Custom Detergent Formulations
Q. Does Alconox, Inc. make custom detergent formulations to solve special cleaning problems?
A. Yes, Alconox, Inc. will make custom formulations to solve special cleaning problems. Of course we always try to solve cleaning problems with off the shelf cleaners, but if there are special cleaning needs that cannot be met using regular Alconox brand cleaners, then where the size of business warrants manufacturing a new formulation, we will make custom detergents.
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Tergazyme to Reduce Allergen Cross Contamination
Q. Are there any benefits in using Tergazyme to reduce the risk of allergen cross contamination? As you know, allergens are proteins, so under what conditions might the protease in Tergazyme denature allergen proteins to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
A. Yes. Tergazyme contains a serine endopeptidase protease that will lyse proteins and change their tertiary structure in a way that can reduce their allergenic nature.
Cleaning Aluminum without Corrosion
Q. How is galvanic corrosion prevented when cleaning aluminum?
A. Aluminum is an active metal that is somewhat high on the “anodic index” of the galvanic series. If aluminum is cleaned with other metals present, you can create a battery and get galvanic corrosion. Aluminum should not be cleaned in the presence of metals that are significantly higher or lower on the anodic series; higher on the anodic scale such as zinc, magnesium or beryllium metals and lower on the anodic scale such as tin, brass, bronze, copper, silver, nickel and rhodium.
Cleaning Aluminum with Alconox
Q. Which Alconox cleaners can be used on Aluminum?
A. The Alconox brand cleaners recommended for cleaning aluminum are Alconox, Liquinox, Tergazyme, Alcojet, Alcotabs, Detojet, Citranox, Luminox, Citrajet, Solujet and Tergajet. Detergent 8 is not recommended for cleaning aluminum. Aluminum forms a natural passive layer in air that allows it to be successfully cleaned without adverse reactions with cleaner. A passive layer forms in under an hour, provided there is no oily film present. Once the passive layer is formed, the recommended Alconox brand cleaners can be used to clean the aluminum at concentrations of less than 5% at 90 deg C or less for up to one hour.
Lowering the pH of Tergazyme
Q. Can you lower the pH of Tergazyme using Citric acid or vinegar?
A. Yes. To adjust the pH of a 1% Tergazyme solution from pH 9.5 to about pH 8.5 add 0.1 grams of 99% anhydrous citric acid for each 5 grams of Tergazyme.