Trial Purpose:
To compare the effectiveness of alternative solvents to Trichloroethylene (TCE) when removing lubricating oils from aluminum alloy coupons.
Date Run:
12/26/2017Experiment 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.
