The World of Spectank®

Spectank® system and Carbsolve®

Copyright© Spectank® (Pty) Ltd 2004

• Table of contents

• Introduction to Spectank®• General Description • Spectank® system• The System• Specifications of the tank• Specifications of the chemical• Facts• Notes• Frequently asked questions• Before and after pictures• Seven easy steps• Some of our clients

• General Description

Ever since man first began "cooking", the build-up of fats and oils on cooking equipment and utensils has been a problem. With the continued use of the cooking equipment without thorough cleaning between use, the "fat build-up" soon turned into a carbon like crust and would become so hard, it was almost impossible to remove, especially around handles, corners crevices etc. Over the centuries, man has strived to combat this carbon crusty "fat build-up". Many kinds of harsh chemicals have reached the market, but due to their corrosive and toxic nature, - together with their costly safety requirements, - have not beensuccessful. The Spectank System was first developed in 1991.

• After many years of research and testing, a solution was developed that is"just what the doctor ordered". The solution is called Carbsolve®. Carbsolve® is non-toxic, non-corrosive, environmentally friendly and most of all, user friendly. The first soak tank built was a single skin soak tank with the heating element exposed in the solution. As with most inventions, the prototype presented many unforeseen problems. One by one, the problems were addressed and eventually a suitable tank was built. Through years of learning, through trial and error, and experience with Spectank, we have a product that works like no other product on the market today.

• Welcome to Spectank®. We hope you will find

Spectank® as rewarding as we do. I am always amazed at the reaction of new customers after they have tried our Spectank® System. I know, that you too will be equally amazed, when you see the results of your first cleaning, and every cleaning thereafter.

• Spectank® System.

• In March 1991, Spectank (Pty) Ltd developed a cleaning system used to remove black carbon build up from kitchen and baking equipment.

 • Martin Glauber, a South African is the inventor of

the system, and has through the years spoken to several parties with the intention of launching the product worldwide.

 

• The Spectank® system, including the tank and the

chemical Carbsolve®, has been marketed in the USA, Canada, Australia, Spain, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Israel, UAE, England and South Africa. There are in excess of 15,000 units in operation, and the system has been used by leading hotels, bakeries, supermarkets, restaurants, hospitals and many other hot kitchens.

• The ingredients of the chemical powder are non-hazardous.

• The trade names, Spectank® and Carbsolve® are registered in the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe and South Africa.

  

Mini-Tank

Frontal view

Econo Tank

Super Econo-Tank

Front view

• The Original System

The system comprises of a stainless steel soak tank, which is heated using an element, and is thermostatically controlled. A user friendly, non-abrasive chemical powder is mixed with water in the soak tank. Items such as metal pots, pans, oven trays, serving dishes, filters, grills, cooker tops, gas rings, wire baskets, bread straps and baking trays, are soaked in the solution for between 1 and 72 hours, depending on the equipment being cleaned and the amount of carbon build up on the equipment. (It was discovered later that the heated chemical is effective in removing stains from linen).

 

Carbsolve®

Safe

User friendly

Non-toxic

Odourless

SABS 1828

• Specifications of the tank

The tank is manufactured from 304 stainless steel. There are 4 sizes of tanks, namely:• Mini-tank Inner dimensions: 62x30x60cm• Econo-tank Inner dimensions: 85x41x69.5cm• Midi-tank Inner dimensions: 100x50x85cm• Jumbo-tank Inner dimensions: 120x120x80cm The tanks are single skinned on all sides, as is as the

lid.     The lid of the tank is designed so as to allow all the

condensation to fall back into the tank. The tank is heated by an electric element, which is thermostatically controlled.

        

• The tank operates on single phase electricity.• The tank has an electric box, which houses the

electricals, and the element can be removed without emptying the contents of the tank.

• There is a stainless steel basket used for loading and unloading equipment into the tank.

• The tank has a drainage valve used to empty the contents of the tank.

• The tank has castors on all 4 corners (two of which swivel and two fixed).

• Facts• The system is designed for all commercial kitchens and

bakeries.• The system is most effective on metals, in the removal

of burnt on fats and oils.• The system is used successfully in laundries.• The operating temperature of the water in the tank is

80-90 Degrees C.• The system does not require circulation of the water

through the means of a pump.• Items removed from the tank can be used immediately

after rinsing has taken place.• Items removed from the tank are bacteria free.

