Chemistry – Automatic Chemical Makeup

Previous blogs have revealed a number of ways to measure chemical concentration in a cleaning bath.  It is a logical extension that  process engineers utilize these tools to automate maintaining the proper chemical concentration in their cleaning processes.  Overall, this is a great idea.  However, there are some pitfalls and things that should be taken …

Chemistry – More Ways to Measure Chemical Concentration

So far, we have recognized pH and specific gravity as ways to determine chemical concentration in cleaning solutions.  This blog will explore additional techniques that may also be used for this purpose. Conductivity – Pure water is a poor conductor of electricity.  As chemistry is added to water, it’s ability to conduct electricity is increased.  …

Chemistry – What is Titration?

Titration is a procedure frequently used to measure the chemical concentration in a liquid.  The concept is pretty simple.  A specific volume of the solution under test is collected and put into a container which is usually an erlenmeyer flask or a beaker. The container can be glass, plastic or another material.  Glass is often preferred because …

Buffing Compound Removal – A Unique Challenge

Buffing compound is a material used in polishing operations which must be removed once polishing is complete.  Buffing compound consists of a finely divided abrasive mixed with a “vehicle” which is often a paraffin or, in some cases, animal fat and other “fats”  depending on their price and availability in a particular region of the world.  The “vehicle” …

Chemistry – Material Safety Data Sheets vs. Technical Data

By law, there must be a Material Safety Data Sheet for any material used in any process.  The law was instituted, basically, because workers were unknowingly coming in contact with materials that were dangerous not only from a physical standpoint (fire, reactivity, explosivity, etc.) but to human health and well-being as well.  Many of today’s …

Drying – Heat Considerations in Hot Air Drying

Hot air drying applications involve, primarily, the evaporation of water or another liquid such as a solvent from the surface being dried.  Evaporation occurs as heated air circulates over and around the surface being dried as discussed in earlier blogs.  In all cases this liquid evaporation consumes heat which results in cooling of the remaining liquid.  One …