Clingier Can Be Better

Available in several formulations aimed at various kinds of soils, Dujel cleaners are thixotropic compounds that adhere to surfaces to provide enhanced cleaning of a variety of soil types. Shown here are cleaning results on red rust (left) and mill scale.

Batch coaters often find themselves left out of the research and development loop. New technologies are made for high-volume users while smaller coaters are stuck with the same old tricks. But a new product offered by DuBois Chemicals (Sharonville, OH) is targeted for hand wand application.

The company’s DuJel line of cleaners can be applied in a gel form to provide extended dwell time and superior cleaning compared to conventional liquid and foam products. The compounds cling to vertical surfaces, and are said to be capable of removing a variety of soils including oil and grease, white rust, red rust, hard water/carbonate scale, laser scale and mill scale.

The products can be applied with a spray bottle, pump-up sprayer or spray wand. They form a thixotropic gel that adheres strongly to surfaces, increasing the contact time for penetration of stubborn soils. As the slow-moving product flows along the surface it continually brings fresh chemical to bear on the surface. After cleaning, the materials are easily rinsed and leave no chemical residues. The cleaners can save up to 30% in total cleaning time and up to 20% in total cost, according to DuBois.

The products are available in several formulations. DuJel 300 is recommended for removal of calcium carbonate scale. DuJel 700 is a neutral, general-purpose cleaner, while DuJel 870 is a solvent-based product aimed at specific degreasing applications. DuJel 1150 is a chlor-alkali based product designed for cleaning difficult deposits, and DuJel 1200 is a strong alkaline-based product for cleaning organic deposits. All formulations are sold in a ready-to-use form and require no mixing. They contain no SARA reportables or alkyl phenol ethoxylates.

In one installation where a traditional cleaner was being used for cleaning steel grain bins, use of a Dujel product substantially improved cleaning quality, completely removing the soils and eliminating problems with adhesion. Labor was reduced and product quality was enhanced, according to DuBois.