Type of Cleaner - Acidic, Alkaline

A Deer Park, NY, company, Industrial Chem Labs and Services manufacturers and distributes a full spectrum of cleaning and odor-control products, including degreasers and disinfectants. When it comes to sewer and water treatment, Industrial Chem Labs and Services of NY offers cling-type coil cleaner that removes coil buildup, as well as acid-type coil cleaner that dissolves dirt, scale, and other contaminants. They also have alkaline-based tile grout cleaners available.

The three basic types of condenser coil and fin cleaners are acidic, alkaline, and surfactants, with alkaline cleaners typically used for neutralizing acidic coil deposits. Alkaline cleaners have a foaming action that results in small layers of base alloy being stripped away that also contain target contaminants. They are corrosive and typically contain potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, which attack the coil coating and surface metal. For this reason, they need to be applied carefully and rinsed thoroughly after use.

Acidic cleaners also strip away, or etch, the surface of the metal, which removes corrosive deposits and often results in a brighter appearance. They generally have a base of citric phosphoric acid, and may be used to neutralize and remove the types of airborne sea salts that form deposits on coil surfaces in coastal areas.

Free-rinsing, and with a foaming action, surfactant cleaners are non-corrosive and able to clean elements such as dirt, grime, and airborne deposits without corroding the surface of the coil.