Reference
Washdown Station Glossary
Plain-language definitions for technical terms used in industrial washdown equipment, steam systems, and facility sanitation.
3
- 316 Stainless Steel
- A molybdenum-bearing grade of stainless steel with superior corrosion resistance compared to 304 SS. Preferred for dairy, pharmaceutical, food processing, and chemical environments where sanitation and corrosion resistance are critical.
B
- Bronze
- A copper-tin alloy used in valve and fitting construction. Bronze offers good corrosion resistance and is suitable for most industrial washdown applications. NCI bronze stations are rated to 125–150 PSI.
D
- Discharge Temperature
- The temperature of the water exiting the washdown station at the hose connection. Regulated by the mixing valve. NCI steam stations cap discharge at 190°F; hot water mixing stations are limited by supply temperature.
- Dial Thermometer
- An analog temperature gauge integrated into the washdown station that displays the current output water temperature. Allows the operator to verify and adjust the mixing valve setting.
F
- Fail-Safe Design
- A safety feature that automatically shuts off the steam or hot water supply if the cold water flow is interrupted. This prevents scalding by ensuring hot water or steam cannot reach the hose without dilution. All NCI washdown stations incorporate fail-safe design.
G
- GPM
- Gallons per minute — the flow rate of water through a washdown station. Higher GPM means more water volume delivered per minute. Steam washdown stations typically deliver 3–9 GPM depending on supply pressures.
H
- Hot & Cold Water Mixing Station
- A device that blends separate hot and cold water supplies to deliver a consistent, adjustable temperature output. Simpler to install than steam systems and ideal for facilities without steam. Available in bronze and 316 stainless steel.
- HCMX / 3600M
- NCI's hot & cold water mixing station model designations. HCMX-B and 3600M-B are bronze; HCMX-S and 3600M-S are 316 stainless steel. The 3600M series is rated to higher pressures.
- Hose Reel
- A spring-retractable or manual reel that stores a washdown hose when not in use. Keeps hoses off the floor, reduces trip hazards, and extends hose life by preventing kinking.
- Hose Rack
- A wall-mounted bracket or cradle for storing a coiled washdown hose. A simpler, lower-cost alternative to a hose reel for facilities with less frequent hose use.
I
- Inlet Strainer
- A mesh screen installed at the water or steam inlet to catch debris before it reaches the mixing valve. Should be inspected and cleaned monthly to maintain flow and protect valve internals.
P
- PSIG
- Pounds per square inch gauge — a unit of pressure measured relative to atmospheric pressure. Steam and water supply pressures are expressed in PSIG. For example, a steam supply at 60 PSIG is 60 pounds per square inch above atmospheric pressure.
- Proportional Mixing Valve
- A manually adjusted valve that controls the ratio of two fluid streams (hot/cold water, or steam/cold water) to achieve a desired output temperature. The operator sets the ratio using a dial or handle.
- Penberthy
- A brand of steam-powered washdown equipment known for jet-type mixing technology. NCI offers Penberthy-style washdown stations for applications requiring high-volume steam-heated water delivery.
S
- Steam Washdown Station
- A device that mixes steam with cold water to produce hot water on demand for industrial cleaning and sanitizing. No separate water heater is required — the station uses existing boiler steam. NCI's WD2010 series covers low, medium, and high steam pressure ranges.
- Sanitary Design
- Equipment construction that minimizes crevices, dead legs, and surfaces where bacteria can harbor. Stainless steel construction, smooth welds, and crevice-free fittings are hallmarks of sanitary design — required in dairy, pharma, and food processing.
T
- Thermostatic Mixing Valve
- A valve that automatically blends hot and cold water to maintain a preset output temperature, even if supply temperatures fluctuate. Used in thermostatic hose stations for consistent, hands-free temperature control.
U
- USDA / FDA Compliance
- Washdown equipment used in food and dairy processing must meet USDA and FDA sanitation standards. This typically requires stainless steel construction, sanitary fittings, and water temperatures sufficient to kill pathogens (140°F+).
W
- WD2010
- NCI's steam washdown station model series. Available in three variants: WD2010L (low pressure, 10–60 PSIG steam), WD2010M (medium pressure, 35–150 PSIG), and WD2010H (high pressure, 60–200 PSIG).
- Winterization
- The process of draining all water from a washdown station and its supply lines before freezing temperatures occur. Failure to winterize can crack valve bodies, fittings, and pipes. Required annually for stations in unheated areas.