Emulsified Solvent Cleaning

Solvent cleaning is utilized on such metals as lead, zinc and aluminium since their surfaces might be attacked by the alkaline cleaners. It is primarily designed to eliminate oil and grease.

In this procedure, an organic solvent is mixed with a hydrocarbon-soluble emulsifying agent. The agent might be a soap and kerosene mixture with small amount of water. Cleaning is carrying out by dipping the parts in the solution and then rinsing. Workpieces along heavy deposits of grease and oil are soaked in this solution. Then they are rinsed in hot water, preferably through pressure spray permitting them to be flushed away. Parts to be electroplated must afterwards be treated with alkaline cleaner to elimiante any organic material.