Board Cleaning

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Can someone suggest the best all-purpose saponifier. I'm usi... - Dec 03, 2001 by A.M.T., Inc.

In a LARGE degree, the residues being cleaned dictate the se... - Dec 03, 2001 by davef

We use a blue Alpha 2110 saponifier in our H400 in-line wate... - Dec 04, 2001 by Brian C

There are a few good de-fluxing chemicals and many more �not... - Dec 05, 2001 by Michael

A.M.T., Inc.

#18323

Board Cleaning | 3 December, 2001

Can someone suggest the best all-purpose saponifier. I'm using an aqueous batch cleaner. I was using a saponifier with a blue color that worked very well but I did not have the manufacturers name.

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davef

#18326

Board Cleaning | 3 December, 2001

In a LARGE degree, the residues being cleaned dictate the selection of an effective saponifier. Your washer supplier may be a good source of suggestions. Many saponifiers present potential VOC issues, because of their use of alcohol. Try: Kyzen Aquanox, Lonox formulations, and Envirosense Envirogold 816.

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Brian C

#18331

Board Cleaning | 4 December, 2001

We use a blue Alpha 2110 saponifier in our H400 in-line water washer. Concentration of 4%. Works great but is EXPENSIVE.

Brian

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Michael

#18349

Board Cleaning | 5 December, 2001

There are a few good de-fluxing chemicals and many more �not-so-good� de-fluxing chemicals.

As a manufacturer of cleaning equipment, it is imperative that our customers use a de-fluxing chemical that:

#1: Removes flux #2: Is environmentally safe #3: Is compatible with the cleaning machine #4: Is economically viable

#1: When it comes to flux removal, it is important to note that not all chemicals work on all applications. While some chemicals work on most applications all of the time, others a more �case-by-case� . In other words, there may be an application that, for a variety of reasons, is not compatible with a specific chemical.

#2: One must consider the environmental impact of de-fluxing chemistries. A manufacturer may correctly state that the chemical is environmentally safe. This should not put your mind at ease. You must consider what is in the chemical after it is used to clean boards. Does your cleaning system have adequate pre-drain filtration? What is in the waste water? What is the effluent�s total TDS, pH, etc. What are the allowable discharge limits in your municipality?

#3: Request a copy of the chemical�s Material Compatibility List from the chemical supplier. Send it to the equipment manufacturer for review. Some components used in the cleaning system may not be compatible with the chemical (pump seals, o-rings, etc).

#4: Popular chemicals can be broken down into two categories. One time use and re-usable chemicals. Does your cleaner have the ability to recycle and re-use cleaning chemistry? If so, you can use high-loading chemicals. If your cleaning system is not equipped with a chemical recycling system, then you must use low-loading chemicals. High loading chemicals are designed to be used over and over until they are �spent�. Although high loading chemicals cost more to purchase, they may be less expensive to operate as they may be used for many cycles. High loading chemicals are too expensive to use just one time (as they would in a cleaning system not equipped with a chemical recycler).

Recommendations:

Low-Loading Chemicals: Armakleen E2001P http://www.alphametals.com Kyzen 5020 http://www.kyzen.com PCB-Wash http://www.aqueoustech.com Hydrex DX http://www.petroferm.com Envirosense 816 Gold http://www.envirosense-inc.com

High Loading Chemicals: Zestron A200 http://www.zestron.com

I hope this helps!

Mike Konrad www.aqueoustech.com konrad@aqueoustech.com

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