The company Pyrexx GmbH has been successfully using our cleaning machine, the Tornado ACS, for façade cleaning since 2018. Together with a journalist, a user report was created, which we would like to present to you here.
When working with the Tornado ACS cleaning technology, it is generally not necessary to wear gloves. However, during this assignment, it was very cold, which is why the employees, as seen in the photos, are wearing gloves.
How can graffiti be removed quickly and safely? How can façades and other surfaces be cleaned using environmentally friendly methods? These are questions many decision-makers are asking. Pyrexx GmbH, based in Berlin, has established itself as a successful service provider in this growing market.
A key factor behind their success is the Tornado ACS cleaning machines from systeco GmbH. The Berlin-based company holds the patent for the mobile vacuum blasting technology. Façades, staircases, exposed concrete components, swimming pool tiles, and many other surfaces can be cleaned quickly, gently, and in an environmentally friendly way. Pyrexx employees use the Tornado ACS across Germany.
Graffiti is a costly nuisance for housing associations and municipalities. If the graffiti contains unconstitutional symbols or messages, it must be removed within 24 hours by law. But even in other cases, time is of the essence—keeping residential areas clean and well-maintained is highly important.
There are various methods for removing graffiti and other contamination. The method chosen depends on several factors: the size of the graffiti, the material it was applied to, and the condition of that surface. Weather conditions can also influence the cleaning process.
In addition to vacuum blasting technology, several other cleaning methods have become established in the industry.
“Façades can be cleaned using chemicals, hot water high-pressure systems, sandblasting, or dry ice blasting,” says Frank Stotz, listing some of the most common techniques.
However, using the wrong method can cause serious damage, the expert warns. For example, if a high-pressure water system is used on an external thermal insulation composite system, water can seep behind the insulation. This can lead to bulging or even mold formation. Other surfaces come with their own risks:
“If you use sandblasting on sandstone, you remove too much of the surface,” says Frank Stotz.
The regulations for the protection of historical monuments apply to architectural monuments. Removing soiling is particularly difficult because the surface must not be attacked. The authorities must approve the respective cleaning procedure. The technology of systeco GmbH is an option for this, as with the Tornado ACS only the paint layer is removed and the substrate is protected.
The cleaning equipment achieves very good results on clinker and exposed concrete. "In the future, we will get even bigger orders there," says Gabor Jakowski.
The equipment can also be used in heavily frequented areas without having to block off traffic beforehand. Passers-by, cyclists and car drivers are not affected. The staff can also work without special protective clothing. Thus, the units meet the highest standards of economic efficiency and environmental compatibility.
Pyrexx GmbH was founded in 2005 as the first specialist service provider for smoke detectors in Germany. Initially, the company had two employees. It now employs 280 permanent staff and cooperates with the largest housing associations. It is one of three manufacturers of smoke detectors in Europe. The employees handle several thousand appointments per day.
Later, the business field of drinking water analysis was added. Pyrexx employees check the water for legionella, among other things. Recently, the company has also started offering the digitalisation of housing stock. Furthermore, the company offers the removal of graffiti and other dirt from facades. Pyrexx is also making rapid progress in this area. "Based on a photo of the contamination that the customer sends us, we first estimate the costs," explains Sales Manager Gabor Jankowski. "On site, we make a measurement and only charge for the square metres that we actually cleaned." His colleague, Sales Manager Frank Stotz, adds: "In the end, this is cheaper for the customer." He emphasises that Pyrexx employees only remove smearings, not graffiti artwork.
Pyrexx GmbH has found the right method for them: "For most surfaces, we use the Tornado ACS cleaning devices from systeco," says Jankowski. "Joints can also be cleaned excellently with it." Different granulates are used in this process. The machines apply the selected abrasives to the surface to be cleaned. The paint particles dissolve and are separated from the granulate by a cyclone. This can then be used again to remove the paint.
Neither paint residues nor solvents end up in the drain, so that the environment is relieved. Collection facilities for the waste water are not necessary. "The closed circuit is the big advantage of this unit," says Stotz. "With systeco you work really cleanly." His colleague adds, "Unlike the other processes, you don't leave any waste behind."
The process also has fast set-up times. The machines can also be used in frosty conditions. The chemical process in particular is not suitable for use in sub-zero temperatures. The Tornado ACS has great advantages for cleaning small areas of, for example, three to four square metres, even in the interior.
