Northeast Controls Inc.
Northeast Controls Inc.Serving Industry Worldwide Since 1937
Home/How It Works
The Technology

HOW WASHDOWN STATIONS WORK

Industrial facilities need hot water for effective sanitation — but uncontrolled hot water or steam is a serious burn hazard. SuperKlean washdown stations solve this by safely blending your heat source with cold water to deliver tempered water at a controlled, safe temperature.

THE PROBLEM WITH UNCONTROLLED HOT WATER

Without a proper mixing station, facilities face two dangerous extremes.

TOO HOT — BURN HAZARD

  • Steam at 212°F+ causes immediate severe burns
  • Uncontrolled hot water scalds operators
  • OSHA violations and workers' comp liability
  • Steam hammer can damage pipes and equipment

TOO COLD — SANITATION FAILURE

  • Cold water doesn't kill bacteria effectively
  • Grease and fats don't dissolve below 120°F
  • USDA/FDA sanitation standards not met
  • Failed inspections and production shutdowns

THE SOLUTION: A SUPERKLEAN WASHDOWN STATION DELIVERS WATER AT THE IDEAL 120°F–160°F RANGE — SAFE FOR OPERATORS, EFFECTIVE FOR SANITATION.

HOW A SUPERKLEAN STATION WORKS

The mixing process is simple, reliable, and engineered for industrial environments.

STEP 1
HOT WATER OR STEAM INLET

Your facility's hot water supply or steam line connects to the hot inlet. Pressure is regulated to safe operating range.

STEP 2
COLD WATER INLET

Cold water supply connects to the cold inlet. The operator adjusts the cold valve to control the blend ratio.

STEP 3
TEMPERED OUTPUT

Hot and cold streams blend inside the mixing chamber. The built-in thermometer lets operators verify the output temperature.

THERMOSTATIC MODELS ADD AN EXTRA SAFETY LAYER

The DuraMix 8000T and Model 3600M-B-T feature thermostatic shutoff valves that automatically stop water flow if the output temperature exceeds 185°F. This protects operators even if the cold water supply is interrupted — a critical safety feature for OSHA compliance and high-risk environments.

HOT WATER MIXING VS. STEAM MIXING

SuperKlean makes both types. Here's how to know which one your facility needs.

HOT & COLD WATER MIXERS

3600 Series

  • You have a hot water supply line (boiler, water heater)
  • Typical output: 120°F – 160°F
  • Simpler installation — no steam trap required
  • Lower operating pressure
  • Ideal for most food processing and dairy facilities
  • Available in brass or stainless steel
VIEW HOT & COLD MIXERS
STEAM & COLD WATER MIXERS

DuraMix 8000 Series

  • You have a steam line in your facility
  • Higher output temperatures possible
  • Requires steam trap and proper steam piping
  • Zero steam leak design — patented DuraMix technology
  • Rated #1 by independent steam experts
  • Available in bronze or stainless steel
VIEW STEAM MIXERS

READY TO FIND THE RIGHT STATION FOR YOUR FACILITY?

Use our product selector or speak with an expert at Northeast Controls.