Solvent Cleaning

Know What Solvent Cleaning Is

SURFACE PREPARATION SPECIFICATION NO. 01 – Solvent Cleaning

1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for the solvent cleaning of steel surfaces.

2. Definition
2.1 Solvent cleaning is a method for removing all visible oil, grease, soil, drawing and cutting compounds, and other soluble contaminants from steel surfaces.

2.2 It is intended that solvent cleaning be used prior to the application of paint and in conjunction with surface prepara­tion methods specified for the removal of rust, mill scale, or paint.

3. Surface Preparation Before and After Solvent Cleaning
3.1 Prior to solvent cleaning, remove foreign matter (other than grease and oil) by one or a combination of the following: brush with stiff fiber or wire brushes, abrade, scrape, or clean with solutions of appropriate cleaners, provided such cleaners are followed by a fresh water rinse.

3.2 After solvent cleaning, remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the surface prior to paint application. Ac­ceptable methods include brushing, blow off with clean, dry air, or vacuum cleaning.

4. Methods of Solvent Cleaning
4.1 Remove heavy oil or grease first by scraper. Then remove the remaining oil or grease by any of the following methods:

1. Wipe or scrub the surface with rags or brushes wet­ted with solvent. Use clean solvent and clean rags or brushes for the final wiping.
2. Spray the surface with solvent. Use clean solvent for the final spraying.
3. Vapor degrease using stabilized chlorinated hydro­carbon solvents.
4. Immerse completely in a tank or tanks of solvent. For the last immersion, use solvent which does not contain detrimental amounts of contaminant.
5. Emulsion or alkaline cleaners may be used in place of the methods described. After treatment, wash the surface with fresh water or steam to remove detrimental residues.
6. Steam clean, using detergents or cleaners and follow by steam or fresh water wash to remove detrimental residues.

5. Inspection
5.1 All work and materials supplied under this standard shall be subject to timely inspection by the purchaser or his authorized representative. The contractor shall correct such work or replace such material as is found defective under this standard. In case of dispute the arbitration or settlement procedure established in the procurement documents, if any, shall be followed. If no arbitration or settlement procedure is established, then a procedure mutually agreeable to purchaser and contractor shall be used.

5.2 The procurement documents covering work or purchase should establish the responsibility for testing and for any re­quired affidavit certifying full compliance with the standard.

6. Disclaimer
6.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all information furnished in SSPC standards and specifications is as accurate, complete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from the use of any materials, coatings, or methods specified herein, or of the specification or standard itself.

6.2 This specification does not attempt to address prob­lems concerning safety associated with its use. The user of this specification, as well as the user of all products or practices described herein, is responsible for instituting appropriate health and safety practices and for ensuring compliance with all governmental regulations.

7. Note
Notes are not requirements of this specification.
7.1 A Commentary Section is available and contains ad­ditional information and data relative to this specification. The Surface Preparation Commentary, SSPC-SP COM, is not part of this specification. The table below lists the subjects discussed relevant to solvent cleaning and the appropriate Commentary section.

SURFACE PREPARATION SPECIFICATION NO. 01 – Solvent Cleaning