Water-based cleaning agents for industry: efficient and environmentally friendly
Water-based cleaners are one of the most commonly used types of cleaning agents in industry. They are usually highly concentrated and are therefore diluted with water before they are used. This saves costs and transport volumes.
Composition of aqueous cleaners
Aqueous cleaners consist of three main components:
Surfactants: Surfactants are surface-active substances that enable good wetting and emulsification of dirt. They are the most important components of aqueous cleaners.
Builders: Builders are inorganic or organic builders that regulate the pH value of the cleaner and improve cleaning performance.
Additives: Additives can give the cleaner additional properties, e.g. corrosion protection, beading and shine effect, anti-slip effect, etc..
Categories
Aqueous cleaners are also categorised according to their application:
- Spray cleaners (high-pressure and workshop cleaners)
- Immersion cleaners (ultrasonic cleaners)
- Manual cleaners (machine cleaners/spray cleaning, wiping method)
Types of aqueous cleaners
Aqueous cleaners are divided into three categories according to their pH value:
Acidic cleaners: Acidic cleaners have a pH below 7. They are often used to remove limescale, rust and other mineral deposits.
Neutral cleaners: Neutral cleaners have a pH value of 7 and are suitable for cleaning sensitive surfaces, e.g. plastic, glass and stainless steel.
- Alkaline cleaners: Alkaline cleaners have a pH value above 7 and are often used to remove grease, oil and other organic soiling.
Advantages
Aqueous cleaners offer a number of advantages:
- readily biodegradable (according to OECD criteria) and environmentally friendly
- generally less expensive than solvent-based cleaners
- available in a variety of formulations suitable for different applications
- the water-based cleaners from IBS Scherer are demulsifying (the cleaning solution immediately separates oils and greases from the components and allows them to float on the surface), making them suitable for the oil separator (longer service life) and have a tested separator friendliness. They fulfil the requirements of ÖNORM B 5104, B 5105 and B 5106 with regard to waste water.