1. Testing and Validation
Has ec-H2O's ability to clean surfaces been verified through testing?
- Yes.
- Aspen Labs, an independent, nationally recognized research laboratory has tested and verified the effectiveness of cleaning with ec-H2O.
- Tests were run side by side for ten weeks in 2006 at the Target Center, a 16,000 seat arena in downtown Minneapolis.
- An EPA approved test to measure the total suspended solids (TSS) in the recovery tank of a machine using ec-H2O and a machine using a neutral pH floor cleaner was performed. During these tests all other variables, such as down pressure, pad type etc., were kept constant. The only difference was the use of ec-H2O versus a detergent.
- ec-H2O proved to have the same or better cleaning performance in removing soils versus the use of the detergent.
- Independent experts from around the world have verified the science behind and cleaning ability of ec-H2O.
- Many global customers have tested, validated and purchased ec-H2O machines in different markets.
Has ec-H2O been certified by any third party organizations?
Does ec-H2O contribute to LEED certification?
- No single product purchase earns a LEED credit. A credit is earned under the equipment section by having in place a program that buys cleaning equipment that meets the criteria defined in the LEED EBOM, Green Equipment section EQ3.4. 20 % of all equipment owned either in units or dollar value must meet the criteria during the performance period. Then the building must have in place that when replacement equipment is needed procures equipment that meets the criteria.
- On April 27th the USGBC launched version 3 of LEED Existing Building Operations and Maintenance (EBOM). Significant changes are:
1. Rating system is now 100 point scale versus 92, with 10 bonus points
2. Cleaning related credits have been reduced from 9 to 6
3. First tier certification threshold has been raise from 34 to 40 points.
4. Sustainable chemicals and paper now earn 1 point versus a potential of 3
5. The equipment credit (EQ 3.4) ec-H2O has been changed to definitively INCLUDE auto scrubber with ec-H2O technology.
This is a major shift. Equipment can now earn one of six potential points versus one of nine.
The weighting of chemicals is also one in six versus three in nine under the previous rating system.
ec-H2O as well as FaST and other products meet these criteria. See Tennant Company's environmental brochure or check online at www.tennantco.com
Has ec-H2O Green Seal or Eco-Flower certification?
Green cleaning technologies are evolving rapidly. Certifications are focused on chemicals and have not kept pace with innovation beyond chemicals.
ec-H2O effectively cleans without chemicals, therefore is not covered by Green Seal or Eco-Flower because there is no chemical component to certify.
Look at this in the context of GOOD—BETTER—BEST:
Traditional cleaning chemicals are GOOD; they do the job, but, they have been found to have negative environmental and human health impacts.
BETTER cleaning chemicals are those certified as green chemicals. They likewise do a good cleaning job and have greatly reduced environmental impact. However, they still have the environmental footprint of production, packaging, transportation, storage, use, and disposal. They are also not totally harmless to people, plants, and our planet. Being chemicals their use requires (OSHA 1910) MSDS, staff training, proper labeling, inventory records, and personal protection equipment.
A BEST cleaning technology is one that cleans effectively with no chemicals; the environmental footprint is eliminated as well as the chemical management requirements. This simplifies many aspects of your cleaning operations: use, training, inventories, procurement, and reduces costs.
Tennant's ec-H2O technology fulfills these BEST in class requirements.
Has ec-H2O been recognized by 3rd party organizations for its Innovation?
- ec-H2O has received many Global Innovation Awards:
- ISSA Innovation Award - 2007, North America Industry leading trade show
- R&D Magazine Top 100 Award - 2008, Most Technologically Significant Innovations
- Australia Business Award - 2008, Best Eco-Friendly Product
- European Business Award - 2009, Innovation Category
- Premier Healthcare Innovation – 2009
- Sustainable Industries –Green Building Products TOP 10 2009
How many patents has Tennant Company filed for its ec-H2O technology?
We currently have 30 patent pending applications on our ec-H2O technology.
2. Application- Where to Use
Can I use ec-H2O for all my floor cleaning applications?
- ec-H2O can be used in any application where a traditional neutral pH floor cleaner is used.
- In areas that contain synthetic petroleum oils, a heavy-duty degreaser is required.
