ARDROX 185L

Description

PRIMARY APPLICATION
ARDROX 185 is a powdered, highly alkaline product that removes rust and scale from ferrous metals in
immersion tanks. Ardrox 185 can also remove carbon deposits and some paints. Because it is alkaline,
Ardrox 185 will not cause hydrogen embrittlement. When used with Ardrox 188, Ardrox 185 can be used to
remove heat scale from hot-end components of jet engines.
CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Chemical Composition ………………………………..Caustic soda, organic sequestrant
Appearance……………………………………………….White powder
Odor …………………………………………………………None
Hygroscopic Tendency ……………………………….Moderate
Bulk Density ………………………………………………Approximately 9.8 lbs/gal
Flash Point ………………………………………………..None
Foam Tendency …………………………………………Low
Recommended Diluents………………………………Water
Behavior in Hard Water……………………………….Sequesters
Rinsability………………………………………………….Fair
Normal Working Temperatures…………………….180° – 190°F (82° – 89°C)
Normal Working Concentrations…………………..2.1 – 2.5 lbs/gal (250 – 300 g/l)
pH…………………………………………………………….13 – 14
APPROVALS
Ardrox 185 is approved by Rolls Royce, Pratt & Whitney, General Electric, SNECMA and others. Speak to
your Chemetall representative for a complete listing of approvals.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Use Ardrox 185 in immersion tanks at 210 – 215 lbs. per 100 gal (250 – 300 kg per 100 liters). The
temperature range in most cases should be 180° – 190°F (82° – 89°C). The immersion time in most cases
will range from 10 – 20 minutes. The exact concentration, temperature and immersion time depend on the
amount of scale and rust to be removed. Agitation will help speed removal.

Due to chemical attack, the use of Ardrox 185 on aluminum, lead, tin, zinc, glass, ceramics, rubbers, and
plastics is not recommended. Note that Ardrox will lightly etch copper, but the copper may plate-out onto
subsequently-processed steel. Ardrox 185 has a negligible effect on magnesium, cadmium, nickel, cobalt,
and their alloys.
If using Ardrox 185 for titanium, it is recommended not process any ferrous substrates through the same
solution since dissolved iron will increase surface activity of the titanium.
SOLUTION CONTROL
1. Pipet a 10 ml sample of the Ardrox 185 solution into an Erlenmeyer flask.
2. Add about 25 ml of deionized water.
3. Add about 5 drops of Gardotest Indicator (Phenol Phthalein) to the sample.
4. Tritrate with Gardotest Solution 57 (1N acid) until the red color disappears. Record the number of
milliliters of Gardotest Solution 57 used as “M”
5. Calculate the concentration of Ardrox 185 using the following formula:
M x 0.067 = lb/gal Ardrox 185
BATH MAKE-UP AND REPLENISHMENT
CAUTION: Mixing of Ardrox 185 with water generates heat. Slowly sprinkle powdered Ardrox 185 onto the
surface of full volume of cold water while mixing in order to avoid spattering. Do not add large quantities of
Ardrox 185 to the solution at one time. Agitate to dissolve, then heat to operating temperature. Solution
should be allowed to cool to below 100°F (38°C) before replenishing. If it is necessary to replenish solution
while hot, pre-dissolve Ardrox 185 in cold water first, then add to tank.
NOTES ON USE (See Safety Data Sheet)

Tanks, baskets and racks may be constructed of black iron, steel, stainless or other appropriate chemically-
resistant material. Heating surfaces should be constructed of stainless steel, Inconel or other appropriate

chemically- resistant material. Black iron and steel will provide shorter useful life. Seals, gaskets and other
elastomer items should be constructed of PTFE.
SAFETY AND HANDLING
Prior to handling and use of any of the materials referenced in this document, the Safety Data Sheets should
be read and understood by all personnel in contact with these materials.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

STORAGE
Dry indoor storage at temperatures between 40°F and 100°F (4.4°C and 37.8°C) is recommended, away
from any incompatible materials referenced in the Safety Data Sheets. All containers should be tightly
closed when not in use.
SHELF LIFE
The shelf life for Ardrox 185 is 3 years.
DISPOSAL
Any disposal of the materials referenced in this document should be in accordance with all applicable
federal, state, providential and local regulations. The process solution can contain components other than
those present in the materials as supplied. Analysis of process solutions may be required prior to disposal.