What is PYRO-CLEAN®?
PYRO-CLEAN® is a high temperature cleaning oven developed by Tempyrox specifically to clean organic material from glassware or metal parts.

What are PYRO-CLEAN® ovens operating temperatures?
Most organic residues can be pyrolyzed and vaporized from glassware or metal parts at 800° - 900°F (427° - 482°C).

Will these temperatures harm laboratory glassware?
Much lab glassware such as Pyrex brands are heat-resistant and are not harmed by the cleaning temperatures. Even non heat-resistant laboratory glassware such as bottles can usually be cleaned if they are allowed to cool inside the oven, not subject to severe thermal shocks.

How does the system work?
A special high temperature oven is used automatically to carry out an automated two stage cleaning process. This process is called Pyrolysis - Oxidation.
Pyrolysis - the vaporizing of organic material in an inerted atmosphere.
Oxidation - combining heat with oxygen to remove carbon residues.

What can be cleaned by Pyrolysis - Oxidation.?
We have been able to process virtually all organic based residues including POLYETHYLENE, POLYPROPYLENE, POLYSTYRENES, POLYCARBONATES, RUBBER, ACETALS, URETHANES, ABS PLASTICS, tars, resins, polymers, waxes, and char and other carbonized residues. Virtually any material that is organic in nature can be vaporized by heat. Some exceptions to this general rule include newly developed polymers or compounds which are very resistant to thermal degradation. However, these compounds are in the minority.

What types of residues cannot be cleaned?
Inorganic or other compounds which are heat resistant cannot be cleaned by this process. This includes pigments such as titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, and other similar materials. Toxic metals such as lead and mercury should, of course, not be cleaned.

However, if inorganic pigments are present as additives or components of organic materials such as paints or plastics, the pigments are normally "freed" from their organic binder. Once the organic resin or binder is destroyed, the inorganic matter is usually left as a loose ash, which can easily be removed by rinsing with water.

Do PYRO-CLEAN® Ovens produce any smoke ?
The amount of smoke generated by the thermal cleaning process is proportional to the amount of organic residues being vaporized. For trace levels of contaminants, the amount of smoke or pyrolysis products is negligible. For removing larger amounts of organic residues, Tempyrox Company offers two types of pollution control devices which assure the cleaning process is pollution-free.

Do the ovens have to be vented outside ?
Yes, through common double wall vent pipe.

How hot are the Exhaust Gases ?
Relatively cool, ranging from 125° to 225° F, depending on the type of Pollution Control Device used.

Can metal parts be cleaned in the oven ?
Yes, any material which is not harmed by the process heat, can be cleaned. This includes metals and ceramics.

Will it replace my lab dishwasher ?
Yes, in some cases it could. But, generally speaking, PYRO-CLEAN® ovens work well in conjunction with ordinary dishwashers; ie.....Ovens clean "all organics", Dishwashers clean "inorganics".

Are there other Uses for this oven ?
Yes, the normal operating temperature of the oven is 900° F, but it can be operated at a wide range of temperatures below this. However, it is best to consult the Factory to ensure that other non-cleaning applications work as desired.

Are Tempyrox ovens Pollution-Free ?
Yes. For heavier residues (ounces or pounds), an electric/catalytic afterburner is highly effective, producing an odorless, smokeless exhaust. A gas fired burner destroys the smoke at temperatures from 1500° to 1600° degrees F. The hot, clean exhaust from the afterburner is cooled to below 250° F for venting to the outside.

Are they costly to operate ?
The Model 3T costs less than 1 dollar per cycle to operate, including the optional electric/catalytic afterburner.