Rejuvenation catalyst for Petrobond (R)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the rejuvenation catalyst for Petrobond (R) foundry sand, exploring its composition, uses, and methods for restoring its properties after casting processes. Participants share insights into the materials involved and the challenges faced in maintaining the sand's usability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the rejuvenation catalyst for Petrobond (R) foundry sand and requests information quickly.
  • Another participant humorously suggests 'Kitty Litter' as a potential catalyst, linking it to the presence of bentonite clay.
  • A participant confirms that foundry sand contains bentonite clay and speculates that oil might be involved in the rejuvenation process.
  • Further details are provided about the casting applications of the sand, including its use for various metal items and the issue of oil being burned out during casting.
  • Multiple catalysts are proposed, including propylene carbonate, isopropyl alcohol, a methanol/water mix, and propylene glycol, with a suggestion that propylene carbonate or the methanol/water mix may be the most effective.
  • One participant mentions needing to verify information from their foundry and expresses uncertainty about the timing of their response.
  • Another participant shares a source for their information regarding home foundries and discusses environmental regulations related to waste sand disposal.
  • A question is raised about whether the casting process bonds oil to the sand or if it is simply washed out during reclamation.
  • Several participants recall non-industrial uses for Kitty Litter, such as aiding in winter driving or cleaning up spills, which adds a humorous note to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various hypotheses regarding the composition and rejuvenation of foundry sand, with no clear consensus on the best catalyst or the specifics of the casting process. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference different catalysts and their effectiveness without reaching a definitive conclusion. The discussion includes assumptions about the casting process and the nature of the rejuvenation, which are not fully resolved.

Flyboy
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I was wondering if you guys could help me out here. I would like to know what the rejuvenation catalyst for Petrobond (R) foundry sand is, if there is one at all.:confused: If you guys could get me the answer before the end of the day, I would appreciate it. :wink:
 
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I'm not sure why my first instinct is to say 'Kitty Litter', but it's probably wrong.
 
Danger, you actually got one of the parts of the foundry sand correct. Cat litter has bentonite clay in it, as does foundry sand. Pretty close. I think it may be oil, but I'm not sure.
 
Geez, I was just trying to live up to my medal. :redface:

Perhaps if you tell me what the sand is used for and what state it needs to be 'rejuvenated' from, I can check around. I was going on the assumption that it was for casting parts, but I thought that it would be fused after that.
 
The sand is used to cast items ranging from hacksaw handles in metalshop classes to a 4,200 pound brass ship propellor. the problem is that the sand that touches the metal has the oil burned out of it. the oil comes out as smoke, leaving burnt sand behind. to make it useable again, you have to add oil. I found a couple of different catalysts. one catalyst turned out to be propylene carbonate. others were isopropyl alchohol, a mix of 90% methanol and 10% water, and propylene glycol (coolant/antifreeze). they say that the propylene carbonate or methanol/water mix is best. thanks guys.
 
I would have to run over to our foundry to check. I can't guarantee I can get back to you before tomorrow though.
 
Well, that's kinda neat, Flyboy. I never knew that there was anything mixed with the sand, and couldn't figure out how it held its shape. Thanks for the enlightenment.
 
Flyboy said:
It's OK. I got my information from a site about a home foundry. the address is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hobbicast/message/33936. :approve:
Reclimation or rejuvination is only good for so long. As a side note to consider, when we ship our used sand to the dump, because of the additives, we have to ensure that the waste sand is not considered hazardous waste. It never is, but environmental regs require the testing. Just as an FYI.

Glad you found your info.
 
  • #10
So does the casting process burn the oil right into the sand, as in bonding a carbon layer to it, or does the residue just get washed out in the reclaimation?
 
  • #11
I just remembered why Kitty Litter came to mind as a sand substitute, and it has nothing to do with industrial processes. It was about using it under your tires when you're stuck in winter. :redface:
 
  • #12
Danger said:
I just remembered why Kitty Litter came to mind as a sand substitute, and it has nothing to do with industrial processes. It was about using it under your tires when you're stuck in winter. :redface:


Or using it to absorb engine oil spilt on your garage floor, making it easy to sweep up.
 
  • #13
Quite so, Mr. Nog. Also, an antifreeze spill, which will kill your cat if he licks it, is well taken care of by litter.
 

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