Removing Solder Flux from Brass and Steel Assembly
Q: We currently use a 5% Citranox solution to clean our Brass and Steel Assemblies that have solder flux. The bath is at 55-80C for 15 minutes. Is the temperature ok? Any concern with the parts sitting overnight in this mixture?
A: First, as we always ask, is this process working? Is the flux being removed? Is there darkening or oxidation occurring on the parts? Critical cleaning is of course a science. There is also an “art” component to it in that….
Extra Foam Please?
Q: Since foaming is so critical to COP methods, should operators be agitating the solution(s) to produce foam before and during manual cleanings?
A: Mechanical energy, agitation, and plain old elbow grease, are vital weapons in cleaning and Clean-Out-Of-Place applications. So we would recommend that wherever possible, mechanical energy be applied to remove unwanted residues from the surface we are trying to clean. This will
Cleaning for Powder Coating
Q. Can Alconox assist with pre-powder coat cleaning?
A. Yes! To get the best powder coating results, you will need a residue free surface. The detergent you use will depend on the material being coated. The reduction in surface oxides greatly helps with adhesion. The surface is made more receptive to accepting the coating.
Aqueous Detergents Above Boiling Temperature
Q: Do you have usable detergents above boiling temperature? Any that we could consider that could withstand such high temps?
A: Great question. There are several uses currently in play across many industries where detergents are used at or near boiling temperatures.
For use of detergents above the boiling point, a couple of factors need to be discussed.
What is the difference between Citranox and Citrajet?
Q. What is the difference between Citranox and Citrajet?
A. Both Citranox® Liquid Acid Cleaner and Detergent and Citrajet® Low-Foam Liquid Acid Cleaner/Rinse are acid cleaners that are excellent at removing inorganics, metallic complexes, trace metals and oxides, scale, salts, soil, grit and oils off glass, metal, stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic, plastic rubber and fiberglass. Both Citranox and Citrajet detergents can be used on soft metals such as copper, bronze, aluminum, zinc, magnesium, and others, if rinsed promptly.