Industrial products are often coated with a stubborn layer of grease and grime, which stubbornly resist the action of ordinary detergents. Cleaners and degreasers are special kinds of powerful cleaning agents specifically created for cleansing and maintaining industrial products. There are two applications – one is to submerge the product into a mixture of water and degreaser and the other is to use a spray. These kinds of cleaning agents are used across all manufacturing industries, especially in automotive, aerospace and pharmaceutical sectors. There are many other benefits of using degreasers apart from simple cleaning.
Uses and Benefits
Many industrial processes like electroplating cannot be performed until the base product has been cleaned with a degreaser. That’s because, oil and grime accumulation on the surface will not allow the metal plating to adhere to the desired surface.
The Society for Testing and Materials (STM) defines six groups of major contaminants in industrial parts. They are pigmented compounds, non pigmented grease, rust and scaling, chips and buffing. Statistics show that oil dispersant cleaners and degreasers are very well equipped to deal with all six groups.
The other basic advantage is the anti corrosive properties of these cleaners prevent the formation of rust. Additionally, the cleaning by products are less hazardous in nature resulting in safe disposal. Apart from this, industrial cleaners impart a high intensity shine to the metal surface.
How do they work?
Cleaners and degreasers are mostly aqueous in nature and are composed of a combination of surfactants, sequestering agents and alkaline builders. Special cleaners are available in the market with inbuilt rust inhibiting properties built into them, which prevent corrosion in ferrous products.
Most degreasers work on the same chemical principle. One end of the molecule in the cleaning agent has a long hydrophobic chain, which is attracted to oil and grease and a hydrophilic end, which is attracted to water. The hydrophobic molecules surround the oil particles and dislodge it from water. Most good degreasers available in the market are anti ozone depleting agents and hence are environment friendly as well.
What type of cleaner to use
Your choice of industrial cleaner should depend on the type of contaminant you want to remove, the amount of cleaning agent needed, kinds of oil dispersing agents and post cleaning waste disposal system.
For example, a food manufacturer must use a cleaner that is food safe. Heavy industrial cleaners sometimes emit waste products, which must be disposed of immediately to protect the surroundings.
Once you have studied your requirements you can contact retailers who sell industrial cleaners. It’s best to explain your requirements to them as they can suggest multiple options to you. If you find that standard cleaning solutions available in the market are not suitable for your specific needs, you can approach manufacturers who make and sell customized formulations.
You should carefully read the product literature accompanying your cleaning agent before putting it into use. Cleaners and degreasers offer multiple advantages and an informed choice will go a long way in ensuring optimum cleaning and maintenance of your product.
