Cage Wash

Reuse, Refresh, Release

Cage washers fall into three groups: those that reuse the wash water and chemicals for each load; those that reuse part of the wash water and refresh the side tanks each load; and those that dump the wash water and chemicals after each run. This article will present the pros and the cons for all three types of cage washers from a sanitation point of view to help you consider what type of washer would fit best into your sanitation program.

General Concepts
There are as many different sumps as there are facilities, but generally sump sizes range from 40-50 gallons. Most washers allow for a pre-wash cycle, a chemical treatment cycle (or two — acid and alkaline), neutralization, and rinsing cycles including a sanitation cycle of 180 degrees sustained on the cage surface.

Recirculating Washers
Recirulating washers reuse the wash water and chemicals. Large washers with side holding tanks and conveyor style washers with open recirculating sumps fit into this group.

The PROs of a recirculating washer:

• Because the wash chemicals are recirculated for each cycle, there are fewer choices for cycles, reducing operator error in selecting wash types.
• Regular maintenance of these machines by facilities is clearly noted by the manufacturer.
• Recirculating washers generally use less water — a real plus in drought areas or where municipal water restrictions are stringent — thus fewer chemicals. Since the chemicals are reused in each wash, a recirculating washer can reduce water consumption from 240 gallons to 80 gallons.
• Less effluent is produced per cage washed due to retention of wash water.

The CONs of a recirculating washer:

• Recirculating washers generally require regular maintenance of the sump screens (usually performed by the washer operator). Reduction in manpower in facilities may also reduce the maintenance of these units.
• The holding tanks need to be dumped and cleaned periodically requiring dedicated facility man-hours.
• Cage cleaning can not be tailored to the particular type of soils. The machines use a set amount of chemical cleaning agents, regardless of soil load. Therefore, the facility has to set the machine to the highest soil demands and chemical use.
• In washers with only one retaining tank, use of multiple chemicals is limited and side tanks have to be drained and refilled when changing from one product to another.
• Because there is a set volume of wash chemicals saved for each cycle (a plus and a minus), the options for a variety of cleaning tasks is reduced.