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12003
AS 1627.1
Australian Standard
Australian Standard
Originated as AS CK9.11965.
Previous edition AS 1627.11989.
Third edition 2003.
COPYRIGHT
Standards Australia International
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written permission of the
publisher.
Published by Standards Australia International Ltd
GPO Box 5420, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia
ISBN 0 7337 5257 8
AS 1627.12003 2
PREFACE
This Standard has been prepared by the Australian members of the Joint Standards
Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee MT-009, Metal Finishing, to supersede
AS 1627.11989. After consultation with stakeholders in both countries, Standards
Australia and Standards New Zealand decided to develop this Standard as an Australian
Standard rather than an Australian/New Zealand Standard.
This Standard was revised by Standards Australia Subcommittee MT-009-05 which decided
to change the title from Metal finishing, Part 1: Cleaning using liquid solvents or alkaline
solution to Metal finishing, Part 1: Removal of oil, grease and related contamination as the
latter better reflects the content of the Standard.
The objective of this Standard is to specify the procedures for the removal of surface
contaminants on metallic surfaces.
This Standard forms Part 1 of a series of Standards that deal with the preparation and pre-
treatment of metal surfaces in readiness for finishing processes.
The series comprises the following Parts:
AS
1627 Metal finishingPreparation and pretreatment of surfaces
1627.0 Part 0: Method selection guide
1627.1 Part 1: Removal of oil, grease and related contamination
1627.2 Part 2: Power tool cleaning
1627.4 Part 4: Abrasive blast cleaning
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CONTENTS
Page
FOREWORD.............................................................................................................................. 4
APPENDICES
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FOREWORD
This Standard describes methods and materials used to remove contaminants such as oil,
grease and related contaminates from metal and previously coated surfaces prior to further
surface preparation or coating.
Such methods are used prior to mechanical methods such as power tool cleaning or abrasive
blasting. Methods included in the procedures are simple solvent wiping, immersion in
solvent, solvent spray, vapour degreasing, emulsion cleaning and alkaline cleaning.
Solvent cleaning is not a suitable method for the removal of corrosive salts. These require
treatment, according to the degree of contamination, by washing with suitable aqueous
solutions, possibly utilizing high pressure water.
Liquid solvent cleaning seldom completely removes all oil and grease. Supplementary
cleaning processes may be required to produce suitably clean surfaces for some coating
systems. Solvent vapour degreasing is capable of removing all oil and grease deposits.
Successful coating of a metal component or structural items, whether with a paint system or
another metal (such as zinc), lies in rendering its surface completely free of any foreign
matter, notably dirt or greasy substances, that will interfere either with the coating
operation itself or with the ultimate performance of the coating in service. The presence of
unremoved contamination is likely to result in an unsatisfactory coating finish, such as
blistering and bare areas, or in disbonding of an apparently satisfactory coating from the
substrate with the passage of time.
A wide range of alkaline cleaning products and methods is available, and the nature of the
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final coating must be taken into account as the final performance may be affected by the
cleaning method selected. It is also essential that residues of alkaline cleaning compounds
and detergents be removed, as these can be detrimental to performance. Alkaline cleaning is
suitable for removal of dirt, perspiration, light deposits of oil and some water wettable or
soluble contaminants.
5 AS 1627.12003
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Australian Standard
Metal finishingPreparation and pretreatment of surfaces
1.1 SCOPE
This Standard sets out a variety of methods for eliminating dirt and organic residues, such
as oil, grease and related contaminates from metal surfaces, so as to facilitate the
satisfactory application of finished coatings. Methods described for decontaminating
surfaces include simple solvent wiping, immersion in solvent, solvent spray, vapour
degreasing, emulsion cleaning, and alkaline cleaning. The process will usually remove
loose adherent dirt from affected surfaces.
Depending on the nature of the finish coating to be applied, cleaning by any of the
procedures described in this Standard may be followed by a more rigorous intermediate
treatment, such as pickling or abrasive blast cleaning.
NOTE: Appendix A contains advice and recommendations on information which should be
supplied by the purchaser at the time of inquiry or order.
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1.3 DESIGNATION
The designations adopted for the various types of cleaning processes given in Table 2.1 are
listed below:
(a) Neutral/Alkaline degreasing process (A)
AS ........ Neutral/Alkaline spray process
AD ....... Neutral/Alkaline dip or soak process
ADM .... AD process with mechanical and/or ultrasonic agitation
AE........ Alkaline electrolytic
1.4 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Standard the definitions in AS 4108 and those below apply.
