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Q&As since 1989


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Transit Authority wants best way to clean brushed aluminum rail cars

2003

I am responsible for environmental compliance for the Washington regional transit authority. We have had problems with the acid wash system for our brush aluminum rail cars. We have been told that the only way to remove the aluminum oxide is with strong acids. Our regular car wash utilizes an oxalic acid [affil links] but does not keep the cars clean. For many years, we have contracted a hand wash with a hydrofluoric acid product to be performed every 18 months. There are safety and environmental concerns as well as damage to the cars and the facility, especially with the HF acid. Does anyone have any suggestions about other technologies? Or advice on where I might find out about alternatives.

Thank you (we're a quasi-government agencies, your help will only benefit our regional citizens).

Joan LeLacheur
mass transit - Hyattsville, Maryland

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2004

I have been washing aluminum oil/gas tankers (Exxon,Tosco,Phyllips66 to name a few) for 5 yrs. I would recommend that you follow the wash with a trisodium phosphate [on eBay or Amazon] wash. I am not aware of your drainage system but whatever it is, could be easily neutralized with a little know how.

Let the shine go on...

Aaron MacDonald
- Bangor, Maine

Dry-Ice Blasting is an excellent way to clean and restore brushed aluminum of any sort. The company I represent is doing a restoration project on a historical Brushed Aluminum dome on the Arizona State Campus and the results are excellent.

Patrick Stevenson
- Phoenix, Arizona
July 14, 2009