Smart mop holder provides facts instead of fake news

Determination of the pressing force

Determination of the contact pressure

Cleaning and disinfection are among the most important tasks in the operation of cleanrooms. They form the foundation for maintaining cleanliness and ensure the safe operation of these highly sensitive environments. Despite technological advances in many areas of cleanroom technology, the wiping process remains a purely manual task. This leads to differences in effort, wiping speed, and movement patterns, which can significantly affect cleaning performance.

Against this background, PFENNIG Cleaning Technology (PFENNIG) and the German Institute for Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) developed the intelligent wipe mop holder (iWMH). The system documents the wiping process using sophisticated sensors and advanced measurement technology – with the goal of sustainably optimizing cleanroom hygiene and process safety.

What cleaning needs today: data, validity, and safety

The development of the iWMH aimed to: Using a wiping simulator developed in an earlier research project, the parameters for optimal wiping technique and their influencing factors were determined at DITF. Based on this information, a testing device was developed to obtain valid measurement parameters for conducting and analyzing wiping procedures. This testing device has the tasks of measuring technical data related to wiping, promoting the development of advanced wiping tools, and supporting comprehensive technical training. Additionally, the iWMH is a prototype, on which the system is to be further developed into a robust tool for daily use in the cleanroom.

Measurably better: Scientific foundations for the iWMH

The valid capture, analysis, and evaluation of the wiping process was only possible through close collaboration between PFENNIG and DITF. While PFENNIG contributed practical experience in cleanroom cleaning and application requirements, DITF provided extensive scientific expertise and innovative wiping simulation technology. This resulted in a detailed analysis of the wiping process under controlled conditions, considering parameters such as pressing force, handle tilt angle, and wiping speed. This was complemented by optical measurement technology at DITF, which allows residual particles after wiping to be directly quantified on the cleaned surface. This optical measurement is crucial for assessing the cleaning effect and the efficiency of the wiping process regarding particles.

Scientifically proven: Two kilograms for clean results

A key element of the joint development was the identification of optimal wiping parameters. For this purpose, DITF developed a wiping simulation technique under cleanroom conditions, in which the iWMH was used. Pressing force, wiping speed, and angle of the mop handle could be varied.

For example, it was found that with a microfiber mop, an additional pressing force of around two kilograms is necessary to achieve the optimal cleaning effect. Especially considering the trend to use lighter mop holders for floor cleaning, this is a relevant insight. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that a lower wiping speed and a flatter handle angle improve particle removal.

End of uncertainty: What the iWMH changes in practice

Precise testing is essential for product development and the optimization of wiping tools. Traditionally, manufacturers rely on surface coverage as a central metric. It describes how much surface area a wipe can sufficiently moisten and thus clean or disinfect. Since surface coverage directly influences the amount of wiping cloths needed and the frequency of mop changes, it is of central importance for economic considerations. However, the problem is that surface coverage is often advertised with exaggerated claims in practice. The lack of standardized procedures for conducting wiping tests further exacerbates this issue.

Moreover, surface coverage only provides limited insight into the behavior of a wiping cloth. Only by considering additional parameters such as glide properties, liquid release, and residual liquid amount does a more complete picture emerge. In the past, these quantities were determined manually and time-consuming, leading to variability due to personnel differences. Additionally, differences in wiping technique, speed, and pressing force resulted in highly variable results. To make reliable statements, numerous repetitions were necessary.

With the intelligent wiping mop holder (iWMH), these fluctuations are reduced through more precise measurement and continuous monitoring of wiping parameters. The iWMH not only captures liquid release but also measures the coefficient of friction and the residual liquid amount in the textile. This provides insights into surface coverage and wiping technique. This represents a significant advancement for product development and targeted optimization of wiping tools.

Future prospects: New standards in cleanroom cleaning

The further development of the iWMH has the potential to set new standards in cleanroom hygiene. In the future, the intelligent wiping mop holder could not only be used for analyzing wiping tools during development but also serve as a central tool for monitoring and documenting cleaning processes in cleanrooms. The integration of sensors to monitor wiping movement and the continuous collection and evaluation of real-time data enable high process safety.

For the cleanroom industry, the iWMH opens up new possibilities to measurably increase the effectiveness and quality of cleaning processes and to ensure process safety. With this innovative technology, PFENNIG Cleaning Technology and DITF jointly take an important step toward more precise, data-driven, and future-proof cleanroom cleaning.

Acknowledgment:

Pfennig thanks for the funding of the ZIM research project (KK5438401CM1 and KK5014730CM1) "Development of an intelligent wipe mop holder for critical environments with associated testing strategies for cleanroom application regarding cleaning efficiency and quality consistency."