TechNotes

Is Alconox and/or Liquinox an effective detergent for rinsing and removing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from non-porous surfaces (such as excavation equipment)? We have a great deal of experience with remediating PCBs with both powdered and liquid concentrate detergent options.

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Q. We are looking for a product that will allow us to clean mold release agent from the surface of molded HDPE parts. A. The best way to reliably remove silicone based mold release agents is to immerse the HDPE parts in very hot (170ºF) 2% Alconox detergent followed by a very hot (170ºF) rinse, ideally both in ultrasonic tanks. After the first very hot rinse, normal ambient temperature rinsing can be done. This can also be done with stiff brushes, but of course protective equipment must be worn.

The theory behind this is that …

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Q. We are currently writing a protocol for conducting a process validation activity for our cleaning procedures for metal parts after our machining manufacturing process. What are the differences between cleaning effectiveness of Alconox detergent for cleaning various metallic surfaces such as stainless steel, titanium and cobalt chrome? Also, does Alconox detergent effectiveness change based on contamination characteristics, surface geometry or any other factors?

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What is the difference between Tergazyme and Alconox? Is one better? Is one more mild?

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Q: What types of Alconox, Inc. detergent would I use to clean a mold release agent? As an aside, is there any chance I could use the same detergent to also clean copper traces off a printed circuit board?

A: Yes! You may indeed be able to use one detergent in both these cleaning applications. But it will only work if the copper is not in the form of an oxide. Here’s why.

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Q: We manufacture medical devices. Can we use our Alconox or Citranox bath solution more than once? How do we know that we need to change the solution?

A: For the highest level of cleanliness, you only use a solution once. In general, in a medical device manufacturing and cleaning operation, a detergent bath will typically easily last for 8 hours.

For example, you can make up a fresh Alconox® or Citranox® solution once a day and then verify that the pH has not changed more …

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Q: We use Alconox® on the medical device parts we manufacture that need cleaning before shipment. Alconox® detergent is working in an excellent way with austenitic stainless steel parts, but is not working that well with martensitic stainless steel. Actually, at the end of the process cleaning martensitic steel, we notice some marks on the material. Any recommendations?

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Q: Why do some medical instrument makers caution against cleaning with phosphate cleaners? A: This derives from fear of Tri Sodium Phoshpate (TSP) cleaners that can have a pH of 12 in a 1% solution, which OSHA, for example, would define as corrosive, meaning…

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Q. Currently using Alconox, but are considering a switch to liquinox. We have seen less residuals with Liquinox, which is desireable. What are the recommendations and concerns with switching from Alconox to Liquinox? What are the difference in ingredients between the two?
A. Alconox and Liquinox are functionally equivalent cleaners, but are not chemically identical. Click to learn more and access the Liquinox and Alconox msds.

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Q: Some metalwork pieces have a residue of linoleic acid (traced back to the cutting oil) that remains after ultrasonic cleaning with Alconox® detergent. Will Alconox® will fully dissolve linoleic acid? Can you recommend a cleaning process to ensure complete removal of all linoleic acid residue from our parts?

A: Alconox® Powdered Precision Cleaner will not dissolve, but will emulsify, the linoleic acid on your machined parts. In order to get a linoleic-acid-free clean, increase

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