What is Thermo-Chemical Refurbishment?

If you’re running a business in the manufacturing or production industry, the chances are that you need your mechanical parts to perform at their very best. This means that unless you decide to replace them more often than you’d like, you’ll need an effective cleaning method that keeps them operating to the highest of standards – but finding that perfect method can be difficult. 

One cleaning method that many turn to is thermo-chemical refurbishment. Using a range of heat and chemical cleaning processes, your parts can be restored to an “as new”  condition. 

But what exactly does thermo-chemical refurbishment involve, and why should you consider it for cleaning your parts?

What Does Thermo-Chemical Refurbishment Mean?

Thermo-chemical refurbishment is the use of chemicals and intense heat to clean and restore a part to an almost as good as new condition. It’s most often used as a way to improve the functionality of a part and extend its lifespan, meaning that it can be utilised more effectively and last longer. This can be particularly useful for production lines, where having parts and machines in good condition is vital in keeping the production line running at 100% capacity. It’s also highly useful for any other industry where high performing precision parts play a key role.  

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Why Might You Use Thermo-Chemical Refurbishment?

There are a number of benefits to using thermo-chemical refurbishment over some of the other alternatives. Firstly, for operational, financial, and environmental reasons, it’s almost always better to renew a part rather than to throw it away and replace it. Since thermo-chemical cleaning can effectively clean hard-to-reach areas without damaging the part, it can often make it a more preferable choice over more manual methods.

 

What Type of Parts can be Thermo-Chemically Refurbished?

A large variety of parts can be cleaned and reconditioned through thermo-chemical refurbishment. Some parts that are most commonly refurbished in this way include:

  • Filters
  • Pumps & Valves
  • Heat exchangers
  • Extrusion die heads
  • Manifolds
  • Condensers
  • Pipes
  • Tubes
  • Chains
  • Bolts & Screws
  • Vessels & Tanks
 

What are the Different Types of Chemical Processes Used in Thermo-Chemical Refurbishment?

Chemical refurbishment can use a wide range of processes, but which ones will be used will depend specifically on the part and the contaminant. Typically, the processes will utilise either one or a combination of alkali solutions, acid solutions, detergents, and aqueous oxidisers. These chemical cleaning solutions can also be used in conjunction with molten salt cleaning, pyrolysis cleaning, and ultrasonic cleaning.


Will Thermo-Chemical Refurbishment Damage My Part?

One of the best things about thermo-chemical refurbishment is that unlike mechanical cleaning, which can mark or damage parts, thermo-chemical refurbishment doesn’t cause any damage. Using carefully chosen chemicals and closely controlled heating methods that only target the contaminants that you want removed, experts can ensure that only the undesirable contaminants are affected by the processes, leaving your part in great condition.


How Do I Know if My Parts Can Undergo Thermo-Chemical Refurbishment?

If your parts aren’t functioning as well as they once did because of some sort of contamination or corrosion, then it’s likely that chemical refurbishment will be beneficial for your parts. Thermo-chemical refurbishment can be carried out on a wide range of metals, such as titanium and stainless steel and, in some cases, it can be carried out on non-metal items too.  The exact processes and methods that can be used would vary from part to part.   

 

PPSL – A Global Leader in Thermo-Chemical Refurbishments

At Precision Processing Services LTD, we have over 20 years of experience providing advanced thermo-chemical refurbishments to businesses around the world. By creating bespoke solutions for every part that we receive and carrying out rigorous testing, we ensure that your parts are returned to an “as new” condition, allowing you to get even more out of them for even longer. What’s more, we also provide global shipping.

To find out more about how we can provide thermos-chemical solutions for your business, get in touch today.

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Steven Pimblett

Head of Finance

After studying accountancy at Queen’s University of Belfast and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2001, Steven “moved to industry” in 2002, holding senior finance roles with several local businesses.  

Steven joined The Precision Group in 2019 and was appointed Finance Director in 2020.  Steven leads Precision’s experienced and dedicated Finance Team.  He constantly strives to maximise the long-term financial performance of the Group via the provision of robust, considered and pragmatic guidance to both internal management and the board.  

