Trial Purpose:
Evaluate semi-aqueous cleaners
Date Run:
07/23/1998Experiment Procedure:
Five different chemistries were selected from the laboratories databases based on previous uses and vendor information. Chemistries were used full strength at room temperature. Ten pre-weighed coupons were over contaminated with the oil using a hand-held swab. The contaminated coupons were weighed again. Two coupons were placed into each cleaner for 5 minutes with stir-bar agitation. Parts were rinsed in tap water at 120 F for 30 seconds. After the coupons air dried, final weights were measured. Water break and fluorescence analysis were conducted on the coupons.
The water break test involved submerging a coupon into a beaker with DI water at room temperature. The coupon was slowly removed from the beaker and the water run off was observed. A non-contaminated coupon was tested to obtain a base-line level of cleanliness. Each contaminated coupon was compared to the base-line sample. For the fluorescence test, the coupons were observed after they were contaminated and after they were cleaned. Coupons were placed into a black light chamber; the light source was turned on and observations were made. The before and after cleaning observations were compared.
SUBSTRATE MATERIAL: Al #202-3003 H-14
CONTAMINANTS: Oil
Trial Results:
Of the five chemistries selected, only two were effective in removing large amounts of the contaminant. Ecolink’s Vortex and Occidental’s Oxsol 100 both removed over 97% of the oil. Table 1 lists the results of the gravimetric and fluorescent analysis.
Table 1. Cleaning Efficiencies
| Ecolink Vortex | Oxsol 100 | |||
| Gravimetric | Black Light | Gravimetric | Black Light | |
| 99.7 | fingerprints | 97.8 | spots on top | |
| 99.7 | edges | 98.0 | speckled | |
| Average | 99.7 | 97.9 | ||
| Std Dev | 0 | 0.14 | ||
When the water break test was used to compare the cleaned coupons to a virgin coupon, no differences were observed. Information for the two products has been included along with coupons that were successful cleaned. Coupons 9 & 11 were cleaned with Vortex and 8 & 15 with Oxsol 100.
Success Rating:
Results successful using TACT (time, agitation, concentration, and temperature, as well as rinsing and drying) and/or other cleaning chemistries examined.Conclusion:
When the water break test was used to compare the cleaned coupons to a virgin coupon, no differences were observed. Information for the two products has been included along with coupons that were successful cleaned. Coupons 9 & 11 were cleaned with Vortex and 8 & 15 with Oxsol 100.
