Published: July 30, 2014
Q: We currently use Alconox detergent on our manufacturing equipment as well as a glass cleaner in the labs. We are qualifying a piece of equipment and wanted assurance that Alconox detergent can clean different types of Stainless Steel. I downloaded the Tech Bulletin that notes Stainless Steel, but does not give any specifics. Do you have documentation regarding the different types of Stainless Steel that Alconox cleans from?
A: Alconox® Powdered Precision Cleaner has been used successfully to clean many grades of stainless steel. In general, there is no grade of stainless steel that is attacked during the cleaning process with Alconox detergent. Alconox detergent contains polyphosphates and organic chelating agents that chelate and sequester iron oxide and stop the auto catalytic reaction of oxidation of surface iron to form corrosion in the form of iron oxide. Alconox detergent does not contain any corrosion inhibitors that leave a corrosion inhibiting residue. Alconox detergent is free rinsing and does not leave any residue behind. As such, those grades of stainless steel that can be attacked by water, are labile to possible corrosion during rinsing after cleaning with Alconox detergent. It is often possible to control corrosion on these labile grades of steel by rinsing quickly with cold water followed by rapid water removing (rather than evaporating) drying methods. These labile grades of steel are some of the un-precipitation hardened martensitic stainless steels, 200 series stainless steel and tool steels like S7. In general the 300 series stainless steels are not labile to rinse water corrosion.
For more information about any one of our Alconox Inc. Cleaners, consult the specific technical bulletin for each product HERE. Or click here to access each of our detergent’s Safety Data Sheets. You can also request a free sample by completing the questionnaire at Get Sample.
For fastest reply, please email cleaning@alconox.com
