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Rapid increases in pH in alkaline cleaner

2004

We are currently running a chemical Conversion Line using Alodine 1200 product. We are having difficulty with rapid increases in etch rate in our Turco NC-LT alkaline cleaner. On a fresh recharge the tank runs at 0.3mg material loss on a 1" x 2" x .050 2024 clad specimen run for 24 hrs and basically a month later we are now at 19.1mg for the same test. Prior to Alkaline clean we are vapour degreasing and processing Aluminum parts. Tank makeup is DI water from our own waste treatment facility. Water quality when tested daily is within spec required limits. Is anyone familiar with the same type of occurance or has some ideas what in our process might also be a contributing factor.

A Adshade
IMP Aerospace - Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada

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It would seem that on the fresh make-up some of the compound is laying on the bottom of the tank for several days before it dissolves.

Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services

Garner, North Carolina

2004

Is this cleaner new to your process line? There are alkaline cleaners out there that become more aggressive as aluminum is dissolved... and some that don't. Is material removal a requirement of your cleaner?

Willie Alexander
- Colorado Springs, CO, US of A
2004