1.4.1 Neutral/Alkaline cleaning
Cleaning by a water solution containing alkaline degreasing or neutral cleaning components
and detergents.
1.4.2 Dirt (soil)
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Any organic or inorganic contaminant on the metal surface which will interfere with a
subsequent metal finishing operation (process) if not removed.
NOTE: Dirt or soil may be any one or a number of materials, such as shop dirt, abrasive grains,
metal dust and chips from metal surface, and free graphite carbon smut.
1.4.3 High pressure cleaning
Cleaning by high pressure (34 MPa70 MPa) hot or cold water that may contain appropriate
cleaning components.
1.4.4 Oil, grease and related contamination
Organic contamination, such as oil, grease, wax, fat, cutting oils, silicones and perspiration
marks, e.g. finger prints, that is not wetted by water and which adversely affects coating
adhesion.
1.4.5 Solvent cleaning
Cleaning by solvent, assisted by mechanical displacement such as wiping, agitation and
spraying.
1.4.6 Solvent-emulsion cleaning
Cleaning by emulsification and solution.
1.4.7 Vapour degreasing
Cleaning in solvent vapour phase, involving solvent condensation and run-off.
(a) The water-break test A breakfree film of water is indicative of the absence of
hydrophobic contaminants. Examine the surface for the presence of a continuous
water film that has no breaks, or droplet formation on the surface.
(b) The white glove test Wipe the surface to be tested with a white glove, cotton swab or
lens tissue. Examine the material used to wipe the surface for the presence of
contaminants indicated by a black, grey or off-white residue. The test may be used on
dry or wet surfaces.
(c) The filter paper test See AS 3894.6, Method B.
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2.1 GENERAL
Methods for removal of oil, grease and related contamination should be carried out in a
manner appropriate to the degree of contamination. Surface cleaning processes include the
following (see also Table 2.1):
(a) Neutral/Alkaline processes (see Clause 2.2).
(b) Solvent processes (see Clause 2.3).
(c) Emulsion processes (see Clause 2.4).
(d) Water processes (see Clause 2.5).
NOTES:
1 Large quantities of contamination should be removed by hand or a power tool prior to
cleaning.
2 Appendix B contains a guide to the selection of a cleaning process.
3 Carbon smut and some metal working compounds, will require a specialized chemical reagent
or solvent.
Neutral/Alkaline cleaning is used for removal of dirt, perspiration marks, light deposits of
oil and related contaminants, and some water-wettable or water-soluble contaminants.
Suitable techniques include hand rubbing or scrubbing, mechanical agitation, boiling,
power spray, electrolytic cleaning and ultrasonic agitation.
2.2.2 Procedure
The procedure shall be as follows:
(a) Using an appropriate neutral/alkaline cleaner and process (see Note 1 to Clause 2.1),
remove oil, grease and related contamination from the surface.
(b) After the oil, grease and related contaminants have been loosened and dispersed by
the neutral/alkaline cleaner, remove any loosened material and the residue of the
cleaner by thorough rinsing. Since any cleaning compound residue left on a surface
may be detrimental to the adhesion of any coating applied to the surface, it is
essential that it be removed.
(c) The most effective method of rinsing is by using hot clean water or by immersing the
article in a well-agitated bath of hot clean water. Counter-current rinsing is the most
efficient method. When only cold clean water is available, particular care should be
taken to ensure that rinsing is as thorough as possible.
TABLE 2.1
APPLICABILITY OF TYPICAL CLEANING PROCESSES
High
Neutral/Alkaline Solvent Emulsion
pressure
Contaminant cleaning cleaning cleaning
cleaning
processes processes processes
processes
AS AD ADM AE SS SD SDM SW SV EMS EMD PWJ
Oils s s s Note 2 s s s s s s s s
Greases Note 2 s s s s s s s s
Wax s Note 2 s s s s s s s s
Coolants s s s Note 2 s s s s s s s s
Metal working s s s Note 2 s s s s s s s s
compounds
(chlorinated oils,
sulfurized oils)
Impacted or s Note 2 s s s s s
caked on oils
and compounds
Shop dirt, s s s Note 2 s s s Note 3 s s s
abrasive
particles, metal
dust, etc
Carbon smut s Note 2 s s s
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NOTES:
1 s = Suitable.
