Aqueous cleaning works by applying heat and pressure to industrial parts immersed in a water-based aqueous cleaning chemistry. Aqueous cleaning chemistries may include detergents, surfactants and emulsifiers that are added to water.
In addition to wet and dry process equipment, Best Technology offers a complete line of aqueous parts washer chemistry solutions including:
- Alkaline cleaners
- Rust inhibitors
- Caustic solutions
Aqueous cleaner chemistries are typically diluted to 5-25% concentration in water, and, unlike many solvents, there are no exposure limits set because no harmful vapor is emitted from the aqueous parts cleaner solution on evaporation.
Check out this case study for a comparison of aqueous cleaners vs. solvent cleaning for an aerospace manufacturer. Aqueous cleaning allowed this manufacturer to transition away from the hazards of nPB (n-propyl bromide) solvent cleaning for aerospace parts, to a safer aqueous parts washer solution.
Aqueous Cleaning FAQs
What’s the difference between solvent-based cleaning and aqueous cleaning?
There is an old saying when it comes to parts cleaning: “Like dissolves like”.
This comes from the world of chemistry, and is really quite a simple and useful phrase to remember. In chemistry molecules are described as being polar or non-polar. (Think north and south pole on the Earth) Polar molecules have a polarity that causes them to attract other molecules that have polarity, while non-polar molecules do not.
Water is a polar molecule. Oil is not. At the molecular level this is why “oil and water don’t mix”. Chemically they are dissimilar and cannot absorb each others molecules. By contrast salt IS polar; this is why you can dissolve salt in water.
So when should you use aqueous cleaning and when should you try cleaning with solvents? Solvent based cleaning systems (like Vapor Degreasers) are used when you need to clean true oils from your manufactured parts. Aqueous Cleaning Systems are used to clean water based materials from your parts.
Aqueous Parts Washers
Each aqueous cleaning solution is formulated for use with aqueous parts washers. Formulations are specific to aqueous parts washer type, whether high flow and high pressure or ultrasonics. Examples where aqueous cleaning chemistries are used include:
Aqueous Cleaning Parts Washer
To learn more about the various types of aqueous parts washers, visit our Industrial Parts Washer and Cleaning Systems page.
From initial contact to our continued support and service, Best Technology offers over 30 years of industry expertise that can be leveraged to determine the best aqueous parts washer solution for your applications.