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Trial Number 2

Trial Purpose:

Evaluate semi-aqueous cleaners

Date Run:

07/23/1998

Experiment 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.

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