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Trial Number 0

Trial Purpose:

To find a substitute for methyl chloride

Date Run:

05/28/1998

Experiment Procedure:

Ten chemistries were selected for testing based on the following: compatible with Aluminum and Stainless Steel, able to remove carbon deposits, able to be used in high pressure or immersion cleaning. Past laboratory experiments with similar conditions were examined to aid in selecting possible cleaning chemistries. 
Twenty-five milliliters of each cleaner were poured into a 30 mL beaker. A 0.5 gram of the contaminant was weighed and placed into each beaker. Each cleaner was stirred for 30 seconds with a glass rod. Observations were recorded. The stirring and observation cycle was repeated.
The chemistries were then allowed to sit for 3 hours and then overnight. Stirring and observations took place after each interval.
SUBSTRATE MATERIAL: N/A
CONTAMINANTS: Carbon Black/ethyl acetate/silica mixture

Trial Results:

Table 1 lists the observations after each stirring.

Table 1 Observations of Cleaning Chemistries

Chemistry Weight Added (g) 30 Seconds Observation 60 Seconds Observation 3HR Observation 24HR Observation
1 0.5007 No mixing Same Same Same
2 0.5007 Some mixing Same Same Same
3 0.5014 Some mixing Same Same Same
4 0.5005 Blue/grey cloudy Black Same Blue/grey settling out
5 0.5009 Some mixing Same Same Same
6 0.4998 Little mixing Same Same Same
7 0.5003 No mixing Same Same Same
8 0.5008 No mixing Same Same Same
9 0.5003 Some Mixing Same Same Same
10 0.4998 Mixing Lots of mixing Black Same

 

Two of the chemistries proved to be effective in cleaning the contaminate.  The number 4 and 10 cleaners showed immediate signs of dissolving the carbon black mixture after the first stirring.  The number 4 cleaner appeared to dissolve more of the contaminant then the number 10 did.  Both improved after the second mixing, again 4 more so than 10.  After the third mixing both were about the same.  After the final mixing, most of the contaminant was dissolved into solution for number 10.  The carbon black started to settle out of cleaner number 4.

Success Rating:

Preliminary compatibility tests on substrate coupons encouraging for at least one cleaning chemistry. More in-depth laboratory testing necessary.

Conclusion:

Two cleaners, 4-Buckeye Shopmaster and 10-Safe Cleanup Super Neutral, were effective in dissolving the carbon black mixture. MSDSs and Technical data sheets for both have been included with this report.
The next test will be to find chemistries which can clean the supplied adhesive. The initial testing will be the same as this experiment.

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