High-pressure cleaner for industry – the gentle alternative

In industrial cleaning, companies face a choice between various processes. Two frequently compared methods are the low-pressure hot-water cleaning from ph-cleantec and the classic high-pressure cleaner. Both have their justification — the decisive difference lies in pressure, temperature and consumption.

Low-pressure hot-water cleaning from ph-cleantec

The ph-cleantec cleaning system combines high temperatures of up to 95 °C with low pressure (3 to 14 bar). It is not the pressure but the temperature that loosens greases and oils — the low pressure is sufficient to gently transport away the loosened contamination.

Efficient cleaning: At 95 °C, greasy and oily contamination is dissolved quickly and efficiently, whereas a conventional high-pressure cleaner tends to blast it off and spread it around. Diesel-heated high-pressure cleaners are more effective here, but need a great deal of energy.
Gentle: With 3 to 7.5 or 14 bar instead of 100 to 500 bar, the risk of damage to sensitive components, seals and electronics is eliminated.
Resource-saving: Only 1.8 to 2.8 litres of water per minute — compared with usually well over 50 litres for the high-pressure cleaner in industrial use. With recycling in a circuit, consumption falls further.
Economical: Up to 90 % less water, chemicals and disposal costs.
Mobile: The ph-cleantec units are mobile and can therefore be used on site – this often saves time for removal and reinstallation, for travel times to the wet room, for putting on the protective suit and much more.

The high-pressure cleaner

The high-pressure cleaner works with high water pressure of typically 100 to 500 bar. The cleaning effect arises primarily mechanically through the impact of the water jet.

Mechanical action: Well suited to coarse, stuck-on contamination on robust surfaces.
Widespread: The obvious choice for many outdoor and coarse cleaning tasks.

Comparison: ph-cleantec vs. high-pressure cleaner

Criterion	ph-cleantec	High-pressure cleaner
Cleaning principle	Hot water at low pressure	Cold water at high pressure
Pressure	3 – 14 bar	100 – 500 bar
Temperature	up to 95 °C	mostly cold
Water consumption	1.8 – 2.8 l/min, with recycling	50 – 100 l/min (industry)
Grease and oil dissolving	Very good through temperature	Limited, often only spreading
Surface protection	Very good, no risk of damage	Risk for sensitive parts and electronics
Use on electronics	Possible with suitable IP class	Critical
Costs	Low running costs, fast amortisation	Higher water and disposal effort
Mobility	Mobile – usable directly on site	Mostly location-bound (wet room, connections)

Conclusion: when is which method better?

ph-cleantec is particularly suitable when

greasy or oily contamination has to be loosened
sensitive components, seals or electronics must not be damaged
large components or whole machines are to be cleaned
complex surfaces, blind holes and cavities are to be cleaned
water, chemicals and disposal costs are to be saved

The high-pressure cleaner is advantageous when

coarse, stuck-on contamination on robust surfaces is to be removed
no sensitive components are involved
pure outdoor or coarse cleaning is sufficient

For many industrial applications — especially with grease and oil, sensitive parts and in the machine environment — low-pressure hot-water cleaning from ph-cleantec is the gentler, more thorough and more economical alternative. See for yourself – in a direct comparison at your works.

FAQ

High-pressure cleaner or low-pressure hot-water cleaning? Frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to a high-pressure cleaner in industry?

The low-pressure hot-water cleaning from ph-cleantec: instead of high pressure, cleaning is done with up to 95 °C hot water at only 3 to 14 bar. This dissolves grease and oil just as thoroughly, but gently and with a fraction of the water.

Why does 95 °C hot water often clean better than high pressure?

With a high-pressure cleaner the cleaning effect is mainly mechanical, through pressure; with low-pressure hot-water cleaning it is thermal: the high temperature dissolves grease and oil, so no high pressure is needed.

Does the method use less water than a high-pressure cleaner?

Yes, considerably. While a high-pressure cleaner needs around 20 to 30 litres per minute, low-pressure hot-water cleaning manages with a few litres. The process water can also be collected and reused.

Is high-pressure cleaning suitable for sensitive components?

Only to a limited extent. High pressure can damage seals, bearings and electronics or drive dirt and moisture inside. The low pressure of hot-water cleaning also cleans sensitive components gently.

Does low-pressure hot-water cleaning produce splash-back and aerosols?

No. Unlike a high-pressure cleaner, there is practically no splash-back, no clouds of droplets and no aerosols. This increases occupational safety, and there is no need to work in a protective suit.

When is a high-pressure cleaner still useful?

For coarse, robust surfaces such as facades, paving or vehicles, where purely mechanical force is needed. For industrial and parts cleaning with grease, oil and sensitive components, low-pressure hot-water cleaning is usually superior.

See the difference in practice

We are happy to come to your company with the right unit – without obligation and free of charge.

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Alternative to the high-pressure cleaner