Page 1
BIOMATIC®
The Environmentally Friendly
Bioremediation Parts Washer
DISTRIBUTOR
MANUAL
BIO536 (no lid)
Graymills
888-GRAYMIL www.graymills.com
3705 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
GA530 – 7/05
1
Page 2
The Biomatic® Parts Cleaning System Is…
• A Bioremediation System. The Graymills Biomatic Parts Cleaning System uses the natural
technology of microbial bioremediation to reduce oils, greases and other hydrocarbons
introduced into the cleaning system to water and carbon dioxide (CO
buildup means the unit continues to clean parts indefinitely (we recommend cleaning the tank
once a year, but the fluid can be put back in for continued use if desired.)
• A Waste Minimization System. Talking to your customers about “waste minimization” will get
their attention. With the Graymills Biomatic Parts Cleaning System, users will go from monthly
dumping of fluid and unit cleanup…to once a year. That’s a “waste minimization” sales story
few customers can resist.
• A Tough Cleaner. Aqueous based Super Biotene® is pH neutral with a mild, pleasant odor. A
mixture of emulsifiers and surfactants, they contain no VOCs, so they’re EPA and air quality
friendly! Super Biotene cleans grease and grime off even the dirtiest parts, then the microbes go
to work, reducing the hydrocarbon contaminants (oils, greases) to water and CO
• A Good Investment. Recycling costs are slashed…parts cleaner waste is minimized…the
dirtiest parts come clean…and the system is operator friendly.
The Graymills Biomatic Parts Cleaning System uses the technology
of Bioremediation to achieve optimum waste minimization.
). No oil and hydrocarbon
2
.
2
BIO436 (w/lid)
2
Page 3
How The Biomatic® Parts Cleaning System Works
It is important to understand that the Biomatic® Parts Cleaning System is more than individual
products - it is a total cleaning environment. The Biomatic Parts Cleaning System relies on the perfect
balance between the Super Biotene® cleaning solution and the microbes introduced into the system.
Rugged Biomatic Parts Cleaners are heated and remain at a constant temperature to achieve exactly the
right environment for the microbes to work effectively.
The simplest explanation of how the Biomatic works is: the Super Biotene® cleaning solution cleans the
parts while the active microbial action cleans the fluid. This bioremediation process takes place within
your parts cleaner. The microbes work by actually breaking down the hydrocarbon contaminants into their
component parts - water (H
oily, greasy contamination that can affect clean parts.
When contaminated parts are placed in the Biomatic parts cleaner, the heated Super Biotene® lifts the
grease and grime from the part. An adjustable faucet and Flow-Thru brush aid the solution in the removal
of especially stubborn oil, grease, and other contaminants.
Pieces of debris (as small as 50 microns) are trapped by the polyester filter cartridge located on the back
of the unit. Hydrocarbon contaminants flow through the filter into the Biomatic Cleaner fluid reservoir
where the microbes go to work to digest the grease and oil. Eventually the solution becomes free from
hydrocarbon contaminants.
The filter must be disposed of in a non-leaching manner. In many areas, placing the used filter in a plastic
bag, sealing it closed, and disposing of the package as solid waste - in accordance with state & local
regulations - is all that must be done. Companies are required to dispose of filters in a responsible
manner, in accordance with state and local regulations.
The result… no need to contract with hazardous-waste disposal companies to remove liquid hazardous
wastes. The Biomatic® Parts Cleaning System ensures hydrocarbon contaminants are eliminated –
while the solution remains safe to the environment as well as to employees.
The Biomatic®
system controls operating costs by eliminating the need to contract with hazardous
waste removal agencies, alleviating most “cradle to grave” liabilities. The specially designed userserviceable system can eliminate maintenance contracts associated with other aqueous-based parts
washers or solvent systems.
Safety
While the thought of a product being based on live microbes might seem exotic, it is actually an ordinary,
environmentally sound alternative. Microbes are a common occurrence in nature. Microbes of all types
are around us- even on your body right now - though they cannot be seen with the naked eye. They’re
used in maintenance of restaurant grease traps, septic systems, municipal waste treatment plants, and
hundreds of other applications.
The living component in the Biomatic
microbes specifically selected and adapted to degrade a wide range of hydrocarbon wastes.
