Can Electrochemical Degreasing be Affected by Chlorides and Soap?

In summary, the bath will contain chlorine and a polar detergent which will react to form soluble compounds which will dissolve on the ions in the bath. This will decrease the efficiency of the degreasing process.
  • #1
roadrunner1994
11
2
Hi,
Why contamination of the bath for electrochemical degreasing by chlorides or soap adversly affects degreasing of parts?
What's the difference if chlorine is produced instead of hydrogen or oxygen? I thought that this gases only help the grease to break away from the part's surface.

I'm really courious about mechanism of degreasing. Does the current only cause water electrolysis which results in hydrogen production in cathodic degreasing or oxidation of hydroxyl ion which results in oxygen production in case of anodic degreasing? In this case degreasing process is exactly the same as in chemical degreasing except that produced gases helps the grease to break away from the surface.
Or does the current cause any additional reactions with grease which helps to clean the part's surface?
Thanks for your help!
 
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  • #2
I would expect the tank to contain an alkaline cleaner such as sodium hydroxide. That will react with contaminants such as chlorine or a polar detergent. Such a reaction will reduce the availability of the alkaline cleaner.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332192238/figure/download/tbl1/AS:743977351393288@1554389431909/Composition-of-degreasing-solution-and-process-parameters.png
 
  • #3
Thanks, I understand the chlorine will react with bath constituents which mostly gives us soluble compunds which will dissociate on ions, right? So we are back to square one and we have chlorides in the bath again.
So is the decrease of the degreasing efficiency due to the fact that the bath ingredients are constantly reacting with chloride or chlorine instead of reacting with grease and surface contaminants?
 
  • #4
You will need to study the electrochemical series to identify which reaction will take place first, at the lowest voltage. Where does the current flow ?
I suspect the oil on the metal surface is being broken down into a hydroxide sludge or soap, that then floats to the surface and can be skimmed off. Will that reaction continue in the presence of NaCl ? Will chlorine be released as a gas into the workplace ?
 

1. How do chlorides and soap affect the electrochemical degreasing process?

Chlorides and soap can negatively affect the electrochemical degreasing process by interfering with the formation of a stable oxide layer on the metal surface. This can lead to poor adhesion of the coating and reduced corrosion resistance.

2. Can the presence of chlorides and soap be detected in the electrochemical degreasing solution?

Yes, the presence of chlorides and soap can be detected through chemical analysis of the electrochemical degreasing solution. High levels of these contaminants can indicate the need for solution replenishment or purification.

3. How can the negative effects of chlorides and soap be mitigated in the electrochemical degreasing process?

The negative effects of chlorides and soap can be mitigated by using a higher concentration of degreasing agents, increasing the temperature of the solution, or incorporating a pre-treatment step to remove these contaminants from the metal surface.

4. Are there any safety concerns when working with electrochemical degreasing solutions containing chlorides and soap?

Yes, there are safety concerns when working with electrochemical degreasing solutions containing chlorides and soap. These chemicals can be hazardous if ingested or come in contact with skin or eyes. It is important to follow proper safety protocols and wear protective gear when handling these solutions.

5. Can the use of chlorides and soap in electrochemical degreasing be completely eliminated?

While it is possible to eliminate the use of chlorides and soap in electrochemical degreasing, it may not be practical or cost-effective. These chemicals can play a crucial role in the degreasing process and their complete elimination may result in a less effective cleaning process.

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