Metalworking & Precision Manufacturing

Q: What can we do to replace n-propyl bromide? We are cleaning grease and oil from stainless steel. We had heard Citranox might do the job well.
A: The compound n-propyl bromide is often used in vapor degreasing and is considered to be associated with some serious health risks and is hazardous. We would certainly recommend you switch to a drain-safe, biodegradable, aqueous detergents.

A non-free rinsing cleaner might contain fragrances that were designed to deposit and leave a fresh scent, or it might contain corrosion inhibitors that are designed to deposit and leave behind an anti-corrosion film.

Alconox, Inc, cleaners are free rinsing detergents and do not leave deposits on substrates after rinsing.

Q. Do I determine detergent dilution by weight or by volume or both?

A. In a laboratory setting, the most common method is to either make a weight/weight dilution (10-20 g Alconox detergent in 990 g of water), or a weight/volume dilution (10-20 g Alconox in 990 mL of water) for 1-2% solutions.  In manufacturing situations, often directions are written volume/volume or volume/weight.

Q: We are having trouble removing polyurethane glue from stainless steel bolts.

A: Adherent residues can be tough.  And clearly glue is adherent, per design. 

For this application we want to increase temperature to expedite the cleaning effort as much as possible, and soften the glue.  We also want to up the concentration to ensure having sufficient detergent capacity. 

Q. We are cleaning copper pipe with Alconox powder and then using a citric acid wash after a rinse. Could we use a different detergent from Alconox, Inc. that would accomplish both these procedures at once?
A. Citranox® Liquid Acid Cleaner and Detergent is both a detergent and serves as an acidic rinse (removing oxidation, inorganic residue, etc.). So, if you’d like to switch to one product, Citranox cleaner is a great option.