2 After AS, AD or ADM processes.
3 Low production.
(b) Wipe clean the wetted surface and permit the remaining solvent to evaporate to
dryness.
(c) Using a clean, lint free rag, cloth or brush, wetted with clean solvent, hand swab or
scrub the surface to remove the foreign matter from the metal surface. The rag or
cloth shall be used only once and then discarded. The applicator shall not dip a soiled
rag or cloth into clean solvent. When using a brush, do not dip the soiled brush into
the clean solvent.
(d) Wiping or brushing shall continue until no contaminant is observed on the rag, cloth
or brush.
(e) Spray or immerse in cold or hot solvent, when required.
(f) Complete the operation by draining and drying thoroughly.
Suitable solvents for this procedure are as follows:
APPENDIX A
PURCHASING GUIDELINES
(Informative)
A1 GENERAL
Australian Standards are intended to include the technical provisions necessary for the
supply of products referred to in the particular Standard, but do not purport to comprise all
the necessary provisions of a contract. This Appendix contains advice, and
recommendations on the information to be supplied by the purchaser at the time of inquiry
or order.
Its aims are to avoid misunderstanding, and to result in the purchaser receiving satisfactory
products and service.
APPENDIX B
GUIDE TO THE SELECTION OF CLEANING PROCESS
(Informative)
Cleaners
Feature Methods
Neural/Alkaline Alkaline/Electro Solvent Emulsion
Form in which Water solution of the cleaning Alkaline solutions Hydrocarbon or chlorinated Emulsifiable mixture of
the cleaning compound which usually includes usually containing high solvents solvents with surface active
compound is surface active agents. May contain caustic concentration to agents
used grinding chips, metal, slugs or carry current
abrasive compounds for barrel or
vibratory processes of methods
Immersion 5200 g/L 25100 g/L 100% solvent liquid or 10100% v/v
(Vapour Degreasing Alkaline: 60c to boiling depending 60C to 100C depending vapour. Usually room temperature
Solvent) on the metal. on the metal Room temperature or
13
Neutral: Room temperature or warm vapour.
Spray washing 210 g/L 100% solvent liquid. 0.55% v/v
Room temperature to 85C Room temperature Room temperature to 85c
depending on the metal depending on the metal.
Cleaning High Pressure 325 g/L 0.55% v/v
compound Steam: 100130C. Steam: 100130C.
concentrations Liquid: Cold or 6585C. Liquid: Cold or 6585C.
and operating
temperatures Barre/Vibratory 525 g/L 0.55% v/v
NOTE: Maybe done Usually room temperature but may Usually room temperature
without solutions be higher. but may be higher.
Agitation Mechanical 5150 g/L 100% solvent liquid 520% v/v
Room temperature to boiling Room temperature. Room temperature to boiling
depending on the metal depending on the metal
Standards Australia
AS 1627.12003
(continued)
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Standards Australia
AS 1627.12003
Cleaners
Feature Methods
Neural/Alkaline Alkaline/Electro Solvent Emulsion
Immersion (Vapour Immersion in cleaning solution, Immersion as anode or Immersion in cleaning or Immersion in cleaning
Degreasing followed by adequate rinsings. cathode, followed by subjected to vapour. solution, followed by
Solvent) adequate rinsing adequate (usually pressure
rinsing)
Spray washing Exposure to spray of cleaning Exposure to spray of Exposure to spray of cleaning
solution followed by adequate cleaning solution. solution followed by
rinsing adequate (usually pressure)
rinsing.
High Pressure Spraying of cleaning solution in Spraying of cleaning solution
steam or water jet, followed by in steam or water jet,
rinsing with steam or water jet followed by rinsing with
steam or water jet
Barre/Vibratory Free tumbling, vibratory or fixed Free tumbling, vibratory or
Process NOTE: Maybe done rotation in barrel with cleaning fixed rotation in barrel with
without solutions solution and solid media or abrasive cleaning solution and solid
media or abrasive
14
Agitation Mechanical Exposure to one (or more) agitated Exposure to one (or more) Exposure to one (or more)
tank of cleaning solution, followed agitated tank of cleaning agitated tank of cleaning
by adequate rinsing solution. solution, followed by
adequate (usually pressure)
rinsing
Hand Wiping/Mopping Hand wiping with clean, solution Hand wiping with clean, Hand wiping with clean,
soaked rags or moping of solution solution soaked rags or solution soaked rags or
over surface to be cleaned, followed moping of solution over moping of solution over
by adequate rinsing. surface to be cleaned. surface to be cleaned,
followed by adequate
(usually pressure) rinsing.
