Fleet Washing - Chemicals?

I was looking for some advice on the chemicals you guys prefer to use on fleet washing. Can someone also explain the "two step" process with some details?
 
2 step: acid , chemical, rinse.

That is the just of it. No point in complicating it or making it out to be harder than it is.
 
Apply the acid with minimal dwell time depending on the strength, temperature etc.. Then apply soap to neutralize the acid and cause a molecular reaction between the two that lifts the dirt off of the surface. Then rinse.
In actuality it is three steps.
 
Twin Chem Cleaning

TWIN CHEM CLEANING

By: EnviroSpec
A Division of: Hi-Tech JettingTechnologies, Inc

Twin Chem cleaning is by far the fastest and most effective method of cleaning almost every type of surface.
A few companies have chosen not to "Twin Chem" for fear of surface damage. Face it, just the thought of applying acid to a painted surface will create illusions of "disaster". The simple truth is that there are very few acid products that will harm paint. Glass, on the other hand, does require special attention and can be damaged if certain acids are not applied and rinsed properly.

TWIN CHEM Continued

The two (2) acid products that we manufacture for the vehicle "Twin Chem" cleaning process are Magna-Brite & Aluma-Wash. Magna-Brite, being the most aggressive of the two, is a blend of Hydrofluoric Acid, Foamers and Inhibitors. This product is generally used intermittently with Aluma-Wash, when cleaning commercial vehicles.
The general rule of thumb is to use Magna-Brite every fourth or fifth service in order to keep the rails and other exposed aluminum bright and shining. Using this alternating process will lessen the possibility of glass damage in the event proper precautions are not taken. Alternating with Alum-Wash, which is a blend of Phosphoric Acid, Foamers and Inhibitors, will not harm glass or painted surfaces. Aluma-Wash will keep the rails cleaned provide an excellent acid/alkali surface contact reaction.
The basic theory behind, Twin Chem cleaning is as follows:
• Acids and Alkalis are not compatible when mixed together.
• When the two come in contact with each other an adverse chemical reaction will occur. However, when applied in a proper Twin Chem environment, this adverse reaction will result in a unique cleaning process whereby the reaction of the two products will actually lift and emulsify the pollutant and reduce the positive surface charge. The results will be astounding - Pollutants will immediately release themselves from the surface providing for a fast-free rinse cycle.
• The Key to the perfect Twin Chem Cleaning environment is having a proper pH balance between the acid and alkali. Not enough or to much can void the process and slow the operator down to the point that it may be just as fast to brush the surface using detergent.
Generally speaking, it will take twice as much detergent as acid to generate an effective Twin process.
CAUTION: Allowing Magna-Brite to dry on the glass will surely result in damage. Allowing soap to dry on glass will result in as alkali haze. We strongly urge every Mobile Wash Contractor to purchase and keep on hand the following two products:
• Glass De-Etch- if caught in time acid damage can be corrected by using this product.
• Scum Buster - for soap damage.
TWIN CHEM Continued

THE PROCESS

ACID
• Set up your "Pre Mix"
• Install a "high induction" Allison Injector. Remember, if you can't get enough product to the surface - you're wasting your time! This is why, we so strongly, recommend an Allison Injector (with the optional Dual Chemical Control).
• There are two versions of the Allison Injector - Brass & Stainless Steel. In addition, the Allison Injector has an optional factory installed, Dual Chemical System so that cross - contamination of chemicals cannot occur as it does when you manually switch your chemical line back and forth between acid and detergent.

