Drum Washers
Industrial drum washers, also known as rotary drum parts washers, are advanced automated cleaning systems that revolutionize how manufacturers clean large volumes of small to medium-sized parts.
Drum Washers are well suited to very economically clean a large volume of small parts such as stamped components or fasteners. These high-efficiency systems efficiently process 10,000 to 45,000+ lbs of small to medium-sized parts per hour. In addition to cleaning, they can also be used for a metal surface treatment process such as pickling or passivating.
Beyond standard processes, drum washers excel at phosphating, rust prevention treatments, and degreasing operations. They are used in fabrication processes across a wide range of industries, like automotive manufacturing, metal finishing and fabrication, and aerospace and defense.
KEY BENEFITS OF INDUSTRIAL DRUM WASHERS
- Cost-effective cleaning for high-volume production – Typical ROI achieved within 6–12 months
- Gentle tumbling action prevents part damage – Ideal for delicate precision components
- Suitable for continuous or batch operations – Maximum operational flexibility
- Multi-stage capabilities (wash, rinse, dry) – Complete cleaning solution
- Reduced water consumption up to 60% with integrated RO systems
CUSTOM-ENGINEERED DRUM WASHERS FOR YOUR APPLICATION
We custom design rotary drum washers for optimum performance and efficiency. Critical design factors we evaluate include product throughput requirements, product type and shape, required processes, number and types of stages, spray or immersion cleaning, drum diameter, drum rotation speed, internal helix height, length and pitch, product cooling, and product drying. Each factor is carefully considered to develop an efficient system tailored to your manufacturing application.
Industrial drum washer sizes range from 12 to 72 inches and feature a stainless-steel drum and internal helix, canopy, tanks, and process piping. The PLC with HMI enables control of drum rotation speed, flow rate, nozzle pressure for each stage, and specific recipes for various part types.
Our experience and attention to detail and quality throughout all phases of the project, including design, fabrication, installation, start-up, and post-installation follow-up, help ensure high-quality equipment and consistent cleaning results.
How Industrial Drum Washers Work
Rotary drum parts washers have a rotating, perforated drum with an internal helix. The parts to be cleaned or processed are placed in one end of the drum, then tumbled and moved through the drum by the internal helix and the rotation of the drum. The cleaned or processed parts exit the opposite end of the drum.
Spray nozzles and piping are positioned in the center of the drum, directing water or cleaning solution onto parts as they pass through. Rotary parts washers can be single-stage or multi-stage systems and may also include drying or cooling of the parts.
Rotary drum parts washers operate in either batch or continuous configurations, with parts tumbling through a rotating drum as they are sprayed or immersed at each stage of the process. The drum is driven by an electric motor using a chain or direct drive system, with rotation speed controlled by a variable frequency drive (VFD). Each stage includes its own stainless steel tank and pump, allowing for ambient or heated solutions. Heating options include submerged tubes with gas burners or electric heating elements. Optional ambient or heated air drying and ambient or chilled air cooling are also available.
INDUSTRIAL DRUM WASHER CONSTRUCTION FEATURES
- Stainless steel construction for the drum, internal helix, walls, roof, drain boards, and tanks
- Stainless steel piping
- Stainless steel, VFD-controlled pumps
- Stainless steel or clip-on polypropylene nozzles
- Stainless steel, welded, leak-tested tanks
- Stainless steel handles and latches on tank covers
- Access doors for maintenance and inspection
- Screens in each tank located in the charge box areas prior to the pumps
- Optional electronic liquid level sensing and control
- PLC with PanelView HMI
- Maxon, Eclipse, or Midco natural gas or propane-fired burners
- Incoloy-sheathed electric immersion heaters
Post-Installation Service & Maintenance for Torrent Drum Washers
Horizon’s commitment to your equipment doesn’t end at installation. Our experienced service team provides ongoing technical support, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs to keep your Torrent drum washer operating safely, efficiently, and reliably. We offer the expertise to maintain consistent cleaning performance, minimize downtime, and extend equipment life.
Learn more about Horizon’s Service & Maintenance capabilities and how we can support your equipment long after startup.
ADVANCED OPTIONS & INDUSTRIAL DRUM WASHER ACCESSORIES
Filtering – Unfiltered liquid enters the filter above the bag or basket and passes down through them where solids are contained (<5 µm particle removal). The covers of the filter are easily removable without tools.
