Key Reasons for Implementation

• The customer was able to verify the performance of both nozzles through pre-installation trials with a demo unit and a sample nozzle.
• IKEUCHI could provide a customized EJX lance assembly, including the pipe and flange, tailored to the tank and application.

Challenges Faced by the Customer

At a plant manufacturing ingredients for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics, residual materials generated during production are treated appropriately. The resulting waste liquid is temporarily stored in an equalization tank, also called a buffer tank, and discharged at a controlled rate.

The tank, however, had no built-in cleaning system. Sludge and biofilm accumulated on and adhered to the tank’s internal surfaces, causing foul odors and clogging the piping. Although a circulation pump had been installed to facilitate waste-liquid discharge, it merely recirculated the liquid through the piping and did not discharge it effectively.

To resolve these issues, the customer turned to IKEUCHI, which offers a broad lineup of cleaning nozzles for different tank structures and applications.

Solutions Proposed by IKEUCHI

For cleaning inside the tank, IKEUCHI selected the RJ Series 3D rotary tank-cleaning nozzle. With both its body and arms rotating, the RJ provides automatic 360° cleaning throughout the tank interior. No external power is required, as rotation is driven solely by the flow of the cleaning liquid.

Before implementation, IKEUCHI provided a demo unit for on-site testing, allowing the customer to confirm cleaning performance and stable rotation under actual operating conditions.

To improve waste-liquid discharge, IKEUCHI proposed the EJX Series ejector nozzle. In submerged operation, the EJX draws in surrounding liquid and discharges it forward together with the supplied liquid, producing a total flow rate about three to four times the supplied flow rate.

The EJX nozzle was mounted on a pipe long enough to reach near the center of the tank. This configuration enables the nozzle to agitate stagnant waste liquid at the bottom, help prevent sludge from adhering, and drive the liquid toward the discharge outlet.

Benefits Achieved

The RJ continues to provide consistently high cleaning performance, with no nozzle clogging or rotation problems. The EJX lance type has also performed as intended, effectively agitating the waste liquid and driving it toward the outlet for smooth discharge. Together, the two nozzles have effectively minimized foul odors, sludge buildup, and pipe blockages.

IKEUCHI spray nozzles continue to support reliable operation at the customer’s plant.

SDG Contributions

Relevant SDG goals for this case.