WASHDOWN STATION GLOSSARY
Plain-language definitions of the technical terms you'll encounter when specifying, installing, or operating industrial washdown stations.
Showing 25 of 25 terms
Mixing & Temperature
Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV)
A valve that automatically blends hot and cold water to maintain a preset output temperature. If the cold water supply fails, the valve shuts off to prevent scalding. Required in many healthcare and food processing applications.
Tempering Valve
A simpler form of mixing valve that blends hot and cold water to reduce the output temperature to a safe level. Unlike a full TMV, it may not have automatic shutoff if cold water fails.
Thermostatic Shutoff
A safety feature that automatically stops water flow when the output temperature exceeds a set limit (typically 185°F on SuperKlean models). Protects operators from scalding if the cold water supply is interrupted.
Tempered Water
Water that has been mixed to a controlled, intermediate temperature — typically 120°F to 160°F for industrial washdown. Hot enough to sanitize effectively, cool enough to be safe for operators.
Outlet Temperature
The temperature of the mixed water exiting the washdown station. For most food processing applications, the ideal outlet temperature is 120°F–160°F. For sanitizing, 160°F+ is often required.
Steam
Steam Hammer
A dangerous pressure surge that occurs when steam meets cold water in a pipe, causing a loud banging noise and potentially damaging pipes, valves, and equipment. Proper steam mixing stations prevent steam hammer by controlling the mixing process.
Steam Trap
A device that removes condensate (liquid water) from a steam line while preventing steam from escaping. Required in steam washdown systems to maintain proper steam pressure and prevent water hammer.
Condensate
Liquid water that forms when steam cools and loses energy. In steam systems, condensate must be removed by steam traps to maintain system efficiency and prevent water hammer.
Steam Pressure (PSI)
The pressure of the steam supply, measured in pounds per square inch. Most SuperKlean DuraMix steam mixers are rated for up to 125 PSI steam inlet pressure. Higher pressure means higher temperature capability.
Zero Steam Leak Design
A patented feature of the SuperKlean DuraMix series that prevents any steam from passing through the mixing valve into the cold water line. This eliminates the risk of steam hammer and ensures operator safety.
Valves & Hardware
Ball Valve
A quarter-turn valve with a spherical disc that controls flow. Ball valves provide fast on/off control and are easy to operate. Used in most SuperKlean hot & cold water mixer models.
Globe Valve
A valve with a movable plug that seats against a stationary ring. Globe valves provide finer flow control than ball valves and are preferred in some steam applications. Used in the DuraMix 8000GM series.
NPT (National Pipe Thread)
The standard US thread type for pipe connections. SuperKlean stations use NPT connections — typically 3/4" NPT for water inlets/outlets and 1/2" NPT for steam inlets. NPT threads seal by thread interference.
Backflow Preventer
A device that prevents contaminated water from flowing backwards into the clean water supply. Required by plumbing codes in many jurisdictions when connecting to a potable water supply. Available as an option on SuperKlean stations.
Pressure Gauge
An instrument that measures and displays water or steam pressure in a system. SuperKlean offers pressure gauges as accessories to monitor inlet and outlet pressures at washdown stations.
Strainer
A filter device installed upstream of a mixing valve to remove debris and sediment from the water supply. Protects valve seats and internal components from damage. Recommended for all SuperKlean installations.
Materials & Certifications
NSF Certification
NSF International certification indicates that a product meets public health and safety standards for contact with food or drinking water. NSF-certified SuperKlean models (like the 3600M-S and 8000GM-S) are required in pharmaceutical and high-purity food processing environments.
304 Stainless Steel
The most common grade of stainless steel, containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Highly corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. Used in SuperKlean stainless models and DuraFlow nozzles for food processing and pharmaceutical applications.
Brass
An alloy of copper and zinc. Brass is durable, corrosion-resistant, and the standard material for industrial washdown valves and fittings. Used in most SuperKlean hot & cold water mixer models.
Bronze
An alloy of copper and tin (with other metals). Bronze has excellent corrosion resistance and is commonly used in steam valves and fittings. Used in the DuraMix 8000GM-B and 8000GM steam mixer bodies.
USDA Accepted
Indicates that a product has been reviewed and accepted by the US Department of Agriculture for use in federally inspected meat and poultry processing facilities. SuperKlean washdown stations are designed to meet USDA requirements.
Applications
Washdown Station
A wall-mounted assembly that provides tempered water for cleaning and sanitizing industrial equipment, floors, and surfaces. Consists of a mixing valve, hose connection, spray nozzle, and optional accessories.
CIP (Clean-in-Place)
A method of cleaning the interior of pipes, vessels, and equipment without disassembly. CIP systems circulate cleaning solutions at controlled temperatures. Washdown stations complement CIP by handling exterior surface cleaning.
Sanitation Protocol
A documented procedure for cleaning and disinfecting food contact surfaces and equipment. Effective sanitation protocols specify water temperature (typically 160°F+), chemical concentrations, contact time, and rinse requirements.
Milking Parlor
A specialized dairy facility where cows are milked. Milking parlors require frequent washdown of equipment and udder pre-dipping/post-dipping. The SuperKlean DuraFlow Dairy Nozzle (DH150D) is specifically designed for milking parlor teat spray applications.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Our engineers at Northeast Controls are happy to help you specify the right washdown system for your facility.