ALKASAFE CLEANER IMO
NON-CAUSTIC ALKALINE CLEANER
• Multi-purpose cleaner to be used where alkaline cleaner is not suitable
• Prevents re-depositing by maintaining a suspension solution of solid particles
• Suitable for gas and hydrocarbon freeing of tanks
• Non corrosive to ferrous metals, suitable for all tank coatings
• Safer for employees to use
• Minimization of environmental concerns
DESCRIPTION
ALKASAFE CLEANER is a non-toxic, water-based alkaline cleaner. It contains fast penetrating and wetting agents to remove soils and corrosion inhibitors to prevent corrosion on zinc, aluminium copper, tin or brass.
Mildly alkaline cleaners are mainly used to neutralize acidic contaminants. They also buffer solutions to maintain a specific pH range.
Wetting agents (surfactants and synthetic detergents)aid in removing contaminants by lowering the surface tension of the solution, allowing the cleaner to get under the contaminant and displace it from the metal surface. Once the contaminant is in solution, the wetting agent creates an emulsion, preventing redeposition onto the part being cleaned. Surfactants have one end that is soluble in water (hydrophilic) and one end that is soluble in oil (hydrophobic). This allows the surfactant molecule to create an oil-wateoil-water emulsion that is easily rinsed away.
APPLICATION
ALKASAFE CLEANER provides an excellent alternative to solvent-based and highly-alkaline cleaners. It can be applied for cleaning of cargo tanks, containers or cargo holds or following the discharge of drying, semi-drying or non-drying natural oils or fats. Simple, light-rust preventive oils and water-soluble coolants are easily removed with mildly alkaline cleaners at moderate temperatures.
USE AND DOSING
Apply ALKASAFE CLEANER undiluted to shipdecks, floors, walls, etc. Allow the product to work for 20-30 minutes before brushing. Rinse thoroughly with water.
TANK CLEANING
Precleaning tanks with high pressure warm water is highly recommended since large deposits of oil or other residues in the tank must be removed to ensure an effective cleaning operation. In the case of drying or semi-drying oils, prewash with cold water.
CLEANING PROCEDURES
A. INJECTION METHOD
Spray the sides of the tanks with a 2-4% solution of ALKASAFE CLEANER until they are properly coated.Allow the product to act for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water for 45 minutes. Best results are achieved in temperatures between 60 to 80oC .
B. RECIRCULATION METHOD
Prepare a 5% solution of ALKASAFE CLEANER in a separate mixing tank. Using an automatic tank washing machine, recirculate for 4 to 6 hours. Best results are achieved in temperatures between 60-80oC. Heat is normally achieved by the use of heating coils in tanks or by heating the system outside the tank.Ensure that there is sufficient cleaning solution in the tank for continuous recirculation .
RINSING
An important part of the cleaning process is the rinse stage. As the substrate leaves the cleaner stage, it carries spent cleaner, emulsified soils and other contaminants. If not immediately rinsed, these contaminants can redeposit on the part and become difficult to remove. The rinse must remove these unwanted materials and not interfere with subsequent operations. Hot water can assist in rinsing; however, care must be exercised so that drying does not occur just before the rinse tank. Double rinsing is common, using either deionized water for spot-free parts or adding a corrosion inhibitor to the final rinse if rusting is a problem.