Magnetic Filter – Magnetic fines from the process water will be eliminated with the use of a magnetic filter/separator. Fines are collected where the water passes across the filter. The fines are easily removable because the filter is removable.
Oil Coalescer – Before the water returns to the tank, the solution will be filtered and then will pass through oil separation (99% tramp-oil separation). The tank is constructed of 304 stainless steel and is welded water tight.
Blow-Off / Drying System – Air knives or air cannons are used to remove excess moisture from products as they exit the washer (<0.1 g residual water/part). The air knives or cannons can be positioned to target areas where water tends to collect. Compared to usingcompressed air, the blow-off system is more efficient. Heated air blow-off is available.
Mist Eliminator – If the rotary drum washer is being used for metal surface treatment processes such as pickling, preventing or reducing aerosolized pickling solution from being exhausted is desirable. The mist eliminator is a low-pressure-drop, vane-type with stainless steel construction, for vertical gas flow, It traps and drains a significant portion of the aerosolized coating liquid.
RO Water Treatment System – Reverse osmosis (RO) is used in our water treatment system. Using RO can reduce water consumption by 60%, decrease chemical usage, and improve overall finish quality.
PROVEN PERFORMANCE ACROSS INDUSTRIES
Rotary drum parts washers are ideal for a wide range of applications, including:
- Automotive – engine and transmission parts
- Aerospace – precision hardware and landing-gear components
- Fastener OEMs – screws, bolts, and rivets
- Electronics – shielding and stamped contacts
- Medical – implants and surgical tools
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: WHAT TYPES OF PARTS CAN BE CLEANED IN A ROTARY DRUM WASHER?
A: Rotary drum washers are ideal for high-volume cleaning of fasteners,
stamped metal components, machined parts, and other small to medium-sized
manufactured products that can withstand tumbling. Horizon designs
industrial drum washers around each customer's part geometry, material,
production volume, and cleanliness requirements to achieve effective
cleaning without unnecessary equipment complexity.
Q: HOW MANY PARTS CAN AN INDUSTRIAL DRUM WASHER CLEAN PER HOUR?
A: Production capacity depends on part size, weight, geometry, cleaning
requirements, and the number of processing stages. Horizon drum washers
can be designed for high-volume operations, with systems capable of
processing approximately 10,000 to 45,000 pounds or more per hour,
depending on the application. Drum diameter, rotation speed, and
internal helix design are optimized to achieve the required throughput.
Q: HOW CAN A DRUM WASHER REDUCE WATER AND CHEMICAL CONSUMPTION?
A: Efficient system design, solution management, and filtration can
significantly affect water and chemical consumption. Horizon drum
washers can incorporate recirculating wash solutions, filtration
equipment, oil separation, and optional reverse osmosis water treatment
systems. These features help extend solution life, reduce fresh water
requirements, and lower wastewater disposal costs.
Q: WHAT CONTROLS AND AUTOMATION OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL DRUM WASHERS?
A: Horizon industrial drum washers can incorporate PLC-based controls
with HMI operator interfaces and variable frequency drives (VFDs)
to control drum rotation speed and pump operation. Depending on the
application, controls can also monitor process temperatures, solution
flow, and spray pressure. These features help operators manage
cleaning processes, maintain repeatable results, and support
efficient production.
Q: HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT INDUSTRIAL DRUM WASHER FOR MY MANUFACTURING OPERATION?
A: Selecting the right drum washer requires evaluating part
characteristics, contamination levels, production volume, cleaning
specifications, process stages, facility space, and operating costs.
Horizon's engineering team works with manufacturers to develop
custom rotary drum washing solutions that meet specific production
and cleanliness requirements. Contact Horizon to discuss your
application and determine the most appropriate equipment configuration.
Ready to Optimize Your Manufacturing Process?
At Horizon, we’re not just building industrial drum washers—we’re creating engineered cleaning solutions that move your business forward in a cost-saving, efficient, and reliable way. Our drum parts washers are trusted by manufacturers across a wide range of industries, from automotive to aerospace. Contact us today to discuss your application and discover how a custom Horizon washer can improve your manufacturing process.
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