Hydro-Sol X-14 must be diluted. A chemical reaction with water forms clusters of molecules called micelles. It is the micelles the perform the degreasing, or de-waxing. Without sufficient dilution, micelles are not formed, and Hydro-Sol X-14 will not work.

The reason Hydro-Sol X-14 is so effective, is because it cleans through solubilization. Solubilizing chemicals form micelles more effectively than do most aqueous solvent which clean though emulsification. If you have an interest in more information in this area ask our local representative

All dilution rates beloware the minimum suggested, therefore the strongest solution suggested. Contray to common sense thinking. If you get good results at suggested strengths experiment with weaker, not stronger solutions.

For instance, we suggest beginning a dip-bath cleaning degreasing operation at a dilution of 20 or 30 parts water to 1 part Hydro-Sol X-14 (20:1 or 30:1). Wet, Many clients relate better results at 50:1 to 70:1 solutions. For one client who was de-waxing, Hydro-Sol X-14 would not work ar 20:1 strength yet worked fine at 70:1 strength for his operation.

Dip bath de-greasing is the ideal use use for Hydro-Sol prior to adding the initial charge of Hydrol-Sol be sure tank is clean and free of all hydrocarbons and sludge. Then, for best results follow the tips below:

1.     Suggested dilution rates: Maximum Strength is 20 parts water to 1 part Hydro-sol (20:1). Some related better results at dilutions of 50:1 to 70:1. One who was cleaning wax from metal parts did not get favorable results at 20:1, yet Hydro-Sol worked ar 70:1 solution. You may have to experiment to find the best dilution for your application

2.     Temperature: Hydro-Sol is more effective heated to 140 Degrees F ( 59.9 Degrees C). The temperature is not critical, and you may get satisfactory results from 120 Degrees F to 165 Degrees F. A simple immersion heater can be used. As a general rule, there is no need to heat above 160 Degrees F.

3.     Agitation: In order to gain the best load/bath life of a single Hydro-Sol charge the bath must be agitated. Subsurface agitation will avoid foaming. A 1/4 to 1/3 HP submersible pump will do. For better loaming. A timer can provide automatic start-up and shut-down of the pump and heater.

4.     Rack or Basket: Use a rack or basket to hold parts for easy immersion, and recovery.

5.     Rinse: After Cleaning, rinse with clean water by spray or by separate rinse tank. Then air or blow dry. Some clients found an alcohol rinse effective, because the alcohol evaporates.

6.     Release of Contaminations: When agitation of the Hydro-Sol bath is discontinued, some of the oil and grease will float to the surface for easy removal by skimming or floating oil absorbent pads or socks.

7.     Extend bath Life: To extend the useful life of the bath cover the tank at night or on weekends.

8.     Refresh Bath: Water evaporates faster than Hydro-Sol so to refresh, use water from the dip rinse tank or allow water from the spray rinse to drain into the cleaning tank. Installation of a simple float valve will maintain the desired tank level.

9.     Solution Strength: A pH control system will maintain solution strength. The pH of the initial solution is used as a control. If automatic, the system will maintain the pH control point adding Hydro-Sol concentrate as required. If you use a manual system when the pH gets too low, simply add more Hydro-Sol to restore pH levels.

10.     Rust & Corrosion: At the strongest solution we recommend Hydro-Sol passes the Douglas, Boeing, and ASTM tests for cleaning efficiency, and thier sandwich and dip corrosive tests. However, all aqueous solutions may cause metal oxidation over time. For parts cleaned with Hydro-Sol we have built in short-term protection can be obtained by dipping parts in NoOxy. For tanks we suggest fiberglass or plastic tanks, with a second choice as stainless steel.

Some clients converted their existing vapor degreasing tank to a dip-bath tank for Hydro-Sol X-14 cleaning. The physical differences between a vapor tank and a dip-tank require some the following additional considerations.

1.     Disconnect Cooling: Disconnect the cooling system of the vapor degreaser.

2.     Agitation: Add small subsurface agitation pump. See number 9 on the table above.

3.     Temperature: Maintain heater temperature between 140 Degrees to 165 Degrees F (59.9 degrees to 73.8 degrees C).

4.     Sray Mechanism: Disconnect the spray mechanism as it will cause foaming.

5.     Skin Surface: Before each start - up, skim off oil and grease from solution surface.

6.     Fill Unit: Fill the converted unit to allow for copmplete immersion of the parts.

Ultrasonic cleaning with Hydro-Sol X-14 is improved when the unit is equipped with a heater. For the type heaater and ideal temperatures.

Temperature on the previous page. Otherwise, the same points discussed above will give the best results.

1.     Dilution Rates: suggested dilution of Hydro-Sol X-14 concentrate is 50 parts water to 1 part Hydro-Sol (50:1). If you have a variable metering valve without specific setting, use the mid-range setting. Some clients relate success with dilution rates as low as 100:1 and in one case as low as 400:1 Obviously, some experimentation will find the ideal dilution rate for your application. This can be very important because you costs for cleaning chemicals.

2.     Temperature: A heated spray will give a more effective cleaning. If you have a heated spray you can turn the temperature down the 165 degrees F ( 59.9 degrees C). This will save on energy costs, and give you a much safer operation for the emplyees than you experience with higher temperatures. If your spray is not heated your result should still exceed your current cleaner.

1.     General Directions: As a rule you can use the same information and direstions as a dip-bath operation as above under B-Dip-Bath Degreasing. The only exception may be a stronger solution.

2.     Free Parts Washers: If you are now using a "Free" parts washer from chemical vendor loaned because you are buying his specific cleaner, the lower price of using Hydr-Sol will quickly offset the price of purchasing or building your own washer.

3.     Build Your Own Unit: You can build your own unit with a 55 gallon drum. Plastic drums are first choice and they can be obstained used for a little as $10 to $15. Steel drums will do. Add a amall submersible pump and a flexible drum heater with a thermostat. Add a Diluted Hydro-Sol solution and you are in business. Suggested diltion rates - 25 gallons of water to 2 1/2 gallons of Hydro-Sol (10:1). Experiment with weaker, not stronger solution to find the ideal strength for your operation..

1.     Diluton Rates: You might experiment with your application for best result. We have clients using 10:1 while others relate 70:1 is best. We suggest you begin you test at 40:1.

2.     General Directions: As a rule you can use the same information and directions as a dip-bath operation as discussed on page 1 under Dip-Bath Degreasing.

3.     Cleaning Residuals: An exception to an ordinary dip-bath operation may be a problem with cleaning residuals. If this occurs, it will usually be in the electronics or space industries where they require 100 level clean room specifications. If cleaning residual is a problem, you can first try deionized water (DI) for the rinse. If still a problem try alcohol as the rinse.

Back to Hydro-Sol X-14

6403 Lake Drive   ~   Bremerton, WA 98312
Phone: (360) 479-3487   ~   Fax: (360) 373-1537