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Soak cleaning problem for brass

2007

WE ARE FACING PROBLEM IN SOAK CLEANING. OUR PRODUCT IS BRASS FLEXIBLE HOSE. THE PROBLEM WE ARE FACING IS THAT WHEN WE DO THE SOAK CLEANING FOR REMOVING THE CUTTING OIL WHICH IS USED DURING PROFILING OF THE HOSE THE SOAK CLEANING DAMAGES THE SURFACE POLISH OF BRASS. THE COMPOSITION AND PROCESS WE ARE USING IS MENTIONED BELOW :

PROCESS : BARREL CLEANING
BATH SIZE : 500 LITRES
TEMPERATURE : 65 °C APPROX.
COMPOSITION :

A. caustic soda [affil links] : 6 KGS
B. SODA ASH : 6 KGS
C. SULPHONIC ACID : 1 LITRE


KINDLY SUGGEST US IS THERE ANY OTHER SOAK CLEANING FORMULATION OR PROCESS WE CAN USE TO REMOVE THE CUTTING OIL FROM OUR PRODUCTS.

THANKS & BEST REGARDS,

Kanwar Talha Shan
Production Manager for Manufacturing - Karachi, Pakistan

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First of two simultaneous responses --

I suggest that you contact a local supplier of cleaning compounds. Brass cleaners need to remove the soils without de zincing the metal and also need to be able to remove the specific cutting oil you are using. The oil removal is best done by organic material not alkali. These organics will consist (in simplified terms) of surfactants, emulsifiers, dispersants etc which are applicable for the oil you are using.

Gene Packman
process supplier - Great Neck, New York
2007

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Second of two simultaneous responses -- 2007

Hi Shan,

It is very common that majority of surface finishing people consider cleaning as a very simple and ordinary operation.And it is not.
Selection or preparation of cleaner for a specific requirement such as yours depend upon selecting a good alkali,water softener, soil dispersor, chelating agent,buffering agent,wetting agent,surface tensions removers,emulsifiers etc and the list goes on..
If I were in your place I would call a professional manufacturer, sit with him, discuss with him about what is your requirement.He will suggest and give you 'THE' product you are looking for.
Gone are the days of mixing some alkali and salt. Now there are technology involved and you can get tailor made cleaners manufactured and supplied to you which will not damage your brass parts.

Regards

T.K. Mohan
plating process supplier - Mumbai, India

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Hello, why don't you try sodium metasilicate [affil links] instead of sulphonic acid?

Aftab Jahangir
chemist - Karachi, Pakistan
2007