How to Clean Zn Sprayed on PP Film Motor Run Capacitors Without Chemicals?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for cleaning zinc (Zn) sprayed on polypropylene (PP) film motor run capacitors, particularly in the context of air conditioning applications. Participants explore mechanical cleaning techniques while adhering to restrictions against chemical methods and avoiding damage to the capacitor surfaces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests mechanically cleaning the Zn and trimming it, but notes that previous mechanical cleaning attempts were not fully effective.
  • Another participant describes an attempt to cover the capacitor with a PVC shrinkable tube before spraying, which resulted in only partial cleaning of the outer side, leaving the inner side still coated with Zn.
  • A third participant mentions that zinc can be dissolved using sulfuric or hydrochloric acids, but warns about the dangers of hydrogen gas and recommends consulting a chemist about potential residues.
  • A later reply emphasizes that chemical methods are prohibited by EU directives and expresses concern about damaging the Zn layer, suggesting a preference for mechanical cleaning methods despite their challenges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that chemical cleaning methods are not viable due to regulations and potential damage, but there is no consensus on effective mechanical cleaning techniques, with various methods proposed and challenged.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations in their mechanical cleaning methods, noting that achieving complete cleaning is difficult and that some methods have only yielded partial results.

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PP film cleaning
Motor run capacitors (air conditioning)?How to clean Zn sprayed on PP film? Try to clean mechanically and cut(trim). Do you have any idea? Can’t use any oil and forbidden to damage surface.
You can see cutted barrier(between 2 windings) on images. Image M10 is sprayed(not cutted sample).
Variants of mechanically cleaning not OK(not fully cleaned).
 

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Also i try to do cover from PVC shrinkable tube. I cut a piece of tube 3 mm high(high of barrier).Then sprayed(6 atm pressure plasma spraying). Then remove tube. I recived only outer side without Zn.
So not completely clened too. How to clean 2 sides from Zn?:rolleyes:
 
Zinc is dissolved by both Sulfuric and by Hydrochloric acids. The reaction releases Hydrogen gas which is explosive, so take care with plenty of ventilation and no nearby ignition sources. Other acids will also dissolve Zinc but some of the released reaction products are even more dangerous.

Best if you talk to a Chemist regarding what gets left behind and if the residue will be a problem for your application.

Lots of info found with: https://www.google.com/search?&q=dissolve+zinc+in+acid

Cheers,
Tom
 
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Sorry, but chemicls metods is forbidden by EU directives. Also i can damage partially Zn layer.
So may be some mechanical one. I try to clean by metal brush, clean some very liitle but it's very hard...
 

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