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Trial Number 13

Trial Purpose:

To compare the effectiveness of alternative solvents to Trichloroethylene (TCE) when removing lubricating oils from aluminum alloy coupons.

Date Run:

12/26/2017

Experiment Procedure:

Pre-soiled aluminum parts (Oak 7a - CAS: 64742-53-6; 68909-65-9) and TCE cleaned parts were provided by Lytron. The contact angle of a TCE cleaned part was taken three times and then averaged. The average contact angle was used as a benchmark for the standard of cleanliness. This process was repeated with the pre-soiled parts to get a dirty contact angle. Parts were cleaned for five minutes using Opteon Sion and Tergo Metal Cleaner in a heated ultrasonic tank (95 F). Clean contact angles were taken three times per part and averaged for a final clean contact angle. 

Trial Results:

The average contact angle for a TCE cleaned part was 93.97°. The TCE contact angle served as a benchmark for the standard of cleanliness.

 

Cleaner Part # Dirty Contact Angle Average Dirty Clean Contact Angle Average Clean
Opteon Sion 1 44.86° 45.16° 79.26° 80.48°
50.14° 79.06°
40.49° 83.13°
Tergo Metal Cleaner 2 35.61° 43.88° 79.29° 86.34°
43.46° 90.44°
52.58° 89.28°

 

Success Rating:

Results suggest a scale-up feasible match for cleaning chemistry and equipment. Pilot plant study with actual parts recommended.

Conclusion:

The Tergo Metal Cleaner had the closest clean contact angle to the TCE cleaned contact angle. Tergo Metal Cleaner would be a more viable replacement for TCE based on the cleaning evaluation.

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