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Comparing Almeco 18 vs. Brulin 815GD for UHV Component Ultrasonic Cleaning
Recently we received an updated cleaning specification for Ultra-High Vacuum components from a customer. A portion of the specification covered the ultrasonic cleaning of stainless steel and aluminum components. The customer specification recommended ultrasonic cleaning using an Almeco 18 solution in heated (150°F) demineralized water. Since the early 2000's due to our association with the National Ignition Facility project as a key supplier, Meyer Tool has standardized on the use of Brulin detergents for cleaning. We have successfully used these products for cleaning of Ultra-High Vacuum components. Our current cleaning procedures specify the use of Brulin 815GD for ultrasonic cleaning of both stainless steel and aluminum components. However, as we previously had used Almeco 18 prior to standardizing on the Brulin products, we decided to re-examine the two products and re-evaluate our present ultrasonic cleaning procedure.
As previously reported in “Cleaning Aluminum for Vacuum Applications”, Almeco 18 is often cited in cleaning specifications for Ultra-High Vacuum components, especially for aluminum. Locating product information on Almeco 18 was challenging as it is now a Henkel product and has been renamed twice. Almeco 18 has been rebranded as Henkel Bonderite-C-AK18.
Review of product literature for Almeco 18 (Bonderite-C-AK18) informs us that it is a mild alkaline based cleaner, with active ingredients that include carbonates, borates, and phosphates. It is intended to clean aluminum without etching. The product consists of a silicate free, mildly alkaline powder that is mixed with water at elevated temperatures. It is designed to remove light oils and light oxide films that form on aluminum and its alloys. Other metals such as stainless steel and copper, per the literature, “could be cleaned, but must be tested prior to use”. Further review of the literature indicates the use of Almeco 18 (Bonderite-C-AK18), as indicated by the manufacturer, is most effective for cleaning aluminum.
The Handbook of Vacuum Science and Technology for example references a procedure for cleaning developed by the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Lab using Almeco 18 that is specifically for cleaning 6063 and 2219 aluminum alloys.
Brulin 815GD is also a mild alkaline based detergent consisting of an environmentally friendly proprietary mixture of anionic and non-ionic surfactants and corrosion inhibitors along with the alkaline components. It is a liquid specifically formulated for use in immersion and ultrasonic cleaner applications. Brulin 815GD is intended for use with both ferrous and non-ferrous metals and can be used with plastic and composite materials as well. The list of soils that Brulin 815GD is used to remove includes buffing compounds, carbon, machining coolants, dirt, fat, flux, grease, oil, silicon, sulfur, and other organic and inorganic soils.
The National Ignition Facility (NIF) cleaning group has done extensive work in characterizing effective cleaning procedures for aluminum, stainless steel and copper. NIF has developed an extensive cleaning regime for aluminum alloys based upon the use of a phosphoric acid etch followed by aqueous alkaline cleaning. However in their Specifications for both Gross Cleaning (MEL99-009-OK) and Precision Cleaning (MEL00-016-OE), Brulin 815GD is specified in the ultrasonic cleaning of both aluminum and stainless steel materials.
Based upon our review of the literature, except when constrained by a contractual requirement, we will continue to utilize the Brulin 815GD for cleaning aluminum and stainless steel for Ultra-High Vacuum components. Brulin 815GD is formulated to clean both stainless steel and aluminum and to remove a wider range of contaminants that the Almeco 18 (Bonderite-C-AK18). When used alone, the Brulin 815GD may not be as effective as the Almeco 18 (Bonderite-C-AK18) for cleaning of aluminum. However following the NIF developed regime that includes a phosphoric acid etch prior to the Brulin 815GD ultrasonic cleaning results in a higher level of cleanliness that can be achieved with the Almeco 18 (Bonderite-C-AK18) process. At Meyer Tool we constantly review our procedures and strive to learn and share information with our customer partners to Reduce Project Risk and achieve the lowest total cost of ownership.
As previously reported in “Cleaning Aluminum for Vacuum Applications”, Almeco 18 is often cited in cleaning specifications for Ultra-High Vacuum components, especially for aluminum. Locating product information on Almeco 18 was challenging as it is now a Henkel product and has been renamed twice. Almeco 18 has been rebranded as Henkel Bonderite-C-AK18.
Review of product literature for Almeco 18 (Bonderite-C-AK18) informs us that it is a mild alkaline based cleaner, with active ingredients that include carbonates, borates, and phosphates. It is intended to clean aluminum without etching. The product consists of a silicate free, mildly alkaline powder that is mixed with water at elevated temperatures. It is designed to remove light oils and light oxide films that form on aluminum and its alloys. Other metals such as stainless steel and copper, per the literature, “could be cleaned, but must be tested prior to use”. Further review of the literature indicates the use of Almeco 18 (Bonderite-C-AK18), as indicated by the manufacturer, is most effective for cleaning aluminum.
The Handbook of Vacuum Science and Technology for example references a procedure for cleaning developed by the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Lab using Almeco 18 that is specifically for cleaning 6063 and 2219 aluminum alloys.
Brulin 815GD is also a mild alkaline based detergent consisting of an environmentally friendly proprietary mixture of anionic and non-ionic surfactants and corrosion inhibitors along with the alkaline components. It is a liquid specifically formulated for use in immersion and ultrasonic cleaner applications. Brulin 815GD is intended for use with both ferrous and non-ferrous metals and can be used with plastic and composite materials as well. The list of soils that Brulin 815GD is used to remove includes buffing compounds, carbon, machining coolants, dirt, fat, flux, grease, oil, silicon, sulfur, and other organic and inorganic soils.
The National Ignition Facility (NIF) cleaning group has done extensive work in characterizing effective cleaning procedures for aluminum, stainless steel and copper. NIF has developed an extensive cleaning regime for aluminum alloys based upon the use of a phosphoric acid etch followed by aqueous alkaline cleaning. However in their Specifications for both Gross Cleaning (MEL99-009-OK) and Precision Cleaning (MEL00-016-OE), Brulin 815GD is specified in the ultrasonic cleaning of both aluminum and stainless steel materials.
Based upon our review of the literature, except when constrained by a contractual requirement, we will continue to utilize the Brulin 815GD for cleaning aluminum and stainless steel for Ultra-High Vacuum components. Brulin 815GD is formulated to clean both stainless steel and aluminum and to remove a wider range of contaminants that the Almeco 18 (Bonderite-C-AK18). When used alone, the Brulin 815GD may not be as effective as the Almeco 18 (Bonderite-C-AK18) for cleaning of aluminum. However following the NIF developed regime that includes a phosphoric acid etch prior to the Brulin 815GD ultrasonic cleaning results in a higher level of cleanliness that can be achieved with the Almeco 18 (Bonderite-C-AK18) process. At Meyer Tool we constantly review our procedures and strive to learn and share information with our customer partners to Reduce Project Risk and achieve the lowest total cost of ownership.