• TO START - hold the lance pointed upward and pull the trigger so you will be able to see which way the wind is blowing. Always work with the wind. For instance - if the wind is blowing left to right - work left to right.
• When washing a trailer we recommend that no more than ½ of the entire unit be cleaned at one time. For instance, you would not apply product to more than one side and either the back or the front.
When washing a tractor, you would clean one side, the back and the frame on one pass. The other side, roof, hood and front will be cleaned on your last pass. In some situations, especially when the ambient temperature is above 90°, you may have to clean a smaller area in order to keep the product from drying.
• Charge the entire surface to be cleaned with the acid product by applying the acid from the bottom to the top. Applying the acid to the aluminum rails prior to misting the entire surface will result in aluminum oxide locking itself onto the painted surface. The result will be "streaking". When this occurs - heavy brushing may be required.
• After all the painted surfaces have been wet down with acid, you will then concentrate on the exposed, unpainted aluminum trim. Hold the low pressure chemical nozzle close to the top rail and quickly "walk the rail" until you reach the end. Move the nozzle to the lower rail and repeat. When you reach the end of the lower rail - repeat the process. Once the acid has been applied you are now ready to apply the detergent.
DETERGENT
•At this point you will have to move your chemical line from the Acid container to the Detergent container. BE CAREFUL of cross contamination of products which will result in product neutralization. This is another important reason for the Allison Injector equipped with our Dual Chemical Selector. With this option all you will have to do is simply turn the knob from Acid to Detergent.
•When applying the detergent - repeat the steps utilized with the acid application with one exception - make one additional pass with detergent. Generally speaking, it will take twice as much detergent as acid for an effective Twin Chem Process.
• When the detergent comes in contact with the acid you will immediately notice dramatic surface activity whereby the pollutant will totally emulsify and "roll off" the surface.

RINSING - Trailers
Rising is, without question, one of the most important steps in any type of cleaning process.
Remember, upon switching your gun from "low pressure chemical" to "high pressure rinse", you still have detergent in the line which will be discharged under high pressure. Discharge this pressurized detergent in the wheel or on the frame. By discharging the product in these areas, you will accomplish two things: (1) These two areas are generally the hardest to clean, since they attract more dirt, grease and grime. (2) If you hold the lance to high while high pressure detergent is being discharged, you take the chance that the high pressure mist will carry over and find itself on other surfaces which could be damaged if not rinsed.
When rinsing the trailer start by "walking the top rail" very slowly to insure that ALL chemical products and pollutants have been thoroughly removed. This is, by far the most important step in rinsing a Trailer. Leaving a residual in the top rail will result in streaking as the run down occurs. Once you are sure the top rail has been sufficiently rinsed - continue with the remaining area to include the wheels, tanks and frame.

RINSING - Tractors
Pay special attention to the roof and glass when rinsing tractors. Always rinse from the top - down.
You will find it next to impossible to thoroughly, rinse the roof and hood areas if you are using a "straight" lance. Make sure that the lance has a 45° bend at the nozzle. Failure to rinse the roof could result in glass damage.
If you are not sure if the roof has been rinsed thoroughly - stand on the drivers or passengers side of the vehicle and look in side glass, through to the windshield and hold the lance in a position so that the rinse water will be running down over the windshield. Rinse until you do not see "bubbles".

Recommended PSI & GPM
1800-2000 PSI • 5.6 GPM Min.
Remember cold water works fine but
Hot works even better!

Recommended Trigger Gun
General "YG4000S"

On the inlet side of the gun install a "hose whip" in order to take the hose strain off the gun when you are pulling it. On the end of the hose whip install a quick connect plug. Install a 3000 PSI ball valve on the discharge side of the unloader (between the unloader and gun). Setting the system up like this will allow you to change Gun assemblies quickly when need be..

Recommended Lance
Single Pipe - Stainless Steel Lance
48" for Tractors • 60" or 79" for Trailers
Each lance should have a 45° bend at the nozzle. To do this, use a 45° brass street elbow. On the elbow install a dual nozzle holder "twist type". Set up the nozzle holder with 1- brass soap nozzle and the desired high- pressure nozzle.



Recommended Chemicals • ACID:
Magna-Brite - HF Acid


CAUTION
This acid is hazardous.
Handle with extreme caution.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN!

Read your MSDS
prior to handling all products.



Pre-Mix - Magna Brite
• 18% - 1/4- gallon of Magna-Brite to 4-3/4 gallons of water. Further dilute through the Allison Injector at approximately 50-1. Do not allow product to dry on glass.

Detergents:
All of our Detergent Products have been formulated around the "Twin Chem" Cleaning process and all have the proper pH balance range.

Specifically we recommend...