The microbes work by actually breaking the hydrocarbon contaminants into their component parts - water
O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
(H
2
Hydrocarbon-busting microbes first gained national recognition when they were used to safely assist in
the cleanup of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. The microbes used in the Biomatic® Parts Washing
System are very similar to their now-famous cousins!
O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) leaving the Biotene® cleaning solution free of
2
®
Parts Cleaning Systems is a highly specialized blend of
3
Page 4
Comparable microbes have been successfully used in petrochemical plants, chemical plants, refineries,
food processing plants, marine barges, machine shop parts washers, truck washes, wood treating plants,
and ground water remediation applications.
The special blend of microbes used with Super Biotene® remediates :
crude oil
oils
solvents
BTEX
greases
amines
features
◊ degrades oil, grease and a wide variety of hydrocarbons
◊ contains microbes that degrade hydrocarbons and changes them into harmless byproducts
◊ establishes a self-sustaining, long-lasting colony of harmless microbes
◊ prevents deterioration of cleaning solution cutting power
benefits
◊ solves waste disposal problems right in the parts cleaner
◊ solves the problem, does not just move it further downstream
◊ safe for humans and the environment
◊ contributes to source reduction by limiting accumulation of potentially hazardous wastes in the
workplace
Super Biotene® is a pH neutral (7.0) mixture of emulsifiers and surfactants containing no volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), phosphates, formaldehyde, biocides or solvents which is blended in liquid form to
produce a biodegradable, non-toxic, non-caustic, non-flammable, non-hazardous oil degreaser. The
resultant fluid contains no known carcinogens, no OSHA or DOT regulated chemicals, no ingredients
requiring SARA Title III reporting, no RCRA hazardous waste chemicals, no items on the CERCLA
hazardous substances list, and no chemicals or ingredients listed in California’s Proposition 65, as of
June 2005. Super Biotene is a free flowing liquid which is infinitely soluble in water and has a specific
gravity of 1.083, no flash point, and a boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
The microbes are introduced into the cleaning system through the BIO-Pouch. Once introduced into the
cleaning system, the microbes reside in the reservoir where they work eliminating grease and oil. If
microbes are destroyed or damaged, a replacement BIO-Pouch can be ordered from Graymills to reintroduce into your system.
creosote
phenols
PCP
fats
PNA
sulfur containing compounds
Super Biotene® Solutions
BIO-Pouch Microbes
ethylene glycol
chlorinated hydrocarbons
other complex organic compounds.
4
Page 5
Commonly Asked Questions
Is the Biomatic® Parts Cleaning System effectiveness compromised by its gentleness to the
environment?
Absolutely not. It is completely effective in cleaning grease and grime off even the dirtiest parts, without
resorting to harsh chemicals. This is important since traditionally, “environmentally friendly” cleaners
have been perceived to be less effective - and more expensive - than their petrochemical-based
counterparts.
While the Biomatic® Parts Cleaning System cleans just as effectively as other units using alternative
solutions such as solvents, it also cleans differently. Rather than dissolving grease, the cleaning agents
used in the Biomatic® Parts Cleaning System work to quickly break the surface tension of the grease and
literally lift it off the part. The friendly microbes actually break down and destroy oils and greases
(converts them to CO
Do not be confused between cleaning differently and cleaning poorly.
What makes the Biomatic® Parts Cleaning System work?
It is the microbe that eats the hydrocarbon wastes - and only the hydrocarbons. This microbe and similar
microbes are naturally-occurring and have been used in many types of bioremediation projects, including
the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Does it clean carburetors, transmissions, aluminum, brakes, etc.?
Yes. Not only is Super Biotene® effective on these parts, it will not damage nonmetal components that
may be attached to the part being cleaned (e.g., rubber, plastic). As with all parts cleaners, some items
are going to become clean at different rates than others due to the degree and type of grime
encountered.
What happens to the grease/oil and other contaminants?
During cleaning the filter will trap the large solid particles and the rest will be rinsed through into the fluid
reservoir of the Biomatic® Parts Cleaner. The microbes in the reservoir will begin to eat away at the
hydrocarbons, breaking them down into carbon dioxide and water. The combination of filtering solids and
the remediation action of the microbes leaves you with a clean solution that continues to clean.
