| Q. What kind of Products are Safe for Aluminum? |
| A. Aluminum is what’s called an amphoteric metal. That means it is subject to both acid and alkaline corrosion. If you have adequate control of your conditions (temperature, dilution) and use a product intended for Aluminum, then you will have little or no problems. BIRKO has neutral, acid, and alkaline formulations that have been designed for and tested on popular aluminum alloys. |
| Most of the dark "smut" formed during alkaline corrosion of Aluminum is actually the alloy’s Copper being converted to an oxide. You can relieve this type of stain safely with BIRKO’s Acid Brite #2. Consult your regional Technical Representative, or give the lab a call at our Denver Headquarters, (800) 525-0476. |
| Chlorinated products are extremely reactive with Aluminum. They can only be used with great care. Ask your BIRKO Technical Representative for a survey of your situation, to get a correct product recommendation. BIRKO feels that although Aluminum products are both light and economical, they should only be specified for use in an area where there is no concentrated (straight) Chlorine Bleach. Post rinse sanitation levels of bleach are not cause for concern. |
| Q. What Causes Yellowing and Embrittlement on Plastic Conveyors? |
| A. The popular use of concentrated Chlorine Bleach for whitening can actually react some of the plastics, turning them into new molecules with different properties. We all know how effective Chlorine Bleach is for sanitation and protein removal. If you intend to use concentrated Chlorine Bleach in your program, you MUST specify that fact when ordering conveyors. |
| Some stains can be readily removed from white conveyors without the use of Chlorine Bleach. Check with the lab about your application. |
| Q. How does galvanizing and chromating protect a metal? |
| A. A galvanized surface is intended to corrode preferentially to the metal beneath it. Eventually it WILL rust. In the meantime it is best treated as Aluminum in practice, to maximize the part’s lifetime. Modern food plants no longer use galvanized metals. |
Chromate finishes present a surface that is already in equilibrium with oxidizing conditions. The technique borrows a page from stainless steels. Moderate pH cleaners (6 to 9) will maximize the life of chromated chains, which are popular in the poultry industry. We recommend BIRKO Liquik 2 CS for foaming on chains and shackles in the poultry industry. The product will not harm the chain, yet deliver excellent results on fat and grease, with no dark smut on shackles.
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| For more information E-Mail the Tech Desk |
