Advanced Cleaning Mechanisms

Q: I’m looking for detergents similar to Liquinox and Citranox, that are specially formulated for cold water cleaning conditions. Can you recommend analogs to the two?

A: For most residues, the detergency of an aqueous detergent is enhanced and hastened by heat. 

Q. In your email you mentioned that Solujet and Citrajet have more sophisticated surfactant systems than a competitor’s low foaming washer detergent – could you explain a little bit more what ‘surfactant systems’ are?

A. Absolutely! Surfactants, or Surface Active Agents, are compounds that lower surface tension between particles, such as oil and water. In the oil and water example, a surfactant compound will contain hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules…

Q:  What is the difference between Liquinox vs. Citranox?  We are using Liquinox for many of our applications but are having trouble with stainless steel cleaning cannulas with a small ID.  Is Citranox the answer if the residue is inorganic?

A: Although Liquinox detergent is excellent at cleaning a host of residues, Citranox cleaner is indeed the better choice if we are fairly certain this is a largely inorganic residue.

Q: Can you elaborate on stored detergent separation of powders? Is this a concern? A: In short, not a concern. This can be addressed for both diluted and concentrates. A diluted powder solution of ~1-2% does not tend to separate even if chilled.  It is biodegradable and will have microbial growth.  Hence the 1-2 week stability we recommend. 

Q:  Can you describe what is mean by chelation or chelating agents?

A:  A common issue faced by detergent formulations is the presence of metal ions in water normally referred to as water hardness. In addition to a water softening effect, chelators also play a large role in the actual critical cleaning action of a detergent. Take for example substrates that are coated in limescale.