Comparing powder and liquid detergents

Q. We would like information comparing powder and liquid detergents.  We frequently use 55-gal drums of Liquinox to remediate gasoline contaminated soil and groundwater. We are not cleaning lab glassware. We inject it into the groundwater at hazardous waste sites to solubilize the globules of gasoline or other contaminants trapped in the porous spaces of the soil. I would like to know if it is cheaper to buy the powdered Alconox and dissolve it?  Is there an equivalent unit of measure to evaluate the two?

A. Thanks for the question.

Basically 1 gallon of Liquinox® Critical Cleaning Liquid Detergent makes 100 gallons of solution (at a concentration of 1%).  Two 4 lb boxes of powdered Alconox® Powdered Precision Cleaner will make ~100 gallons of washing solution (again at 1% solution).  Concentration relates to the detergent capacity, or the amount of dirt/soil, or in this case oil, that can be solubilized and carried away.  Generally speaking, the capacity of these detergents is very similar.

So it then comes down of course to the pricing at your preferred Alconox, Inc. dealer.  If two 4 lb boxes cost less than the gallon of Liquinox, then you should use Alconox detergent.  Prices vary by dealer and location, however, they will likely be very close in price.

These principles can generally apply to all powder and liquid inquiries.

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