Electronics

Q. We have found chlorine present on our printed circuit boards after ultrasonic cleaning and distilled water rinse.  As ultrasonic cleaning detergent, we’re using either Liquinox or Detergent 8, but are unsure which one was used on affected boards.  Could either be contributing to this issue?

A. It’s highly unlikely that either detergent, or your cleaning process, is the source of the chlorine residue.  The cleaning process you described, if using detergent at recommended dilution levels, should successfully remove flux and process residues.  

Intuition, logic, and maybe even some experiences, can lead us to believe more detergent is better.  These everyday experiences where it might apply include your washing machine, dishwasher, or even your hands in the bathroom sink.  But, what is actually meant by better?  This is where concentration and detergency come into play, terms you may see in our literature and documentation, as well as our responses and solutions to cleaning challenges.

Q. We are seeing white residue on clear anodized aluminum that we are cleaning with Detojet. Why is this happening and what can we do to prevent it?
A. There are a few reasons this may be happening. 

Possible Reason 1: The Detojet® Low Foaming Liquid Detergent concentration may be too low in the wash cycle and the concentration of calcium, magnesium and iron too high in the water used.  This would result…

Q: What can I use to replace hazardous acids below pH 1 cleaning?
A: Depending on exactly what you are using your acid cleaning to do, we may be able to help you.

Q. We manufacture electronics and use Citranox to cleans oil off of a variety of machined parts. However, our Municipal Water District does not allow the disposal of spent Citranox. Can you recommend a neutralization procedure?

A. You will need 0.14 lbs, 0r 2 ¼ oz of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to neutralize a gallon of un-used 1% Citranox solution to a pH near 7. Note that some of the acidity in Citranox may be depleted …