For industries that require industrial cleaning as part of their operations or their manufacturing process, aqueous cleaning solutions are now the leading cleaning process. They are an environmentally friendly and effective alternative to traditional solvent-based systems which are now heavily regulated. These water-based cleaners work on the principle of using water as a solvent for more environmentally friendly cleaning products in tandem with a variety of proven cleaning techniques like heat and agitation. If you don’t understand the science behind aqueous cleaning solutions, this blog is for you.
Understanding Aqueous Cleaning Solutions
Aqueous cleaning solutions use water as their primary solvent. The effectiveness of these solutions is significantly amplified by additives such as detergents, surfactants, and sometimes, mild acids. These additives help in breaking down and removing organic and inorganic contaminants from various surfaces without causing damage to the parts being cleaned.
How Aqueous Solutions Clean
- Surfactants: Surfactants, short for surface active agents are defined as “compounds that lower the surface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid,” act as detergents, emulsifiers, dispersants, foaming agents, and wetting agents. They are perhaps the most critical additives, allowing for the penetration of grime and grease.
- Alkaline Cleaners: Alkaline cleaners utilize high pH substances to break down acidic fats and oils through saponification, which converts grease into soap, making it soluble in water.
- Acidic Cleaners: These are used to remove mineral deposits, rust, and other inorganic contaminants by dissolving them into solution.
- Emulsification: Some aqueous cleaners work by emulsifying dirt or oil, encapsulating them in water-soluble molecules, which can then be rinsed away.
Benefits of Aqueous Cleaning
Aqueous cleaning solutions have a number of advantages. The first and most widely understood benefit is their environmental impact. Water-based cleaners are easier to treat and purify before disposal, and they do not leave harmful residues that can affect the soil and water quality.
Compared to solvent-based cleaners, aqueous cleaners typically have lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which means fewer airborne toxins that can contribute to air pollution and health issues. Proper solvent systems have costly air purifying and recapture systems built in. Aqueous cleaners are also not flammable, unlike solvent-based cleaners.
Water-based cleaners are often less corrosive and can be used on a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics. They are less expensive to use as the costs to purchase solvents and dispose of them are very high now, in addition to regulatory costs. The reuse potential of aqueous cleaning solutions can lead to long-term savings in parts washing as well.
Applications in Industry
Aqueous cleaning systems are versatile and can be adapted for various applications, including spray washing, immersion cleaning, and agitation. Companies across industries, from automotive to electronics to pharmaceuticals to railway transportation, find aqueous cleaning technologies extremely useful, not only for their cleaning efficiency but also for their compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.
The Future of Cleaning Technology
As technology advances, so do the formulations of aqueous cleaning solutions. Innovations in green chemistry are continually enhancing the effectiveness and reducing the environmental impact of these cleaners. The science behind aqueous cleaning solutions represents a fascinating blend of chemistry, environmental science, and practical application.
At AEC Systems, our goal is to meet our customers’ cleaning needs with specifically designed aqueous cleaning solutions that will clean to specification while minimizing costs and maintaining worker safety. If you have a cleaning problem, we can solve it, so contact us today to get started.