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.
Cleaning Aluminum & Chelate Blush
When cleaning aluminum, it is assumed that the aluminum has been exposed to air and has formed the typical aluminum oxide layer prior to cleaning. If recently machined, aluminum must be cleaned and it cannot be allowed to air passivate. Therefore, a cleaner that contains appropriate metasilicate inhibitors such as Solujet, Detojet, Alcojet or Tergajet must be used.
Alconox Cleaners for Mechanical Washers
Q. Which Alconox cleaners are low foaming for use in mechanical washers?
A. Alconox, Inc makes both powder and liquid; acid and alkaline; and phosphate containing and phosphate-free low foaming cleaners. You need a low foaming cleaner for use in mechanical washers that rely on spraying to clean surfaces.