SOAK Version: 03

IMDS-No.: not relevant

DATA SHEET

UniClean X40
Soak and Electrolytic cleaner for steel and nonferrous metals

CONTENTS

Process Information ........................................................................................................................................... 2

Equipment .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Make-Up ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Working Parameters .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Application Guidelines ....................................................................................................................................... 4
General Safety Precautions ............................................................................................................................... 4
Recommendations for Wastewater Treatment .................................................................................................. 5

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UniClean X40
Soak and Electrolytic cleaner for steel and nonferrous metals

Process Information

UniClean X40 is a high-performance cleaner that can be used as an alkaline soak cleaner or an electrolytic
cathodic/anodic cleaner and activator of steel and nonferrous metals. The fundamental purpose of UniClean
X40 is to rapidly remove from metal components oil, greases, rust and soil particles and to retain them
permanently within the cleaner solution, making it suitable in applications where no weir overflow is possible.
The complexing properties of UniClean X40 ensure free rinseabilty in all types of water.

UniClean X40 operates on the principle that a highly successful electro-cleaner must also be an effective
soak cleaner in order to adequately clean recessed areas where electrolytic action is negligible. UniClean
X40, therefore, has widespread application for soak cleaning of steel or those electrolytic applications where
current is limited, or in applications where a wide safety margin is necessary.

UniClean X40 contains silicates, phosphates and an organic chelating agent. The surfactant system is non-
ionic but is specifically designed to incorporate high temperature stability, rapid wetting, effective
emulsification and soil dispersion together with foam stability and intensive activity in low current density
regions.

UniClean X40 has the following advantages:

• Product rationalization and standardization of cleaner products in use

• Ideal in situations where limited rinsing is available and compatibility between cleaners in necessary
• High economy
• Outstanding activation of metal surfaces
• Deoxidizing effect and dissolving of film rust on steel surfaces
• Dissolving of oxides on nonferrous metal surfaces
• Wear-resistant to water hardness
• Low foam version Uniclean X40 LF is also available

Equipment

Tanks Tanks made of mild steel with hard rubber lining,

Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Hard-PVC

Heater Titanium, Porcelain, PTFE, stainless steel

Exhaust Recommended (Eduction of steam)

Agitation Revolution recommended

Filtration Not required

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UniClean X40
Soak and Electrolytic cleaner for steel and nonferrous metals

Make-Up

Make-Up of 100 l Make-Up Working Area

For Copper and Brass
UniClean X40 3.2 kg 2.0 – 4.0 kg
For Steel
UniClean X40 5.0 kg 4.5 – 6.5 kg

The high alkalinity of UniClean X40 usually prevents its use on zinc, aluminium and similar sensitive metals.

• Fill tank with warm water (30 – 50 °C) to approx. 70 % of the volume.
• Slowly stir in the required amount of UniClean X40.
• Fill to required working volume.
• After heating to working temperature the bath is ready to use.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In all work with UniClean X40 make sure that all regulations on
operations with caustic alkaline are carefully observed.

Working Parameters

Temperature 20 - 80 °C for steel, for some applications up to a rolling boil

20 - 75 °C for copper and copper alloys

Time (cathodic) 0.5 - 2 min for steel

Time (anodic) 0.5 - 5 min for steel

0.5 - 4 min for copper and copper alloys

Current density 4 - 10 A/dm2 for steel

2 - 4 A/dm2 for copper/copper alloys
(only anodic)

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UniClean X40
Soak and Electrolytic cleaner for steel and nonferrous metals

Application Guidelines

The exposition times can be increased for anodic cleaning of corroded steel. The composition of UniClean
X40 is slightly foaming. A low foaming version of this product, UniClean X40 LF is also available.

The last treatment cycle must be anodic during electrolytic cathodic/anodic use. The anodic treatment cycle
must be adjusted to either the same time or longer as the cathodic cycle.

General Safety Precautions

Avoid direct contact with this material. Do not inhale associated mist or vapors. Wash contaminated clothing
before reuse. Refer to Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for specific precautions before handling this
material and for first aid recommendations. As applicable, keep exposure below the limits recommended by
the appropriate regional regulatory agencies.

