Visit the NSK UK web site

Soda crystals clean metals

An East Lancashire Chemical Co product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 23, 2005

East Lancashire Chemical Company is now able to offer companies involved in metal processing, a cleaning product that is safe for use on aluminium and galvanised zinc.

UK-based East Lancashire Chemical Company (ELCO), a manufacturer of sodium carbonate decahydrate, more commonly known as soda crystals, or washing soda, is now able to offer companies involved in metal processing, a product that is safe for use on aluminium and galvanised zinc.

Carbodec AS contains a corrosion inhibitor to stop the chemical reaction between the sodium carbonate and aluminium/galvanised zinc.

Traditionally, companies involved in the working or fabrication of metals need to treat the metal before it can be further processed.

This treatment usually involves the removal of greases and oils that have been used in previous stages of processing or dirt that has accumulated during storage or transportation.

Smaller systems utilise a tank such as a 45 gallon drum with a circulation pump, and occasionally a heater.

The metal is then suspended in the tank or washed with liquor from the pump.

The liquor used has tended to be organic or aqueous-based solvents.

Organic solvents that have been traditionally used have either been chlorinated solvents, which are environmentally unacceptable because of their effects on the ozone layer, or flammable solvents.

For aqueous-based solvents, the traditional solvent used is sodium hydroxide, or caustic soda.

There are two main problems with the use of this product.

Firstly it needs to be handled safely, as it is corrosive and can cause burns if handled incorrectly.

Secondly the price is variable and it can be an expensive product.

Soda crystals are equally effective at removing grease and dirt but have fewer environmental, and health and safety implications.

They are not classified as corrosive and can be transported and handled safely.

The products are available in various quantities ranging from 25kg containers to 25te road tankers.

Not what you're looking for? Search the site.

Back to top Back to top

Google Ads

 

Contact East Lancashire Chemical Co

Related Stories

Contact East Lancashire Chemical Co

 

Newsletter sign up

Request your free weekly copy of the Engineeringtalk email newsletter ...

Visit the NSK UK web site

Articles by product category

All suppliers A - Z

A Pro-talk Publication

A Pro-talk publication