Trial Number 7

Eight cleaners were selected from the laboratories database of past testing based on supplied data from client. Six aqueous based cleaners were diluted to 10% using DI water in 250 ml beakers. Tw0 semi-aqueous products were used at full strength also in 250 ml beakers. A ninth product was added as the client's current cleaner and diluted to 10%. All nine products were heated to 130 F on a hot plate. Twenty-seven preweighed ceramic coupons were coated with client supplied grease, Hibrenia Way Apiezon M1 Grease. The grease was applied directly to the coupon surface using a swab and then weighed a second time. Three coupons were cleaned in each solution for 5 minutes using stir-bar agitation. Coupons were rinsed in tap water for 15 seconds at 120 F, followed by air blow off at room temperature for 30 seconds. Once dry, coupons were weighed a final time and efficiencies for each cleaner were calculated.

One product, Metabolix E3HB removed over 94% of the grease within 5 minutes of immersion cleaning. Four other products showed signs of starting to remove the grease, removing between 30 and 50% of the grease. The current cleaner was found to have the second lowest grease removal, about 4%. The table lists the amount of soil added, the amount remaining after cleaning and the efficiency for each coupon cleaned.

The five products that removed over 30% of the grease will be retested using ultrasonics. The client's current cleaner will also be tested for comparative measures.