(continued)
Immersion Displacement of emulsification of Same alkaline/neutral Solution of oils, which carry Displacement of
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(Vapour Degreasing oils, which carry with them the other immersion cleaning plus with them the other surface emulsification of oils, which
How the Solvent) surface contaminants to which they mechanical displacement contaminants to which they carry with them the other
cleaning are attached. In this case of animal by impinging gas and are attached. Liquid solvent surface contaminants to
solution and vegetable oils, with alkalis, polar repulsion or contaminated rapidly but which they are attached.
functions saponification is also produced. charged dirt particles. vapour in vapour degreasing
plants remains free of
contamination.
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Cleaners
Feature Methods
Neural/Alkaline Alkaline/Electro Solvent Emulsion
Spray washing Same as immersion plus mechanical Same as immersion plus Same as immersion plus
displacement by impinging liquid. mechanical displacement by mechanical displacement by
impinging liquid. impinging liquid.
High Pressure Same as immersion but mainly Same as immersion but
mechanical displacement by mainly mechanical
impinging liquid and/or vapour. displacement by impinging
liquid and/or vapour.
Barre/Vibratory Same as immersion plus mechanical Same as immersion plus
NOTE: Maybe done displacement by solid media. mechanical displacement by
without solutions solid media.
Agitation Mechanical Same as immersion plus agitation to Same as immersion plus Same as immersion plus
shear off soil and expose fresh agitation to shear off soil agitation to shear off soil and
surface for continued cleaning. and expose fresh surface for expose fresh surface for
continued cleaning. continued cleaning.
Hand Wiping/Mopping Same as immersion but mainly Same as immersion but Same as immersion but
mechanical displacement by manual mainly mechanical mainly mechanical
15
wiping or mopping. displacement by manual displacement by manual
wiping or mopping. wiping or mopping.
(continued)
Immersion (Vapour Tanks with suitable heat source and Open tanks with Tank with lid to reduce Tank with lid to reduce
Degreasing adequate rinsing facilities electrode, bus bars and evaporation rate if used evaporation rate if used
Solvent) heating source. Periodic above room temperature and above room temperature and
reversal equipment. when not in use. Vapour when not in use. Adequate
Adequate rinsing degreasing equipment rinsing facilities essential.
Equipment
facilities. should be constructed as Good ventilation.
AS 2661. Water cooling is
required for vapour
degreasing. Good
ventilation.
Standards Australia
Spray washing Suitable automatic or manual spray Suitable automatic or Suitable automatic or manual
cleaning plant and adequate rinsing manual spray cleaning plant. spray cleaning plant and
AS 1627.12003
facilities adequate rinsing facilities.
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Standards Australia
AS 1627.12003
Cleaners
Feature Methods
Neural/Alkaline Alkaline/Electro Solvent Emulsion
High Pressure Steam cleaner, steam gun, air/water Steam cleaner, steam gun,
gun or high pressure cleaner and air/water gun or high
adequate rinsing facilities. pressure cleaner and adequate
rinsing facilities.
Barre/Vibratory Horizontally mounted or tilted Horizontally mounted or
NOTE: Maybe done barrel with motor dive or vibratory tilted barrel with motor dive
without solutions machine. Adequate rinsing facilities. or vibratory machine.
Adequate rinsing facilities.
Agitation Mechanical Agitated immersion cleaning Agitated immersion cleaning Agitated immersion cleaning
machine and adequate rising machine lid to reduce machine lid to reduce
facilities. evaporation rate if used evaporation rate if used
above room temperature and above room temperature and
when not in use. Good when not in use. Adequate
ventilation. rinsing facilities. Good
ventilation.
Hand Wiping/Mopping Clean rags and adequate rinsing Clean, fresh rags. Rags Clean rags and brushes.
required. should be used only once to Adequate rinsing facilities
16
limit contamination of essential. Good ventilation.
solvent. Good ventilation.
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Standards Australia is recognized as Australias peak national standards body.
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and other relevant sectors. The requirements or recommendations contained in published Standards are
a consensus of the views of representative interests and also take account of comments received from
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