How much oil can I put in at a time?
As with all parts cleaners, excess greases, oils, and fluids should be disposed of prior to washing. The
Biomatic® Parts Cleaners can handle tough, dirty jobs, but are not designed to be - nor should they be
treated as - a waste oil dump.
How fast do the microbes clean the Super Biotene®?
Once activated, these microbes are constantly eating. The rate at which the hydrocarbons will be
remediated is approximately 80% every 7 days, assuming the system is operating optimally (fluid
temperature between 100 and 110 degrees F, filter changed monthly). Oil and grease analyses
performed on used Biotene® fluid consistently averaged around 1400 parts per million (versus used nonbioremediating aqueous cleaners that average 20,000 parts per million or more).
Why does my cleaner have an aeration system?
It has been discovered that the microbes work best in the presence of oxygen. For that we reason, we
have provided the Biomatic® with a constant-on aeration system.
Does anything kill the microbes?
and water) once they have been lifted away from the part by the cleaning agent.
2
5
Page 6
Yes. You need to keep chemicals containing biocides out of the Biomatic® Parts Cleaner. The same
goes for bleach and Lysol. The microbes are safe against greases, oils, mineral spirits, plant fertilizers,
etc.
How often do I change the filter?
At least once every month. This keeps trapped contaminants from reaching hazardous levels.
What if the filter clogs up with grease?
You can rinse excessive grease from the filter directly into the fluid reservoir. This should prolong the
usefulness of the filter, but the entire filter still needs to be changed every month!
How often do I change the fluid?
Under normal use, you should never have to change the solution. That is one of the biggest advantages
of the Biomatic® Parts Cleaning System. The microbes clean the solution of hydrocarbon
contaminants, leaving you with a solution that continues to clean. Hazardous hydrocarbon materials are
bioremediated in the Biomatic® Parts Cleaning System so your “used” solution does not need to be
hauled away as toxic waste. Graymills recommends a once per year cleaning of your biomatic parts
cleaner through draining the fluid from the sink and reservoir and transferring it into a container
temporarily, then cleaning any sludge, metallic chips or debris from the sink and reservoir. The fluid can
then be returned to the parts cleaner and it can be placed into service again.
How often do I add fluid to the Biomatic® Parts Cleaning System?
In most circumstances it will be necessary to add one 5 gallon container of pre-blended Super Biotene®
every 4-6 weeks to replace drag-out and evaporation.
Can I use Super Biotene® in other parts Cleaners?
Yes. Although Super Biotene® is especially formulated to work in our Biomatic parts cleaners it is a very
effective aqueous cleaning solution that is safe to use in other aqueous parts washers as a general
purpose solution.
Can I use other solutions in the Biomatic® Parts Cleaner?
No. The Biomatic® Parts Cleaning System has been painstakingly developed to work effectively as a
whole – machine, parts to be cleaned, fluid, and microbes. Other solutions may damage the machine or
kill the microbes, thereby eliminating the advantages of the Biomatic® System. The use of other
solutions in the Biomatic® Parts Cleaners will void the warranty.
Why are the Biomatic® Parts Cleaners heated?
Two reasons. First, it keeps the microbial activity at an optimal level to clean the solution as quickly as
possible. Secondly, warm solution simply cleans better than cold solution (think about washing dishes in
cold water versus warm). As an added benefit, the warm solution makes it more enjoyable to work with,
especially in the winter!
From a purely business perspective, what are the benefits of Biomatic
The Biomatic® Parts Cleaning System is the ideal purchase for companies interested in controlling
operating costs and minimizing their waste streams. Simply stated, companies that use it can expect to
derive the following money-saving benefits :
◊ Safe, aqueous-based solution maintains effectiveness through repeated uses - and does
not have to be replaced.
◊ Since no hazardous by-products are created, expensive disposal contracts and regulatory
reporting are not required. Remember, the companies are required to dispose of the filters
in a responsible manner, in accordance with state and local regulations.
◊ Monthly service costs are held to a minimum.
® Parts Cleaning System?
6
Page 7
Graymills 3705 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613
888-GRAYMILLS Fax 800-478-8673 www.graymills.com
7
Loading...