Aluminum Prep RD-20

Aluminum Prep Non-Silicated, Non-Etch Alkaline Cleaner

Aluminum Prep™ (RD-20) is a non-silicated cleaner with an unusual combination of very high cleaning power with no etching or attack on the aluminum substrate. Since Aluminum Prep™ (RD-20) does not contain silicates (or solvents or other non-water soluble ingredients), it is completely free rinsing and carries soils with it. Aluminum Prep™ (RD-20) can readily remove ground-in buffing compounds, rolling oils or other complex organic soils.

Control of Aluminum Prep™ (RD-20) is difficult in a way that accurately predicts cleaning power. Aluminum Prep™ (RD-20) concentration may be monitored by titration, but this is often not a good predictor of performance, except in newly made up solutions. Monitoring the pH is a better way of predicting cleaning power. The initial pH of Aluminum Prep™ (RD-20) working solution will be approximately 10.0. As the working solution is used, the pH will fall, and cleaning will decrease dramatically below pH 9, and the bath should be dumped and remade.

Aluminum Prep™ (RD-20) may be used as the sole cleaner in a system, but is usually used with a desmut, to remove oxide and smut. Acid desmut is recommended especially before applying a conversion coating, or anodizing, to activate the surface. Al-Brite A/B (RD-21/RD-22) is the preferred desmut for aluminum die castings and gives a surface that is desmutted and fully activated.

MAKE-UP:
Use Aluminum Prep™ (RD-20) at 8-16 ounces/gallon (60-120 grams/liter) and at 130° - 200° F (55°-95° C). Cleaning time will vary from one (1) to ten (10) minutes, depending on temperature and tenacity of the soils.

OPERATION:
Use in immersion operations. Aluminum Prep™ (RD-20) rinses freely and completely with no residues in overflow soak rinse tanks. Control concentration by titration.

EQUIPMENT:
Tanks should be constructed of polypropylene, alkali-resistant plastic, or steel. Heaters should be quartz or stainless steel.

SAFETY:

Aluminum Prep™ (RD-20) contains only mildly alkaline components and can be irritating to skin and eyes; keep from contact with skin or eyes.

DISPOSAL:
Completely biodegradable and containing no solvents, Aluminum Prep™ (RD-20) may be disposed of into most sanitary sewage systems, after any heavy metals picked up during use are removed. Dispose of in accordance with Federal, State and local regulations. Contact your RD Chemical representative for further information.

PACKAGING:

A free-flowing white granule, Aluminum Prep™ (RD-20) is available in 50 and 182 kilogram drums.

RD Chemical Company makes these recommendations in good faith, based on laboratory and field testing. Ultimate responsibility for propriety of use, however, must rest with the purchaser and user. RD Chemical Company recommends thorough testing of its products, before use.