Crate washers

The advantages of an Elpress crate washer

The EKW crate washers are made of solid stainless steel sheets and sections and are placed on adjustable feet. The washing tunnel is provided with hinged doors. If a door is opened during cleaning, the installation stops immediately. The crates are transported through the system by a plastic transport chain. The rinse arches are provided with a large number of plastic click-nozzles. The EKW crate washers are suitable for crates with maximum dimensions of 600 x 400 x 300 mm (LxWxH).

Operation of the crate washer

The crates are transported into the EKW crate washer by a plastic transport chain. The transport chain ensures that the crates are moved through the various zones.

As already mentioned, the crate washer has different (optional) zones. We inform you about each zone here:

Pre-wash zone (optional)

Here, spray nozzles clean the crates at a low water temperature (approx. 30-40 °C). This removes the blood and protein residues from the crates. The rough dirt particles are removed directly. If the temperature is too high (from 48 °C), the proteins will clump together (‘coagulate’).
Main wash zone

In the main wash zone, spray nozzles clean the crates with hot water (approx. 50-65 °C). Fats and bacterial contaminants are removed in combination with the right chemicals. This keeps the germ count in the wash tank as low as possible.
Rinse zone

In this zone, the products are rinsed with fresh cold or hot water, with the aim of effectively removing the cleaning/disinfectant agent. Rinsing with hot water helps with the drying of the crates. Our crate washers are designed in such a way as to enable optimal re-use of the rinse water containing the chemical residue.
Sticker removal (optional)

Special dirt killers are used (at high pressure) to accurately remove sticker and adhesive residues. The crates are turned through 90° to enable all four sides to be treated. The fine microfilter ensures that the washing water remains free of small particles and is suitable for re-use.
Blower unit (optional)

In the blow off unit, air is blown over the crates by powerful stainless steel fans.The intelligent Elpress design heats the air (partly through recirculation) up to approx. 50 °C, which results in an even better blowing capacity. Depending on the type and desired result, a minimum amount of moisture remains in the crates after leaving the blow off unit

EKW-1500 Article nr. 83101125

Main wash zone – Water temperature	70 °C
After rinse zone – Temperature	80 °C
Drivetrain	0.12 kW
Main wash zone – Tank content	180 liter
After rinse zone – Water consumption	0.4 liter

EKW-2500 Article nr. 83101150

Main wash zone – Water temperature	70 °C
After rinse zone – Temperature	80 °C
Drivetrain	0.2 kW
Main wash zone – Tank content	350 liter
After rinse zone – Water consumption	0.4 liter

EKW-3500 Article nr. 83101350

Main wash zone – Water temperature	70 °C
After rinse zone – Temperature	80 °C
After rinse zone – Water consumption	0.4 liter
Main wash zone – Capacity	48 m³/h
Control panel	Plastic

EKW-5000 Article nr. 83101650

Main wash zone – Water temperature	70 °C
After rinse zone – Temperature	80 °C
After rinse zone – Water consumption	0.4 liter
Main wash zone – Capacity	42 m³/h
Control panel	Plastic

EKW-6000 Article nr. 83101750

Main wash zone – Water temperature	70 °C
After rinse zone – Temperature	80 °C
Drivetrain	0.18 kW
After rinse zone – Water consumption	0.4 liter
Main wash zone – Capacity	48 m³/h

EKW-7000 Article nr. 83101850

Main wash zone – Water temperature	70 °C
After rinse zone – Temperature	80 °C
Drivetrain	0.18 kW
After rinse zone – Water consumption	0.4 liter
Main wash zone – Capacity	48 m³/h

ECW-D 7000 Article nr. 83101982

Main wash zone – Water temperature	70 °C
After rinse zone – Temperature	80 °C
After rinse zone – Water consumption	0.4 liter
Main wash zone – Capacity	48 m³/h
Control panel	Plastic

ECW-D 14000 Article nr. 83101985

Main wash zone – Water temperature	70 °C
After rinse zone – Temperature	80 °C
Drivetrain	0.18 kW
After rinse zone – Water consumption	0.4 liter
Main wash zone – Capacity	48 m³/h

ECW-D 10500 Article nr. 83101986

Main wash zone – Water temperature	70 °C
After rinse zone – Temperature	80 °C
Drivetrain	0.18 kW
After rinse zone – Water consumption	0.4 liter
Main wash zone – Capacity	48 m³/h

ECW-D 17500 Article nr. 83101995

Main wash zone – Water temperature	70 °C
After rinse zone – Temperature	80 °C
After rinse zone – Water consumption	0.4 liter
Main wash zone – Capacity	48 m³/h
Control panel	Plastic

Various crates in a crate washer

Load carriers come in different shapes and sizes. CBL-crates, E2-crates and fish crates. These crates are used across a wide range of industries, including:

Meat processing
Poultry
Fish processing
Non-food industries
etc.

It is often possible to clean different types of crates in a standard crate washer. But it is important that the side of the crates that are put into the washer is reasonably uniform. So that the different types of crate run smoothly over the washer’s guides. It is therefore important that this side has approximately the same width for all the crates, and that they do not differ too much in their design (the presence of indentations or cut outs).