Prodigy
Mr. Muscle
Bond Breaker
Release
Viper


For Further
Technical Support Call:
1-800-346-4876
 
Thats a bunch of info John

TWIN CHEM CLEANING

By: EnviroSpec
A Division of: Hi-Tech JettingTechnologies, Inc

Twin Chem cleaning is by far the fastest and most effective method of cleaning almost every type of surface.
A few companies have chosen not to "Twin Chem" for fear of surface damage. Face it, just the thought of applying acid to a painted surface will create illusions of "disaster". The simple truth is that there are very few acid products that will harm paint. Glass, on the other hand, does require special attention and can be damaged if certain acids are not applied and rinsed properly.

TWIN CHEM Continued

The two (2) acid products that we manufacture for the vehicle "Twin Chem" cleaning process are Magna-Brite & Aluma-Wash. Magna-Brite, being the most aggressive of the two, is a blend of Hydrofluoric Acid, Foamers and Inhibitors. This product is generally used intermittently with Aluma-Wash, when cleaning commercial vehicles.
The general rule of thumb is to use Magna-Brite every fourth or fifth service in order to keep the rails and other exposed aluminum bright and shining. Using this alternating process will lessen the possibility of glass damage in the event proper precautions are not taken. Alternating with Alum-Wash, which is a blend of Phosphoric Acid, Foamers and Inhibitors, will not harm glass or painted surfaces. Aluma-Wash will keep the rails cleaned provide an excellent acid/alkali surface contact reaction.
The basic theory behind, Twin Chem cleaning is as follows:
• Acids and Alkalis are not compatible when mixed together.
• When the two come in contact with each other an adverse chemical reaction will occur. However, when applied in a proper Twin Chem environment, this adverse reaction will result in a unique cleaning process whereby the reaction of the two products will actually lift and emulsify the pollutant and reduce the positive surface charge. The results will be astounding - Pollutants will immediately release themselves from the surface providing for a fast-free rinse cycle.
• The Key to the perfect Twin Chem Cleaning environment is having a proper pH balance between the acid and alkali. Not enough or to much can void the process and slow the operator down to the point that it may be just as fast to brush the surface using detergent.
Generally speaking, it will take twice as much detergent as acid to generate an effective Twin process.
CAUTION: Allowing Magna-Brite to dry on the glass will surely result in damage. Allowing soap to dry on glass will result in as alkali haze. We strongly urge every Mobile Wash Contractor to purchase and keep on hand the following two products:
• Glass De-Etch- if caught in time acid damage can be corrected by using this product.
• Scum Buster - for soap damage.
TWIN CHEM Continued

THE PROCESS

ACID
• Set up your "Pre Mix"
• Install a "high induction" Allison Injector. Remember, if you can't get enough product to the surface - you're wasting your time! This is why, we so strongly, recommend an Allison Injector (with the optional Dual Chemical Control).
• There are two versions of the Allison Injector - Brass & Stainless Steel. In addition, the Allison Injector has an optional factory installed, Dual Chemical System so that cross - contamination of chemicals cannot occur as it does when you manually switch your chemical line back and forth between acid and detergent.

• TO START - hold the lance pointed upward and pull the trigger so you will be able to see which way the wind is blowing. Always work with the wind. For instance - if the wind is blowing left to right - work left to right.
• When washing a trailer we recommend that no more than ½ of the entire unit be cleaned at one time. For instance, you would not apply product to more than one side and either the back or the front.
When washing a tractor, you would clean one side, the back and the frame on one pass. The other side, roof, hood and front will be cleaned on your last pass. In some situations, especially when the ambient temperature is above 90°, you may have to clean a smaller area in order to keep the product from drying.
• Charge the entire surface to be cleaned with the acid product by applying the acid from the bottom to the top. Applying the acid to the aluminum rails prior to misting the entire surface will result in aluminum oxide locking itself onto the painted surface. The result will be "streaking". When this occurs - heavy brushing may be required.
• After all the painted surfaces have been wet down with acid, you will then concentrate on the exposed, unpainted aluminum trim. Hold the low pressure chemical nozzle close to the top rail and quickly "walk the rail" until you reach the end. Move the nozzle to the lower rail and repeat. When you reach the end of the lower rail - repeat the process. Once the acid has been applied you are now ready to apply the detergent.
DETERGENT
•At this point you will have to move your chemical line from the Acid container to the Detergent container. BE CAREFUL of cross contamination of products which will result in product neutralization. This is another important reason for the Allison Injector equipped with our Dual Chemical Selector. With this option all you will have to do is simply turn the knob from Acid to Detergent.
•When applying the detergent - repeat the steps utilized with the acid application with one exception - make one additional pass with detergent. Generally speaking, it will take twice as much detergent as acid for an effective Twin Chem Process.
• When the detergent comes in contact with the acid you will immediately notice dramatic surface activity whereby the pollutant will totally emulsify and "roll off" the surface.

