to make your warehouse a safer place, we advise you to clean up the mold as soon as you can.

The most common types of mold found indoors

As mentioned above, mold can grow pretty much anywhere, and its presence can cause health problems if not controlled. Find out which types of mold are most commonly found inside buildings!

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is one of the most common types of mold. It is often found in dusty corners of buildings. It can also develop near to decaying plant material or in stagnant water.

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is an airborne fungus. It is usually found on decaying organic matter, such as stale food scraps.

Penicillium

Penicillium is a type of mold that grows particularly well indoors. It is commonly found on porous materials like wood, and on many food products. This is why cleaning is so important within the food industry.

Hire Trexo Solutions to clean the mold in your building

As previously stated, mold is a fungus that can develop in many different indoor locations, making it difficult to track. If you’re looking to get rid of the mold in your warehouse, our industrial cleaning team offers an effective high-pressure water blasting service.

For more information on our mold removal services, contact us today!