Trial Number 9

Seven cleaners were selected from the laboratories database of past testing based on supplied data from client. Four aqueous based cleaners were diluted to 10% using DI water in 250 ml beakers. Three semi-aqueous products were used at full strength also in 250 ml beakers. An eighth product was added as the client's current cleaner and diluted to 10%. All eight products were heated to 130 F on a hot plate. Twenty-four preweighed ceramic coupons were coated with client supplied dye, Sherwin Incorporated Dubl-Ckek Penetrant DB-51 (68131-40-8). The dye 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.

All eight products removed over 80% of the red dye from the ceramic coupons within five minutes of immersion cleaning. Half of the products still little to no visible amounts of the dye. Of these four products, DBE 6 performed the best, followed by Ink Zapper, SC Aircraft & Metal cleaner and Metabolix E3HB. The table lists the amount of dye initially added, the amount remaining after cleaning and the efficiency for each coupon cleaned.

The five successful products will be retested using ultrasonic energy.