Critical Cleaning - Alconox, Inc.: May 2008

Alconox, Inc. The Leader in Critical-Cleaning Detergents

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General Cleaner Info: Pharmaceutical Cleaning Validation CAP Residue Detection Methods
Catalog	Users Manual

Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Cleaning Time

Question:
Are there other cleaning variables, besides increasing cleaning time, which would allow for a more thorough cleaning process?

Answer:
At Alconox, Inc we recognize that “While manual cleaning may take minutes, and spray cleaning seconds: soaking may take hours, possibly overnight, to achieve comparable cleanliness.” The Aqueous Cleaning Handbook p 22-23

Yes, cleaning time can be accelerated by increasing temperature, increasing agitation and by the use of a more aggressive detergent. Of course if none of these variables can be changed, perhaps because the substrate is too delicate or the proper equipment unavailable, then be prepared for longer cleaning times. For more information see Chapter 3 of The Aqueous Cleaning Handbook.
To request a free copy of The Aqueous Cleaning Handbook, visit http://www.alconox.com/static/section_customer/book.asp
Or call 914-948-4040 extension 155 to request your free copy!

(Cleaning Time)

Thursday, May 22, 2008
Cleaning Olanzapine

Question:
Which detergent should be used for manual & CIP cleaning of Olanzapine?

Answer:
Olanzapine has a predicted water solubility of 0.5 mg/mL making is very slightly soluble in water. There are n-heterocyclic groups which means it can be cleaned by either an acid or an alkali, possibly slightly better by an alkali. This is a medium small molecule that is slightly polar and should be emulsifiable. Use Solujet for spray CIP cleaning. Solujet can also be used for manual cleaning (operators have to wear protective gloves & eyewear when handling), although Liquinox would also work for manual cleaning.

To view technical bulletins for Solujet, Low-foaming Phosphate-Free Liquid and Liquinox, Critical- Cleaning Liquid Detergent visit www.alconox.com.

(Cleaning Olanzapine)

Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Cleaning with Tergazyme

Question:
How long will the enzyme in a 1% solution of Tergazyme remain active?

Answer:
A 1% Tergazyme solution is designed to give good reliable cleaning performance for 8 hours at 120 deg F. This is designed to correspond to an 8 hour work shift in a hospital. We are confident that after 8 hours there will still be good enzymatic activity as long as you have not exceeded 130 deg F temperatures, so if by chance the Tergazyme solution is not changed or made fresh at the beginning of a shift, it should still provide some cleaning efficiency. We do not recommend routinely using a solution for 16 hours.

For more information about Tergazyme, Enzyme-Active Powdered Detergent, please visit www.alconox.com.

(Cleaning with Tergazyme)

Friday, May 16, 2008
Detergent 8 vs. Alconox, Powdered Precision Cleaner

Question:
What are some differences between using Alconox or using Detergent 8 to remove oily residues from aluminum?

Answer:
Detergent 8 is slightly better at removing oily organic residues, natural ester oils and rosins. However, Alconox is better on particulates and inorganic residues than Detergent 8. Alconox is also effective on oily residues and will work better in hard water than Detergent 8. Use caution when cleaning aluminum. Detergent 8 has a pH of 11.5 which will attack most bare aluminum that has not been anodized or protected. Aluminum can be cleaned safely without attack in pH 9.5 Alconox, however Alconox will very slowly attack aluminum in extended contact time.

To read more about Alconox, powdered precision cleaner and Detergent 8, low foaming Ion-free Detergent visit www.alconox.com and view technical bulletins.

(Detergent 8 vs. Alconox, Powdered Precision Cleaner)

Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Acid vs. Alkaline cleaners

Question:
What are the differences between acid cleaners and alkaline cleaners?

Answer:
Acidic cleaners are commonly used to brighten or etch metals and are effective at removing any mineral deposits or oxidation on surfaces. Generally, acidic cleaners are also ideal for removing ant starches, carbonates, and insoluble hydroxides. Since most soils are acidic, alkaline cleaners are very effective. Alkaline cleaners remove oils, fats, greases, proteins and an array of other soils. Most cleaning applications will involve an alkaline cleaner or a combination of an alkaline cleaner and an acidic cleaner. Alconox offers acidic and alkaline cleaners for pharmaceutical, medical device, manufacturing and various other industries. For information on all Alconox brands, visit www.alconox.com.

(Acid vs. Alkaline cleaners)

Friday, May 09, 2008
Phosphate Free Detergents

Question:
Which Alconox detergents are phosphate-free?

Answer:
Alconox supplies several phosphate-free detergents. Acid cleaners, Citranox ideal for ultrasonic and manual cleaning and low foaming Citrajet, which is recommended for machine washing and CIP cleaning are phosphate-free. Solujet, low foaming phosphate- free detergent is optimal for CIP cleaning on pharma process equipment and phosphate sensitive lab equipment. Tergajet, low foaming powdered detergent is phosphate free and is used in water testing labs. Liquinox, critical cleaning liquid detergent is a high emulsifying phosphate free detergent commonly used in medical device manufacturing and pharmaceutical processes.

To discuss which phosphate free cleaner is best suited for your cleaning application, speak to an Alconox critical cleaning expert. Also consult with Alconox about cleaning validation support. Call 914.948.4040 or email cleaning@alconox.com.

(Phosphate Free Detergents)

Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Detergent Selection Guide

Question:
Does Alconox provide any literature on how to select the correct detergent for various applications?

Answer:
Yes! The Alconox Guide to Critical Cleaning contains a detergent selection guide as well as industry specific cleaning information for Medical Device Manufacturing, the Pharmaceutical industry, Laboratory, the Environmental industry, and various other industries. The guide provides critical cleaning procedures which includes directions for Alconox detergents, cleaning method instructions for Ultrasonic, CIP, and various other methods.

To request The Guide to Critical Cleaning visit please visit here.

(Detergent Selection Guide)

Thursday, May 01, 2008
Soak Cleaning for removal of blood and body fluid

Question:
Which Alconox cleaner would be recommended for soak cleaning stainless steel instruments soiled by blood and body fluids?

Answer:
For removal for blood and body fluids, Alconox recommends using Tergazyme, Enzyme Active Powdered Detergent. Tergazyme is USDA authorized for use in federally inspected meat and poultry plants and is FDA certified.
Read more about Tergazyme here.

(Soak Cleaning for removal of blood and body fluid)