Sweeping vs. Scrubbing: A Scrubbing Success?

     It is one of those questions, that, when asked many people will not know the answer.  What is the question?  In what environment do you use a sweeper or use a scrubber?  And, that is our topic in this article.

     In many instances, it is common sense to know what to use a  sweeper or scrubber and in other cases it is very difficult.  For example, it is very obvious that in a foundry with a severe environment it is practical to use strictly a sweeper.  Why you ask?  Let's first talk about the basic functions and operations of both sweeper and scrubbers.

     A sweeper is a machine that could be either a walk-behind or a riding machine.  It usually has a side or curb brush, as some call it.  It always has a main brush that is cylindrical in nature.  The main brush sweeps dirt and debris into a hopper.  The debris hopper of a true sweeper is designed to separate the types of debris: 

                        1) Heavy Debris

                             This could include soda cans, rocks, wood pieces

                              and large pieces of dirt.

                        2) Light Dirt

                             Usually this includes sands and grit dirt.

                        3) Very Light Dust and Dirt Particles

     Here is how the sweeper operates: The main brush sweeps all debris into the bottom of the hopper.  The large and heavy debris stays in that part.  The vacuum motor sucks the light dirt and very light dust in the middle level of the hopper.  The light dirt settles there with the very light dust being drawn into the hopper filter.

     Now, let's define a scrubber and what purpose it has.  A scrubbing machine could be a walk-behind or a riding machine as the sweeper.  A scrubber usually has two tasks:

                        1) A clean water tank (solution tank)

                        2) A dirty water tank (recovery tank)

     As the machine moves forward it releases the detergent from the clean water tank to the surface.  Brushes, which could be either rotary or cylindrical, scrub the surface.  This action loosens and removes unwanted materials from the surface.  The rear squeegee then channels this material along with the dirty water into the suction hose which is then sucked into the dirty water tank.  Sometimes it takes more than one pass to remove things such as paint or black tire marks.  The make up of the brush material is vital also, to accomplish certain tasks.

     Now that you know a little more about the operation of a sweeper and a scrubber, let's put it to a test.  Remember, the foundry questions?  You see, foundry dust does not adhere to the surface.  It being a very dry dust also helps the sweeper perform its duty very well.

     If you tried putting a scrubber in a foundry you would have nothing but a big mess.  That foundry dust and water combined would create a slurry mix that would simply clog up the entire scrubbing.  If you are not completely convinced by what I have said, let's change screens and go on to another type but similar dusty company.   With a concrete company what would you get?  I'll tell you.  You would get water and concrete combination in the recovery tank of your scrubbing.  Believe me, you don't want that mess.

     You may interpret from what you have read that I am only a big sweeper fan.  that is not all the case.  Both the sweeper and the scrubber has its place.  So, let's list a few for both cases:

                        Foundry                                               Sweeper

                        Concrete Company                              Sweeper

                        Food/Soda Company                           Scrubber

                        Warehouse/Distributing Center  Scrubber

                        Machine Manufacturer              Scrubber

                        Paper Mill                                            Sweeper

     Of course by no means have I forgot the combination machine of sweeper/scrubber, and they have their place as well.  More on that at a later date. 

     I would appreciate your input and questions.  Call at 1-800-346-2319 or e-mail me at michaelc@hi-gear.com.

                                                            Michael R. Creamer

                                                            Creamer's Corner