Cleaning is the process of removing unwanted soil from a surface and rendering it suitable for further use or processing. The type and composition of soil and surface must be determined in order to select the right cleaner. Next, the type of cleaning process must be known. Finally, the desired degree of surface cleanliness and it’s criteria must be understood. How clean must the surface be and how will that be measured?
Most cleaners displace and suspend or emulsify soils. Mechanical agitation accelerates this process. Alkaline cleaners are typically composed of alkaline salts, emulsifiers, wetting agents sequestering agents and inhibitors. Solvent based cleaners dissolve all or part of the soil.
Surface
The surface’s chemistry, reactivity, and complexity are the main factors to
consider. The cleaner should be compatible with the surface under the
conditions of operation. Most metal surfaces will be more susceptible to
corrosion once they have been cleaned. This must be addressed by
incorporating an inhibitor in the cleaner or applying one immediately after.
Soil
The composition and quantity of the soil are major factors in determining the
proper cleaner and cleaning process. Soils may build up in the cleaner bath
and affect performance. Soil load should be monitored and held below
tolerance limits by treatment, or bath renewal. Solids can be controlled with
proper filtration. Liquid soils can be removed with skimmers, coalescers or
centrifuges if they are not overly emulsified or dissolved by the cleaner.
Time
The chemical and physical process of cleaning needs time to be completed.
Reducing the time places greater performance demands on the cleaner
and/or the cleaning equipment.
Temperature
Higher temperatures can reduce the viscosity of residues and increase
cleaning efficiency. However, temperatures above those recommended for
a given product may compromise performance and waste the cost of
energy.
Water
Water normally contains dissolved ions like sodium, calcium, chloride, and
sulfate. These can be at high levels or can buildup over time through
evaporation of the water. They can affect stability, corrosion, residues, rate
of bacterial and fungal growth and the efficiency of the cleaner. Physical or
chemical treatment of the water can remove or tie-up some of these ions.
Equipment
There are two basic type of washers, spray and immersion. Spray washers
can vary in the type, number, position and pressure of the spray heads.
Immersion washers can vary from simple soak tanks to mechanically
agitated, ultrasonic, or electrolytic units. Maintenance of the washer
mechanisms, rinses, and blow-offs is critical.
Process Fluids Incorporated offers a full line of technically advanced products. Please review the appropriate product data sheet for specific use recommendations.
Spray Cleaners | |
1204-S | Economical, high alkaline, silicated cleaner with low foam above 135°F. |
1204-G | High alkaline, non silicated cleaner with low foam above 135°F. |
1205 | Moderate alkaline, silicated cleaner for standard soils. |
1210 | Heavy duty alkaline, silicated cleaner for difficult soils, use above 140°F. |
1400 | Mild alkaline general purpose cleaner for ferrous metals. |
1550 | Mild alkaline general purpose cleaner for ferrous and cast aluminum. |
Phosphate | |
Iron Phosphate | Liquid, low temperature iron phosphate. |
DPHOS | Liquid, low temperature detergent iron phosphate |
NC Seal-2 | Non-Chrome final seal for phosphated parts. |
Soak Tank Cleaners | |
1210 | Heavy duty alkaline, silicated cleaner for difficult soils, use above 140°F. |
1600 | Heavy duty liquid alkaline derust. |
1800 | Heavy duty steel soak and electro-cleaner. |
1900 | Phosphoric acid descale and metal etching. |
Maintenance Cleaners | |
1000 | Low cost general purpose maintenance cleaner. (pH: 11 - 12) |
1050 | Citrus degreaser/cleaner. (pH: 10.5 - 11.5) |
1100 | Heavy duty general purpose maintenance cleaner. (pH: 11 - 12) |
1150 | General purpose maintenance cleaner. (pH: 9 - 10) |
1205 | Silicated system cleaner. (pH: 11.5-12.5) |
Process fluids also offers an extensive range of corrosion preventives, metalforming lubricants, machining & grinding fluids and quenching fluids. Please consult your local representative for additional information.