What chemical solution to use for cleaning digital camera sensors?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the challenges of sourcing effective cleaning solutions for CCDs in Canada, particularly due to the unavailability of certain products like "Eclipse" and the adulteration of isopropyl alcohol with oils that leave residue. A user found 94% pure alcohol from a government-controlled store and questions the composition of the remaining 6%, suspecting it might be water. Concerns are raised about potential additives that could affect cleaning efficacy. The user shares an experience using vodka for cleaning, which resulted in streaks due to impurities, leading to costly professional cleaning. The conversation emphasizes the need for reliable, residue-free cleaning solutions for CCDs.
Phili Jourdan
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Since it is impossible to get certain cleaning solutions (in Canada, at least) like "Eclipse" (methanol) and pure isopropyl alcohol (from drug stores) is adulterated with some kind of greasy oils that leave smear marks behind, I would appreciate some help as to what chemical solutions might be available to do the job? What is required is merely that there be no residue left when cleaning the CCD.
For instance, I have found 94% pure alcohol (from the government owned SAQ alcohol controlled stores in Quebec). My question is: just what might the remaining 6% contain? and How can I find out what that might be?
My "long ago an far away" studies in chemistry suggest that that would be H2O; but I am skeptical of the reliability of the SAQ.
Thanks for any help.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
If it is for human consumption (and I guess it is), it is quite pure mix of water and ethanol.
 
Thanks Borek,
Since it comes from the Alcohol Authority, one would assume that, of course. But knowing these greedy b...tards we cannot assume that they have not added some othe garbage.
But if it is only water, then I would think it would be ok. And considering that if nothing has been added after the distilling process ( I know that after 94% it turns into some other stuff that's not too cool), then we could assume that the water would evaporate with the alcohol.
As for human consumption, godforbid one should drink this stuff straight... I have had that 151 proof rum straight (I don't recall the brand, but it's a good one)... but then I was a bit out of my mind, though it was good. At the time, anyway.
I did try cleaning the ccd with Vodka (Moskovskaya) and it worked partially; the 60% water was not pure water... probably leftover potato-peel juice. It left streaks and I had to have it cleaned by "professionals" at break-the-bank rates. Oh, well... Thanks much.
 
It seems like a simple enough question: what is the solubility of epsom salt in water at 20°C? A graph or table showing how it varies with temperature would be a bonus. But upon searching the internet I have been unable to determine this with confidence. Wikipedia gives the value of 113g/100ml. But other sources disagree and I can't find a definitive source for the information. I even asked chatgpt but it couldn't be sure either. I thought, naively, that this would be easy to look up without...
I was introduced to the Octet Rule recently and make me wonder, why does 8 valence electrons or a full p orbital always make an element inert? What is so special with a full p orbital? Like take Calcium for an example, its outer orbital is filled but its only the s orbital thats filled so its still reactive not so much as the Alkaline metals but still pretty reactive. Can someone explain it to me? Thanks!!

Similar threads

Back
Top