Heavy-Duty Degreaser Production Overview
A heavy-duty degreaser is a highly effective cleaning solution designed to break down tough grease, oils, and stubborn dirt on industrial equipment, machinery, and surfaces. The formulation typically relies on a combination of alkalis, solvents, surfactants, and acids to achieve superior cleaning performance.
Proper safety measures, precise measurements, and thorough mixing are crucial to ensure the efficacy and stability of the product.
Ingredients and Percentages:
- Water: 81% (Primary solvent and base)
- Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH): 8% (Strong alkali for breaking down grease)
- Dye (optional): As desired (For aesthetic purposes)
- Isopropyl Alcohol or Butyl Oxitol: 6% (Solvent to enhance grease solubility)
- Sulphonic Acid: 1% (Emulsifier and cleaning agent)
- NP9 (Nonylphenol Ethoxylate): 4% (Surfactant for removing oils and dirt)
Preparation Process:
Step 1: Safety Precautions
Before starting, ensure you have the necessary safety gear, including gloves, goggles, a mask, and protective clothing. Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to fumes from the chemicals.
Step 2: Prepare the Base Solution
- Start by filling a mixing tank with 81% water. Ensure the water is at room temperature or slightly warm to aid in dissolving the chemicals.
- Slowly and carefully add 8% sodium hydroxide to the water while continuously stirring. Always add sodium hydroxide to water, never the reverse, to avoid a violent exothermic reaction.
- Stir the mixture until the sodium hydroxide is completely dissolved. This forms the highly alkaline base of the degreaser.
Step 3: Add Sulphonic Acid
- Gradually add 1% sulphonic acid to the base solution while stirring. This component acts as an emulsifier, helping to break down oils and grease into smaller droplets for easy removal.
- Stir thoroughly to ensure uniform dispersion.
Step 4: Incorporate the Solvent
- Add 6% isopropyl alcohol or butyl oxitol to the mixture. These solvents enhance the degreasing properties by dissolving tough grease and preventing residue build-up.
- Mix until the solvent is fully blended into the solution.
Step 5: Introduce the Surfactant
- Slowly add 4% NP9 (Nonylphenol Ethoxylate) into the mixture. This surfactant improves cleaning efficiency by breaking down oil and grease molecules and allowing them to mix with water for easy rinsing.
- Stir continuously to achieve a homogeneous mixture.
Step 6: Add Dye (Optional)
- If desired, introduce a small amount of dye to enhance the appearance of the product. This step is optional and does not affect the cleaning performance.
- Mix until the dye is evenly distributed throughout the solution.
Step 7: Final Mixing
- Continue stirring the entire mixture for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. Check for any undissolved components and adjust stirring speed if needed.
Quality Control and Testing:
- pH Testing: Measure the pH of the final product to ensure it is within the desired alkaline range (typically pH > 12 for degreasers).
- Homogeneity: Verify that the solution is uniform and free from sediment or separation.
- Performance Testing: Test the degreaser on a small, heavily greased surface to confirm its cleaning efficiency.
Packaging and Storage:
- Transfer the degreaser into sealed, labeled containers.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Keep out of reach of children and untrained personnel.
This heavy-duty degreaser formulation provides a powerful cleaning solution suitable for industrial and commercial applications. Let me know if you need additional adjustments or further details!