NACE Soda Ash Wash Protection Against PTA SCC

[alloy2205]

In the NACE RP0170 they recommend the use of an alkaline surfactant when using a soda ash wash solution to promote penetration of coke, scale, or oil films. My question is, what is an alkaline surfactant?

 

[unclesyd]

There are numerous ones available and are generally specific with each Alkaline Cleaner Manufacturer. You will find every supplier of Alkaline Cleaners offering an adjunct material for their product which you need to use or you could end up with a mess. Nearly all these act as film breakers, or as some say wetting agent.
One that I very familiar with was added to Oakite Alkaline and Acid Cleaners. The name was something like
“?Akilaid?”.

I found if conditions permit the addition of up to 2 % Stoddard Solvent or even diesel fuel is extremely helpful when alkaline cleaning hard baked or inaccessible grease, oils, or tars. The addition of the solvent would normally reduce the cleaning time at least 75% and on some jobs even more. I got just a good results with this approach as I did when using the additional recommend additive. The problem of using this solvent type addition is the solvent is flammable and the job has to be well panned and carried out.