Prolonging Alconox Bath Life
Q. Is it possible to prolong the bath life of Alconox?
A. Yes. Start out with a stronger Alconox concentration. If using a 1% solution, use a 2% or possibly even 3% solution. After 1.5 weeks, add another 1.5% Alconox to the bath, especially if there has been make-up water added because of drag-out and evaporation. This regimen should allow successful cleaning for up to 3 weeks. It is not recommended trying to run an Alconox bath beyond 3 weeks, as these baths are prone to starting to grow microbes. Keep the bath covered when not in use and change out the bath every 3 weeks.
Pharmaceutical Residue Removal: Iron Sucrose
Q. Which Alconox brand cleaners are suitable for the removal of iron sucrose?
A. Iron Sucrose is water soluble therefore it can be cleaned by either Citranox or Liquinox. Find out more about Citranox and Liquinox by downloading technical bulletins or MSDS at www.alconox.com.
Aqueous Cleaner Safety
Q. What are the safety issues involved when using aqueous cleaners?
A. Worker safety issues with aqueous cleaners involve skin exposure, eye exposure, ingestion, and chronic systemic exposure. It is always necessary to consult the label and MSDS on the cleaner for warnings and safety precautions. Physical safety issues include storage and handling. All Alconox, Inc. brands are biodegradable, technical bulletins and MSDS are downloadable via www.alconox.com. To read more about safety issues and aqueous cleaning, the experts at Alconox, Inc have written The Aqueous Cleaning Handbook.
Cleaning Semiconductor Equipment
Q. We’re getting some residue from foaming of detergent on our semiconductor handling equipment.
A. To clean semiconductor handling equipment in electronics, use a warm 3% Detergent 8 (30 mL/L) solution followed by a deionized water rinse to clean the equipment. Detergent 8 is free of any metal ion ingredients such as sodium that can dope a semiconductor.
Cleaning Chromate Finished Zinc Plated Bolts
Q. I need to specify a cleaning protocol for chromate finished zinc plated bolts. The plater commented that any cleaning (except for a very mild one) can damage the chromate finish. The customer is concered about residual oils. My guess at a cleaning protocol would be: clean in ultrasonic bath, 2 min with 1% Alconox solution, rinse with de-ionized water. All we are doing is cleaning fasteners to be installed in a clean room. The level of cleanliness for these fasteners is a bit fuzzy. Does this sound reasonable?
A. Read the answer.
