Eliminating resin tanks and RO units greatly reduces the expense and increases the efficiency of cleaning windows with a water fed pole. Since we obviously will then be working with water that has a high TDS or a high silica content, the only way to accomplish this is to eliminate the water drop and hence the resulting hard water spot. This can be accomplished in three different ways that I know of. First it can be done by bringing the water tension of our cleaning/rinse solution down to 20 to 25 dynes per cm. Water typically is around 72 dynes. Second it can be done by coating the glass surface with a hydrophylic sealant. Third it can be done by physically removing all residue from glass. Which involves "microtexturing" with a microcrystalline silica slurry, optical grade cerium oxide, or some other superabrasive based polishing agent. I can also see the possibility of combining these different techniques for an optimum effect and the elimination of certain problems. Such problems however must be addressed.
The first technique involves the use of what I have been calling a Super Soap in my posts on the Window Cleaning Resource forum. These are typically super wetting surface active agents based on a silicon or fluorine chemistry. I and others have been experimenting with a silicon based nonionic super wetting surfactant. Under perfect conditions of high humidity and shade it will do precisely what the title of this post says. Although these conditions are not easy to meet. This certain surfactant will also leave behind a surfactant residue that will easily turn white if the dry window is rubbed with anything. Once the rinse/cleaner dries the window is perfectly clear and the residue is invisible. My thoughts are that this is happening because of the electrical charge of the surf. So I am looking into other surfs now. The main benefits of this technique is the simplicity of it. All we do is add the surf to a water holding tank. We can use any tap water. Also we don't have to invest in resin tanks or RO systems. Which I understand present unique problems to Window Cleaners that work in desert environments.
The second technique involves sealing the glass. This might involve superabrasive cleaning and microtexturing to initially set up the glass for application of the hydrophylic sealant. If so it will require much time. After the initial application it will be necessary to periodically renew such coatings. Which can be done during the cleaning process. That part will not require any additional time. But it is still needed. Because there isn't any sealant on the market that will last forever. Another problem that is true for all three techniques is the build up of minerals on the glass. They will not form spots. But do coat the entire plate becoming concentrated at the bottom of the windows. They are much easier to remove with mild superabrasive products from sealant surfaces. This is because deposits are always easier to remove from a sealant rather than glass. Also they will not be concentrated in the form of spots. In fact they should be completely invisible until they build up
over time.
The third technique involves physically polishing the glass. It will become naturally hydrophylic. No surfs or sealants will be needed to cause water to sheet over the entire window and drain off leaving no spots. There are still drawbacks to this technique. One involves the different conditions outside. Such can change the purity of this new surface. Causing it to loose its hydrophylic properties. So it might be necessary to periodically polish. The time involved might preclude using this technique. Especially if it is a large building with many windows, and the owners only want a yearly maintenance cleaning.
My thoughts are to combine these techniques to come up with a system that will work for each individual building/job. It all comes down to numbers.
Written by Henry Grover Jr.
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