Laboratory

Q. Is corrosion testing advisable on type I borosilicate glass labware?

A. Type 1 borosilicate glass has excellent corrosion resistance properties. For this reason, it is commonly used for laboratory glassware to hold a wide range of chemical compounds without interacting with those compounds. Alconox, Inc. detergents have not been reported to attack type I borosilicate glass.

Q. We would like a list of mild detergents that could be used for cleaning serofuges.

A. The serological tubes used in serofuges can have difficult to clean protein residues. These residues are best cleaned by a proteolytic enzymatic cleaner such as Tergazyme.

Q. We are discontinuing the use of Chromic Sulfuric Acid and need a worthy substitute. What do you recommend? A. Chromic sulfuric acid was historically used to clean laboratory glassware back before the advent of laboratory detergents. It was effective on a very wide range of residues and water solubility gave interfering, residue-free surfaces. Of course, chromic sulfuric acid is also highly hazardous and difficult to dispose.

Q. I use a Miele glass wash machine and currently use Alcojet. I am wondering if I need to use a two step wash with an acid rinse to be sure the glass is residue free. What detergents would you recommend for either a one or two step cleaning process?
A. Alcojet detergent is free-rinsing, meaning it rinses completely away with water and without rinse aids. There are no softeners, brighteners, fragrances or other residues that are not involved with the specific action of aqueous cleaning. Having said that, we know of many applications that do still involve an acid rinse/wash.

Join us in New Orleans, LA on March 8-12, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for Pittcon Conference and Expo 2015. Alconox Inc. is at Booth 4401. Come visit our booth to receive our unique Alconox gifts, expert technical support for critical cleaning applications and detergent samples. Hope to see you there!