RINSING - Trailers
Rising is, without question, one of the most important steps in any type of cleaning process.
Remember, upon switching your gun from "low pressure chemical" to "high pressure rinse", you still have detergent in the line which will be discharged under high pressure. Discharge this pressurized detergent in the wheel or on the frame. By discharging the product in these areas, you will accomplish two things: (1) These two areas are generally the hardest to clean, since they attract more dirt, grease and grime. (2) If you hold the lance to high while high pressure detergent is being discharged, you take the chance that the high pressure mist will carry over and find itself on other surfaces which could be damaged if not rinsed.
When rinsing the trailer start by "walking the top rail" very slowly to insure that ALL chemical products and pollutants have been thoroughly removed. This is, by far the most important step in rinsing a Trailer. Leaving a residual in the top rail will result in streaking as the run down occurs. Once you are sure the top rail has been sufficiently rinsed - continue with the remaining area to include the wheels, tanks and frame.

RINSING - Tractors
Pay special attention to the roof and glass when rinsing tractors. Always rinse from the top - down.
You will find it next to impossible to thoroughly, rinse the roof and hood areas if you are using a "straight" lance. Make sure that the lance has a 45° bend at the nozzle. Failure to rinse the roof could result in glass damage.
If you are not sure if the roof has been rinsed thoroughly - stand on the drivers or passengers side of the vehicle and look in side glass, through to the windshield and hold the lance in a position so that the rinse water will be running down over the windshield. Rinse until you do not see "bubbles".

Recommended PSI & GPM
1800-2000 PSI • 5.6 GPM Min.
Remember cold water works fine but
Hot works even better!

Recommended Trigger Gun
General "YG4000S"

On the inlet side of the gun install a "hose whip" in order to take the hose strain off the gun when you are pulling it. On the end of the hose whip install a quick connect plug. Install a 3000 PSI ball valve on the discharge side of the unloader (between the unloader and gun). Setting the system up like this will allow you to change Gun assemblies quickly when need be..

Recommended Lance
Single Pipe - Stainless Steel Lance
48" for Tractors • 60" or 79" for Trailers
Each lance should have a 45° bend at the nozzle. To do this, use a 45° brass street elbow. On the elbow install a dual nozzle holder "twist type". Set up the nozzle holder with 1- brass soap nozzle and the desired high- pressure nozzle.



Recommended Chemicals • ACID:
Magna-Brite - HF Acid


CAUTION
This acid is hazardous.
Handle with extreme caution.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN!

Read your MSDS
prior to handling all products.



Pre-Mix - Magna Brite
• 18% - 1/4- gallon of Magna-Brite to 4-3/4 gallons of water. Further dilute through the Allison Injector at approximately 50-1. Do not allow product to dry on glass.

Detergents:
All of our Detergent Products have been formulated around the "Twin Chem" Cleaning process and all have the proper pH balance range.

Specifically we recommend...

Prodigy
Mr. Muscle
Bond Breaker
Release
Viper


For Further
Technical Support Call:
1-800-346-4876
 
Ive used the same chems for the last 10 years.. Changed up the acid a bunch of times but I use 3 or 4 different chems to make my soap. These are not easy to find. Nice read. Thanks for the post.
 
Anybody have a good supplier of phosphoric based acid for step one? I want something with inhibitors and surfactants and I don't want to have to worry about glass.
 
Back
Top