Doubling capacity with a double crate washer

The ECW crate washers are also available in a double version. By adding a second line, you double the capacity of the crate washer. This results in a capacity ranging from 2,240 to 5,600 crates per hour, depending on the version and crate type.

These double crate washers are constructed, just as single versions, of solid stainless steel sheets and sections, and are placed on adjustable feet. The crates are transported through the system by a plastic transport chain.

The functionalities of these crate washers are the same as the single versions. Characteristic of this line are the sloping roofs that ensure no water remains on the roof of the crate washer. With an advanced control system, you have better insights into the process and communication with the crate washer.

Bakeries

Dough Ball Factory

Meat industry

Vanlommel

Food processing

BCS Butterfly

Crate washer: Environmentally friendly and innovative

Elpress not only supplies carefully designed crate washers but also works with you to simplify and optimise your washing processes. Our certified crate washers are environmentally friendly and efficient, which saves you money. Water and energy are used sparingly with no detrimental effects on the cleaning itself. Features include:

Recirculating washing water through water recycling and filtering systems, to reuse water
An intelligent water management system that doesn’t waste a drop of water
Steam extraction and heat recovery for optimizing energy efficiency
Insulated outer walls for less loss of heat

As a customer, you therefore always benefit from a user-friendly, innovative, durable system that meets your specific requirements and comes with an attractive price tag. Are you interested in the possibilities, or would you like to know more about our crate washers? Then feel free to get in touch with us.

Optimal crate washing with an industrial washing machine

The EKW crate washers are made of solid stainless steel sheets and sections and are placed on adjustable feet. The washing tunnel is provided with hinged doors. If a door is opened during cleaning, the installation stops immediately. The crates are transported through the system by a plastic transport chain. The rinse arches are provided with a large number of plastic click-nozzles. The EKW crate washers are suitable for crates with maximum dimensions of 600 x 400 x 300 mm (lxwxh).

Low energy consumption
Easy-to-adjust click-nozzles
Made from stainless steel
Optional one-person operation

Industrial Washing Systems

What should you consider when buying a crate washer?

Industrial Washing Systems

Purchasing a crate washer: The process from orientation to production

Industrial Washing Systems

Installing a crate washer: What conditions does the location need to satisfy?

Visual inspection system
for crate washers

The new visual inspection system makes it possible to check whether a crate has exited the crate washer in a clean and intact state. Five cameras are used to thoroughly inspect the inside and outside of the crates. Photos are taken at several points and the system can tell within just one second whether the crate is clean as well as intact.

Advantages of a visual inspection system for a crate washer

Raises hygiene to a higher level
Suitable for high volumes
Fewer staff needed
For universal use on all crates
Self-learning system
More reliable than checking by eye
Demonstrable results for audits
Contributes to the obtaining of HACCP and ISO certifications

Live bird crate washer

The ELB crate washers are made from rugged stainless steel plates and profiles. These line machines are specially designed for cleaning live bird crates. These are crates that are used for the transportation of poultry (e.g. chickens or chicks).

Live Bird Crate Washers

Adding to crate washers later on

Have you purchased a crate washer to wash a certain number of crates per hour or per day, but your business is growing? A crate washer can be expanded at any time in the future. However: there is a ‘but’ here.

Adding to a crate washer requires a considerable ‘alteration’ of the machine. So expanding a crate washer is also time-intensive and a relatively big investment. Learn more about increasing the capacity of the crate washer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about crate washers.

Need advice or do you have a question?

Maintenance of a crate washer varies depending on the situation and may include tasks such as servicing pumps, replacing and adjusting nozzles, and troubleshooting malfunctions.

For service or support, please contact us at service@elpress.nl or reach out to your local dealer. For more information, visit our page on service and maintenance.

The crate washers are manufactured by Elpress. Our skilled team has the expertise and experience to design and build high-quality systems.

Yes, Elpress supplies crate washer machines directly to customers. In addition to manufacturing, we provide complete solutions, including delivery, installation and support. This ensures that each system is fully tailored to the specific requirements of your production environment.

The price of a crate washing machine depends largely on the specific configuration, available options, and your particular requirements.

If you would like to explore possibilities, please contact us at sales@elpress.nl

We understand that continuity in your production process is essential. That is why Elpress ensures a smooth transition when replacing a crate washer. Depending on the situation, there are various options: smaller machines can usually be replaced within a single day, while larger systems may be installed over the weekend or by temporarily relocating the old washer.

Our team tailors the schedule to your situation to ensure your production is disrupted as little as possible.

ENW

Bin washers

Energy efficient
Selectable wash program
Simple operation
Removable filter drawer
Rinse program with clean water

EPW

Pallet washers

Energy-efficient
Rinse zone with clean water
Manufactured from stainless steel (SS 304)
Available with optional extensions

EDW

Box washers

Energy efficient
After rinse program with fresh water
Stainless steel
Available with options

The advantages of an Elpress crate washer

Operation of the crate washer

Pre-wash zone (optional)

Main wash zone

Rinse zone

Sticker removal (optional)

Blower unit (optional)

Versions and technical information

Various crates in a crate washer

Doubling capacity with a double crate washer