- ec-H2O is effective cleaning vegetable based oils and greases found in kitchens, cafeterias, produce aisles in supermarkets, food courts, etc.
- ec-H2O cleans well on all types of smooth or porous floors.
Why does my floor look brighter after using ec-H2O?
- ec-H2O removes residues that detergents may leave. Detergents can leave a haze on the floor reducing the reflection of light off the floor. Eliminating the detergent eliminates this haze. Customers have been amazed how much foam is seen in the recovery tank, days after they've used ec-H20.
Could ec-H2O damage my floor?
- ec-H2O interacts with the floor surface material like traditional Neutral pH detergents. Although we do not see a concern at all, we are actively working with different global flooring manufacturers for official approval of the use of ec-H2O on their products.
Do I need to buy a separate machine for applications requiring chemicals?
- No, ec-H2O machines are equipped with an on/off switch allowing the operator to switch from ec-H2O mode to conventional mode for areas with petroleum based grease or oil, which require a heavy-duty degreaser.
Does ec-H2O sanitize or disinfect my floor?
- No. Due to the surface or dwell time (2 -10 min.) requirements that the surface must remain wet to achieve sanitization or disinfection, we have not pursued registration of ec-H2O as it is in contact with the flooring surface for 2-3 seconds.
- It helps with the process. It will remove all old residues from soil and chemicals and make sanitization/disinfection more efficient.
- Be aware that registered sanitizers and disinfectants used in an auto scrubber do not achieve the appropriate kill levels due to insufficient dwell time. Make sure to read the label on the chemical product.
After cleaning with ec-H2O, what's left in the recovery tank?
- After approximately 45 seconds, the cleaning solution returns to plain H2O.
- Only plain tap water and the soil removed from the floor remain in the recovery tank.
Does ec-H2O have high bacteria development in dirty recovery tank water?
- No.
- ec-H2O has no different bacteria development in the recovery tank than the use of a traditional detergent.
What if I accidentally run chemicals through the ec-H2O module?
- We have run extensive testing to determine the impact of chemicals on the system.
- Testing showed that the ec-H2O box is not harmed due to occasional use of chemicals with the ec-H2O module.
- We advise against running chemicals through the module consistently as we cannot guarantee that extensive chemical exposure would not harm the module.
If I run detergents through ec-H2O will I experience enhanced cleaning performance?
- No cleaning boost is gained through the combined use of ec-H2O and a detergent.
- In fact, our testing indicates that the cleaning performance of ec-H2O is actually adversely impacted by the addition of detergents.
3. Technical Questions
How long will the ec-H2O module last?
- The module will last the life of the machine and is covered by the machine's warranty.
What if something happens to the ec-H2O module? Can it be repaired or will it be replaced?
- Tennant service reps will diagnose the severity of the problem and determine whether to repair or replace a component or replace the entire module as any other part.
What is the warranty for the module?
- The ec-H2O module carries the same standard warranty as the Tennant machine.
What if I use the machine in the area with hard water? Will this preclude ec-H2O from working properly?
- No, ec-H2O is dependent on availability of mineral content in the tap water to produce ec-H2O.
- ec-H2O is a smart technology which detects the mineral content in the water and adjusts the electrical current accordingly.
- The result is a consistent output and cleaning performance regardless of water type.
What is the effect of ec-H2O technology on battery run time?
- The effect from cell that produces ec-H2O on battery run time is not noticeable.
- The power used by the pump to control solution flow impacts battery run time 5-10 minutes depending on model. This is the same amount of impact as a detergent solution metering system.
Is ec-H2O the same technology as what is in the Activeion Pro spray bottle?
- It is the same type of technology which uses blended electrically converted water streams. Tennant Company has licensed the technology to Activeion for use in a spray bottle.
- ec-H2O was developed for hard surface floor cleaning applications and Activeion Pro was developed for spray and wipe cleaning applications on hard and soft surfaces.
Has ec-H2O any benefit on maintenance compared to chemicals?
- Extensive testing as well as historical data tracking from the field has proven that chemical misuse (improper dilution, high foaming detergents) is the number one reason for damage to vacuum motors. With ec-H2O this is no longer the case, so eliminating service costs as well as downtime to replace broken vacuum motors.
- ec-H2O is not only safer, but has also a much lower cost in operation.