We interviewed Mr. Kazuhiko Okamura, President of Cleanvy Corporation, a cleaning equipment manufacturer specializing in industrial cleaning with deep knowledge in the field, who is the creator of hydrocarbon-based cleaning machines 'CLEANVY' and 'CLOVA', and next-generation fluorinated cleaning machines 'FISTA' and 'FLOVA', about industrial cleaning machines past and future.
In Part 2, we asked him to discuss the future of industrial cleaning machines, including the global situation. Please read this together with Part 1.
※This article is [Part 2] of two parts (Part 1 and Part 2).
[>> Read [Part 1] here.]
■ Vacuum Cleaning Made "Hydrocarbon-Based" Mainstream [First Cleaning Revolution]
―――The revolutionary idea of using vacuum for hydrocarbon-based cleaning machines. When it was developed, did you receive a considerable number of orders from the beginning?
President Okamura: No, that wasn't the case. Today we receive several dozen inquiries per month, but when we had just developed it, it didn't attract that much attention.
This is because at the time, hydrocarbon-based solvents were one of the CFC alternatives, but there was a common understanding that they had "safety issues" due to fire hazards. Therefore, the use of hydrocarbon-based solvents itself was being avoided. However, when I developed the hydrocarbon-based cleaning machine using vacuum, over about 5 years the perception gradually changed to "it's no longer dangerous."
In fact, nowadays, when we say "hydrocarbon-based cleaning machines," "closed-type vacuum cleaning machines" have become standard. Through the development of these vacuum cleaning machines, hydrocarbon-based solvents have become mainstream in industrial cleaning - this can truly be called the "First Cleaning Revolution."
■ The Future Brought by Fluorinated × Solvent Loss "Nearly Zero" [Second Cleaning Revolution]
――When you say "First," does that mean there's also a "Second"?
President Okamura: Yes, actually the "Second Cleaning Revolution" is already underway. The key to this is the next-generation fluorinated cleaning machine 'FLOVA' that we developed last year.
In the discussions so far, we've talked about how when "CFC phase-out" was first proposed, there were three options for CFC alternatives: aqueous systems, hydrocarbon systems, and new CFCs to replace conventional ones. (See [>> Part 1]).
In recent years, new CFCs (HFO) have finally been developed※. And 'FLOVA' is a fluorinated cleaning machine that uses these new next-generation CFCs as solvents, with the additional characteristic of being a closed system.
――You mentioned earlier that the development of closed-type vacuum cleaning machines using hydrocarbon-based solvents led to hydrocarbon-based solvents becoming mainstream replacements for conventional CFCs, and that this was the "First Cleaning Revolution."
Does the "Second Cleaning Revolution" mean that a similar trend could occur with next-generation fluorinated solvents through 'FLOVA'?
President Okamura: Yes, I believe that's what will happen. Let me first explain the current situation.
Just as attention was focused on "hydrocarbon-based solvents" following the "CFC phase-out" trend in the past, in modern society, attention is increasingly being focused on "next-generation fluorinated solvents" following the trends of "EV (electric vehicle) development and decarbonization (carbon neutrality)." The reason they're attracting attention is that next-generation fluorinated solvents not only have high cleaning power but also have lower environmental impact compared to conventional CFCs.
―――So it's an ideal cleaning agent that matches current societal needs.
President Okamura: However, one challenge is that the solvents are more expensive than other cleaning methods. In the case of cleaning machines that are not closed-type, solvent loss - where solvents evaporate into the atmosphere during the cleaning process when opening and closing cleaning tanks - is unavoidable. And while solvent manufacturers are making efforts on pricing, there are limits to reducing raw material costs.
This means that, just as hydrocarbon-based solvents faced similar challenges, "We want to use next-generation fluorinated solvents out of environmental consideration, but when considering overall costs, we can't quite commit to implementation" - some customers face this dilemma.
So, to solve the challenge of "reducing costs," we developed the closed-type next-generation fluorinated cleaning machine ['FLOVA']. Because 'FLOVA' is a closed system, it can reduce solvent evaporation into the atmosphere to an extremely minimal level. This also leads to reducing the overall cost of next-generation fluorinated solvents, making it easier to consider implementing fluorinated solvents.
Through the existence of 'FLOVA', the concept that "fluorinated cleaning machines" means "closed-type vacuum cleaning machines" will permeate in the future. And while next-generation fluorinated solvents meet modern societal needs but face challenges, perceptions will change, and they will gradually spread going forward. I believe this is what will occur as the "Second Cleaning Revolution."
■ Global Trends Will Eventually Come to Japan
―――So you believe that 'FLOVA' will also gradually permeate our society over time as the new standard.
President Okamura: That's right. At present, we can't yet say that next-generation fluorinated cleaning machines will become mainstream industrial cleaning machines replacing hydrocarbon-based cleaning machines. However, I see the possibility that they will be accepted globally going forward.
For example, in China, chemical plant explosions and other incidents are frequently problematic, so regulations regarding hazardous materials are stricter than in Japan in some aspects. Therefore, it's hard to imagine that hydrocarbon-based systems will expand rapidly. Also, while aqueous systems are currently a common cleaning method in China, there are challenges such as industrial wastewater being illegally dumped into rivers near factories.
Additionally, in Europe, where attention to environmental issues is higher than in Japan, "non-closed-type cleaning machines" that could potentially release environmentally concerning solvents into the atmosphere are considered NG.
Because of this global situation, there have actually been cases overseas where 'FLOVA' was introduced on a trial basis, and after being satisfied with the results, it led to full-scale implementation.
―――I see. Beyond the cost benefits of fluorinated solvents, 'FLOVA' possesses elements that will likely become a global cleaning trend going forward, including the decarbonization trend. This is good news for customers who are interested but haven't yet committed to implementing fluorinated cleaning machines.
President Okamura: Industrial cleaning and environmental issues are inseparable. That's precisely why the trend of "how to reduce environmental impact" in the field of industrial cleaning will accelerate further in Japan going forward.
And with next-generation fluorinated solvents meeting global trend conditions, and the existence of the closed-type next-generation fluorinated cleaning machine 'FLOVA' that can overcome those challenges, I predict that the "Second Cleaning Revolution" where these become generally accepted is not such a distant future. I hope this leads to positive changes in the industrial cleaning industry as a whole.
Also, up until now, Cleanvy has mainly been viewed as a "hydrocarbon-based cleaning machine manufacturer." However, with the [closed-type next-generation fluorinated cleaning machine 'FLOVA'] as a catalyst, we want to work toward being recognized as a "comprehensive cleaning machine manufacturer" handling aqueous, fluorinated, and all systems.
■ Summary
ーーーIndustrial cleaning is inseparable from environmental issues, which is precisely why it is important to continue exploring ways to coexist with the environment. If you have any questions or concerns about the cleaning equipment introduced in this interview, it may be worth consulting with an expert.
At JFE Shoji Electronics, we can propose optimal solutions based on the challenges you share with us. Please feel free to contact us using the links below.
＞＞Visit our Environmental Process Division page👉here
＞＞Contact the Environmental Process Division👉here
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