For further information on product safety refer to the corresponding MSDS. The
MSDS is enclosed at the first delivery of a product. Otherwise a MSDS for a product
is available on request from the appropriate regional Atotech office.

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UniClean X40
Soak and Electrolytic cleaner for steel and nonferrous metals

Recommendations for Wastewater Treatment

This product contains complexing agents and therefore cannot be sent to the general circulation of rinse
water. The wastewater generated by this product must therefore be treated separately.

Rinse water

In rinse waters precipitation of heavy metal is carried out by adding Sediganth C at a pH of 5 - 6.

Indication of complete precipitation can be obtained potentiometrically.

The amount of Sediganth C (approx. 8 – 12 ml per 1 g heavy metal) has to be determined by a prior test (as
described below.) After a reaction time of about 30 min. the solution will be filtered over a special filter press.
Allow the precipitate to settle at least 1 h for better filtration.

To determine the required amount of precipitation agent

• 0.1 ml precipitation agent Sediganth C is added to

• 100 ml of rinse water sample at a pH of 5 - 6, being continuously stirred.
• After a reaction time (while the solution is stirred) of 5 min., the solution to be treated has to be clear
and colorless.
• When another 0.1 ml precipitation agent Sediganth C is added no further clouding should appear.

The resulting ml of precipitation agent Sediganth C for 100 ml rinse water sample gives the amount of
precipitation agent in liter for 100 l rinse water to be treated.
Then adjust the pH to 9 with caustic soda/calcium hydroxide.

For better flocculation add flocculation agent (we recommend polyacryl amide/anionic with a mol mass of 4 –
6 million) and stir.
After filtration is complete the filtrate must not be mixed with metal ions bearing waste streams.

Concentrates and higher concentrated Rinse water

Concentrates should be diluted with the rinse water in the ratio of at least 1 : 5 before sending to the
wastewater treatment plant and can then be treated as stated above.

For better flocculation add flocculation agent (we recommend polyacryl amide/anionic with a mol mass of 4 –
6 million) and stir. Allow the precipitate to settle for better filtration.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to observe all local regulations concerning the limiting
values of pollutants including the general regulations on dangerous materials!

This sheet shall serve for your information. The content of the sheet is based on our best Atotech Deutschland GmbH
knowledge. We do not undertake any duty to advise. The contents of the sheet shall not P.O. Box: 21 07 80
be considered as an agreement on condition and quality of the goods delivered. 10507 Berlin, Germany
The decision to use our products for its production purposes is the responsibility of our Erasmusstraße 20
customer. We can accept liability only for the quality of our products at delivery. If 10553 Berlin, Germany
difficulties arise in the application of our products, we propose that you contact our phone +49 (0) 30 349 85 0
technical service department. fax +49 (0) 30 349 85 777

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UniClean X40
Soak and Electrolytic cleaner for steel and nonferrous metals

Analytical Instructions

Determination of UniClean X40 concentration by Titration

Principle: Acid-base Titration

Reagents required:

• Hydrochloric acid volumetric solution 1.0 M

• Phenolphthalein indicator solution

Be sure to observe all local regulations concerning the permitted limits for
pollutants, including the general regulations for hazardous materials!

Procedure:

• 10.0 ml of the sample is transferred to a 250-ml Erlenmeyer flask and

• 100 ml distilled water and
• 5 drops of Phenolphthalein indicator solution added to it. Titration is then performed with
• 1.0 M Hydrochloric acid volumetric solution changes from pink to colorless.

Multiplying the number of ml 1.0 M Hydrochloric acid volumetric solution used by 5.37 produces the
concentration of UniClean X40 in g/L.

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UniClean X40
Soak and Electrolytic cleaner for steel and nonferrous metals

Example:

8.1 ml of 1.0 M Hydrochloric acid volumetric solution

Calculation:

8.1 x 5.37 = 43.5 g/L UniClean X40

Quality assurance: For maintenance, calibration of measuring devices and the use of
standards and reference materials please refer to the corresponding guidelines.

* Unless otherwise stated, these are always analytical grade substances.

** Volumes given exact to a decimal point must be measured with a volumetric pipette.
*** For the purpose of calculation, the factor of the standard solution is assumed to be 1.000 and is
therefore not taken into account in the examples.

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