parts cleaner evaporation/condensation

[timsch]

Hello all. I finally put my parts cleaner into service. I have about 7 gallons of a 10:1 water:Oil Eater mix in it. It's all metal with a lid and is located in my shop that is not climate controlled. These days the temperature goes between 80-90F and goes between 45-95% humidity day to night.

When I open the lid, there's a lot of condensation. I'd first thought that it was water evaporating and that I'd just be topping off with water occasionally, but then started wondering if that's not some of the Oil Eater evaporating and I'd be left with just water after a while. Which one is it?

 

[BillK]

Is the cleaner heated ?

 

[timsch]

No, not heated.

 

[strength_and_power]

I believe you’d want to use a refractometer to measure the concentration.

Maybe mix up a batch at couple of different dilutions to establish some reference points.

Test periodically and add in a “make up” batch to bring up your number to the established baseline.

 

[MileHighRover]

What's the parts cleaner look like? I may have a suggestion based on what I do with mine.

 

[Sumboodie]

I use stoddard solvent in mine. It's in a non heated conex.
Not fun when it's-20*... chilly willy on the fangars!

 

[timsch]

What's the parts cleaner look like? I may have a suggestion based on what I do with mine.

It's a big rectangular box, around 50" long x 18" wide & 18" deep. I don't use it as intended as that would be too much fluid. I have a plastic tub placed in the bottom of it that I have the pump in along with the fluid.

 

[Uncle murph]

Hello all. I finally put my parts cleaner into service. I have about 7 gallons of a 10:1 water:Oil Eater mix in it. It's all metal with a lid and is located in my shop that is not climate controlled. These days the temperature goes between 80-90F and goes between 45-95% humidity day to night.

When I open the lid, there's a lot of condensation. I'd first thought that it was water evaporating and that I'd just be topping off with water occasionally, but then started wondering if that's not some of the Oil Eater evaporating and I'd be left with just water after a while. Which one is it?

Be aware if it’s steel,mine rusted through in less than 3yrs.

 

[racecougar]

Be aware if it’s steel,mine rusted through in less than 3yrs.

Yep. Big downside to water-based parts washer solutions.

 

[timsch]

That's believable. I'll be looking for another solution then. thx.

 

[racecougar]

No idea where you are in the world, but Tractor Supply carries Crown PSC 1000 (basically a Stoddard solvent) for a reasonable price. You will need to run a pump with solvent-tolerant seals.

 

[timsch]

I've got one nearby. I'll go the PSC route. thx