Science-based Steps Of The Cleaning Process This is part four in a series on the science-based steps of the cleaning process. Each step contains scientific con-cepts and principles explaining cleaningʼs effectiveness in putting unwanted matter in its proper place. Published with permission by the Cleaning Industry Research Institute © 2008 By: Michael Berry, Ph.D. Separating Matter From The Environment Or Sub-compartment E Michael D. Berry, Ph.D., was chairman of the Science Advisory Council for the Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI) in 2006. The information contained in this article was extracted from Dr. Berry’s papers and presen-tations at CIRI’s 2007 Cleaning Science Conference and Symposium. His entire paper and PowerPoint presentation, as well as those of other symposium presenters, are available at www.ciri-research.org. Effective cleaning requires separating unwanted matter or its parts from the compartment being cleaned. Understanding how moving or displacing this matter occurs requires a basic knowledge of energy, physical force and chemical action. What Is The Difference Between Energy And Force? Energy — required for cleaning — is the capacity to move matter (a substance with mass) a known distance. Potential energy is matter that is ready to move. Gravitational energy is the attraction of two objects with known mass and distance. Kinetic energy is moving matter with an identi-fied mass and velocity. Heat energy is the sum of kinetic energies in which multiple masses move randomly in all directions. Force sets matter into motion. Mechanical force often is used when displacing matter from a compartment or environment. In cleaning, wiping or brushing and water or air flows are common forms of displacement. Friction is a force derived from two connected objects moving in different directions. This force moves matter and generates heat. Abrasion occurs when friction erodes a solid surface film. An abrasive cleaner removes matter with a scouring action. Agitation through brushing normally moves mat-ter and chemical cleaning agents to dissolve solids and liquids. For example, agitation and heat energy cause for more info Visit www.cmmonline.com and type in search keyword: CIRI . For more information on related products, visit www.cmmonline.com , select SUPPLIER SEARCH from the main navigation bar, and enter keyword: Consultant services . ‘“Only Science Can See’ what the chem-istry and physics of cleaning really shows (or knows, reveals).” -CIRI’S motto. 22 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • May 2009
CMM – Archives May 2009: 22
