Trial Number 4

The three products from the previous trial based on successful removal of the resin and had the ability to be diluted. Each of the three products were used at 50% strength in 300 ml glass beakers. Solutions were used at room temperature. Nine preweighed aluminum coupons were coated with the Mereco ECN 809 Base Black resin using a swab. Coupons were weighed a second time to determine the amount of soil added. Three coupons were immersed into each product and cleaned for 60 minutes using no agitation. Following cleaning, coupons were rinsed for 15 seconds in tap water at 68 F and dried using air blow off for 30 seconds at room temperature. Final weights were recorded, and efficiencies were calculated. If coupons were not completely cleaned, an additional cleaning period of 60 minutes would be run.

After the first hour, the coupons were not close to being completely cleaned so no weights were recorded. The Smart Solve 605 dilution started separating into two sections, the solvent and water, and needed agitation to sustain a mixture. Following the second hour, two sets of coupons looked nearly clean. The Smart Solve 605 was the most effective of the three after 2 hours of immersion cleaning. The table lists the amount of resin added, the amount remaining and the efficiency for each coupon cleaned.

The diluted products could be used to remove the resin using immersion cleaning over an extended period of time (more than two hours). Final laboratory testing will focus on matching the current cleaning process more closely (rinsing and drying).