In addition, Steven, together with the finance team, manage the day to day finances of Precision and provide accurate and timely information to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.    

Eddie Finn

Head of Technical Services – Construction & Building Division

Eddie joined The Precision Group in 2016 as Head of Technical Services for the Construction & Building Division.

With over 25 years’ experience within the Construction & Building Sector, Eddie has managed many large scale construction projects across the UK and Ireland.  

Along with a wealth of industry experience, Eddie holds numerous professional qualifications and accreditations, including MCIOB, ACIBE, IOSH, NVQ Level 7 in Construction Senior Management and the Constructions Skill Register Black Construction Management Card.

Not content with standing still, Eddie is currently working towards the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health & Safety.

Alan Stringer

Senior Contracts Manager

Alan is one of the company’s longest-serving employees, having joined the Precision Group in 2000 as a Specialist Contracts Manager.

He is currently responsible for the development and management of the Precision Group’s specialist technical services, primarily within the Utility Data Capture arena.  Latest projects include the Cork City DAP, which was one of the largest European drainage asset surveys completed in recent years.

Alan often represents the Group at various international water and engineering sector forums.  In his spare time, he is a motorcycles and rugby enthusiast.

“Our dedicated Utility Data Capture team offer specialist asset surveying and data management services across the UK, Ireland and Europe. It is imperative we remain at the forefront in terms of the technology we utilise, both on site and within our back office, including the provision of industry leading data packages designed to exceed our clients requirements.”

Kevin Lynch

HSE Manager

An experienced HSE Manager, Kevin’s primary role within the Group is to lead a positive HSE culture throughout the company and bring practical HSE solutions to the day-to-day operations of the business. 

Kevin provides professional advice and support for the Group’s Contract Managers, Supervisors and other staff in relation to all health, safety and environmental matters, including client site audits.

As HSE Manager, Kevin has overall responsibility for compliance with all current legislation, including codes of practice and relevant standards, across The Precision Group. He also manages the Group’s Integrated Management System, including ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001, ensuring critical control points are monitored effectively.

With over 30 years’ experience within the Fire and Rescue Service, Kevin brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Seamus McCallan

Operations Manager – Construction & Building Division - Asbestos

After being involved in his family business for over 15 years,  Seamus joined The Precision Group as one of two Contracts Managers, overseeing all projects within the specialist Asbestos division.

Now head of the Group’s Asbestos Division, Seamus has primary responsibility for over 20 staff, managing projects in excess of £1.5m last year.  With over 25 years’ experience within the Asbestos and Demolition / Construction industries, Seamus has a wealth of experience within the sector, paired with exceptional communication and leadership skills.

Seamus places significant emphasis on open and transparent communication, fostering strong relationships between clients, contractors and internal stakeholders alike, to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

“Having experienced several changes within the Industry over the past three decades, the ability to improvise and adapt in any given situation is essential.  As a team, we continually strive to deliver the best service in our field”.

Kevin Williams

Managing Director

Kevin has a long history with The Precision Group, beginning his tenure as Financial Controller, some 20 years ago.  His career quickly progressed to Finance & IT Director, leading to his current position of Managing Director in 2013.

As a Chartered Accountant, Kevin has a steely interest in the financial planning and management for all Precision Group Companies, playing a pivotal role in the overall strategic direction of the Group.  Kevin is an inclusive Managing Director, leading the Senior Management team and empowering them at every opportunity to push forward.

In Kevin’s words –

“The company started over 30 years ago as a local contract cleaning company; I am proud to have been part of the company’s growth to become one of Northern Ireland’s most diverse business providers.  Today, in addition to our core Facilities Management services, we offer a host of other specialist services including asbestos removal, thermo-chemical cleaning and process equipment refurbishment.  We will continue to invest in the up-skilling of our workforce who are paramount to our future growth and will continue to fervently seek out opportunities in other sectors and geographic locations.  We are delighted to include some of the top players within the Global Oil & Gas industry, in our client lists.”