• Notes• A UL listing for the tanks was approved and filed in 1998 in

the USA.• The ingredients of the chemicals have been submitted to both

UL and NSF in the USA.• The Spectank® soak tank system (dip tank) is not new, and

has been operational for about 17 years.• There are4 sizes stainless steel tanks.• The tank has a basket for loading/unloading.• Operating temperature of solution is 80-90 Degrees C.• Chemical remains active for 30 days.• Items must be rinsed off after soak.• Soaked items can be used immediately after rinsing.• System is designed for commercial/bakery markets.• System is designed to clean black carbon from cooking

equipment.

• Frequently asked questions

• How often do you change the water?• The solution in the tank including the Carbsolve® will last

for a month at a time, only the surface needs to be “skimmed” every few days to remove surface fats and oils.

• What is included in the rental?• The full service rental on all the tanks includes; supplying

and installing the tank, training of staff on the use of the tank, draining, cleaning, refilling and adding the Carbsolve® on a monthly basis, all maintenance and repairs when necessary.

 

• Is Carbsolve® caustic?• No, Carbsolve® is pH balanced and at 10.7 is safe for

workers and staff to use. It is recommended that gloves be worn, as when Carbsolve® is diluted in the Spectank® the solution is very hot.

• What can I not clean in Spectank®?• It is not recommended to put silver, silver plate, tin

plate, enamel-coated pots, Teflon and silicone coated pans, wood or thin plastic items into the Spectank®.

• Can I put aluminium in the Spectank®?• Yes, Carbsolve® is tested non-corrosive to aluminium

as per SABS test 331/81561/L65.

• Can I purchase the Spectank®?• Yes, you may purchase any Spectank® (except the FUSION)

provided that you sign a Service Agreement for the servicing and maintenance of the tank.

• Is there a guarantee on the Spectank®?• Yes, all tanks are guaranteed on construction for a period of

5 (five) years from date of manufacture, and on the electrical system for 3 (three) months. Use of any other chemicals in the Spectank® invalidates the guarantee.

• How long must items remain in the Spectank®?• This depends on the item but generally between 20 minutes

and 24 hours, items should not be left in the tank longer than 24 hours, they must be removed thoroughly washed and rinsed and put back in the Spectank® if required.

• Will the solution kill bacteria?• As the Spectank® system runs at over 75°c all harmful

bacteria will die in the Carbsolve® solution, so all items removed from the Spectank® will be sanitised.

• Is the solution safe to dispose of in the drain?• Yes, there are no harmful chemicals only broken down

organic material. • What other approvals does Carbsolve® have?• Carbsolve® has been registered and approved by the Beth

Din. • Carbsolve® is registered as a Proudly South African

chemical.• Carbsolve® is approved by the SABS as a food safe chemical

and has a SABS 1828 certification

• How often should items be cleaned in the Spectank®?• Certain items such as extraction filters, gas grills, roasting

tins, pots and pans should be done nightly. Other items such as oven racks, frying baskets, gas rings and drain covers should be done weekly. The Spectank® system should be in constant use.

• Will Carbsolve® damage Teflon or silicone coatings?• Items left in the Spectank® longer than 24 hours and

cleaned too often will over time lose their coating. Items already damaged placed in the Spectank® will cause the chemical to “lift” coatings away from the metal surface.

• What happens if the Spectank® breaks down?• Contact the Franchisee for your area and they will attend to

the problem as soon as possible.

Examples of items cleanedbread strap

Examples of items cleanedbread strap

Examples of items cleanedFrench loaf trays

Examples of items cleanedRoasting pan

Before After

Examples of items cleaned

Extraction Filter

Before

After

Example of another

Extraction Filter

Before

After

Examples of items cleaned

Before After

Examples of items cleaned

Before After

Step 1. Remove food from equipment

Seven easy steps to hygienic, clean equipment

Step 2. Rinse item with water

Seven easy steps

Step 3. Place items in tank

Seven easy steps

Step 4. Leave to soak for required time

Seven easy steps

Step 5. Remove items from tank

Seven easy steps

Step 6. Rinse immediately with warm water

Seven easy steps

Step 7.Top up tank daily with water if needed

Seven easy steps

• Skim surface fats and oils from the water on a daily basis.

• Do not place other items on the top of tank to stay warm.

• Always check that the lid is correctly placed on the tank to prevent evaporation.

• Never use an extension cord on the plug of the tank.• Do not attempt to repair the Spectank® yourself rather

call your Spectank® Franchisee.• Before calling your Spectank® Franchisee to check or

repair the tank please check; That you have power? The tank is plugged in? The tank thermostat has not been switched down?

Points to remember

THE ENDTHE END