How to choose the correct degreaser


How to Choose the Right Degreaser



Key Considerations When Using a Degreaser

Before starting the degreasing process, it's important to carefully select the right degreaser and take into account several key factors. Here are some essential points to consider:



**Material of the Part Being Processed**

Different metals have varying levels of resistance to alkaline solutions. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a degreaser with an appropriate pH level that matches the material being treated. Using the wrong pH can lead to corrosion or damage, especially in sensitive materials like aluminum or stainless steel.



**Choosing the Right Degreaser**

The type of degreasing method you use will influence the choice of degreaser. For example, pressure spray degreasing relies on mechanical force for cleaning, which is effective but can cause foaming. In such cases, a low-foam degreaser is recommended. Additionally, the concentration of the degreaser and the duration of the process should be adjusted based on the level of contamination and the desired outcome.



**Type and Amount of Oil**

Understanding the nature of the oil on the surface is critical. Some oils, like animal and vegetable-based oils, are saponifiable, meaning they react with strong bases like sodium hydroxide at high temperatures. On the other hand, mineral oils do not saponify and require a degreaser with strong emulsifying properties for effective removal. Knowing the type of oil helps in selecting the most suitable solution.



**Checking the Degreasing Effect**

There are various methods to assess the effectiveness of degreasing, including visual inspection, wiping tests, contact angle measurement, copper sulfate testing, and even infrared spectroscopy. One of the most common and practical methods is the water infiltration test, where you observe whether the water forms a continuous film after rinsing. A uniform film indicates successful degreasing. If phosphating is part of the process, the quality of the phosphate coating can also serve as an indicator—only a clean surface will produce a uniform and dense film.



**Consideration for Subsequent Processes**

The next steps in your process, such as pickling or phosphating, will affect the choice of degreaser. For instance, if the next step involves thin phosphating, a low-alkalinity degreaser with surface conditioning is preferable. However, if the process includes pickling or rust removal, a surface adjustment may not be necessary. For heavily soiled parts, manual pre-scrubbing is highly recommended. This not only improves the degreasing result but also enhances the quality of the subsequent phosphating layer. Pre-scrubbed surfaces tend to form finer and denser phosphate coatings compared to those without prior scrubbing.



[Source: Hefei Xianghe Phosphate Coating Co., Ltd. http://]

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