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Formulation Card

FC-14.5-M

Equipment Cleaner

Ingredients

IngredientINCI / Chemical Name% w/wFunction
WaterAqua82.0Solvent carrier
Phosphoric acid (75%)Phosphoric acid8.0Acidulant, scale/rust removal
C9-C11 alcohol ethoxylate (8 EO)C9-11 pareth-83.0Nonionic surfactant, detergency
Citric acidCitric acid2.5Chelant, buffering
Propylene glycol butyl etherPPG-2 butyl ether3.0Solvent, grease cutting
Sodium alkylbenzene sulfonateSodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate1.0Anionic surfactant boost
Corrosion inhibitor (benzotriazole)1H-Benzotriazole0.3Copper/brass protection
Xanthan gumXanthan gum0.2Rheology modifier
Total100.0

Formulation Notes

Machinery and production-line cleaning in industrial settings often requires removal of mixed soils including lubricating greases, metal fines, and oxidation films. An acidic cleaner at pH 2-3 using phosphoric acid provides simultaneous detergency and light derusting action, while remaining compatible with stainless-steel equipment that would be attacked by stronger mineral acids .

Procedure. Dissolve citric acid and xanthan gum in water. Add phosphoric acid slowly with cooling (exothermic addition; do not exceed 45°C). Add the alcohol ethoxylate and propylene glycol butyl ether. Dissolve sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate separately in a small portion of water and add. Introduce benzotriazole last; mix until homogeneous.

Specifications. pH (neat): 2.5 ± 0.2; pH (1% solution): 2.8 ± 0.2; active matter: 12% ± 0.5%; specific gravity: 1.03 ± 0.01.

Application. Use at 2-5% for general equipment cleaning; 10-20% for heavy scale or rust films. Contact time: 2-5 minutes. Rinse with potable water. Safe on 300-series stainless steel and most ceramics; avoid prolonged contact with carbon steel, aluminum, and zinc-coated surfaces .

GHS Classification. Skin Corrosion Category 1B (H314); Signal word: DANGER. Phosphoric acid at ≥ 25% concentration carries Skin Corrosion Sub-category 1B classification under CLP ; this formulation contains 8% phosphoric acid (75% grade = 6% active acid, below the 10% threshold for Category 1). However, when classified as a mixture, the combination with citric acid yields Skin Irritation Category 2 (H315) and Eye Damage Category 1 (H318). Required PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, chemical-resistant apron.