TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

GINDOX 281
NON-CYANIDE, ALKALINE DESCALER
FOR STEEL AND STAINLESS STEEL

Gindox 281 is a non-cyanide, alkaline material which removes scale from steel and stainless steel.
Gindox 281 is aspecially effective in removing tenacious scale produced by carburizing, case hardening,
and general heat treating of steel parts.

The use of Gindox 281 followed by a short acid dip reduces the dangers associated with prolonged
immersion in non-oxidizing acids: hydrogen embrittlement, pitting and etching. In addition, the use of
Gindox 281 reduces the time required to achieve a clean metal surface and it can often be used to clean
steel parts on which ordinary cleaning cycles have proven unsuccessful.

While Gindox 281 is designed primarily for immersion use, it can be used as an anodic descaler when
shorter processing times are required.

HOW TO USE GINDOX 281

OPERATING CONDITIONS

SOAK ELECTROLYTIC

Concentration 120 - 240 g/l 60 - 120 g/l

Temperature 70 - 93 C 60 - 90 C
Time As required As required
Voltage 6 V. - Still
12 V. - Barrel

Make - up :

Fill the tank two-thirds full of warm water (60 C). Add the required amount of Gindox 281 slowly with
stirring until all the salts are dissolved. Fill to final volume and heat to operating temperature.

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Operation :

Parts with medium to heavy soil should be cleaned in a suitable alkaline soak cleaner such as Ginbond
S-74 prior to descaling in Gindox 281. Such pre-cleaning avoids excessive contamination of the Gindox
281 bath and prolongs the life of the solution.

The treatment in the Gindox 281 solution loosens the scale and converts it to a form that is readily
soluble in a subsequent hydrochloric acid dip. After the required time in the Gindox 281 solution, the
parts should be thoroughly rinsed and immersed in 25-30% muriatic acid for to 2 minutes , followed
by another rinse.

Immersion time in the Gindox 281 solution depends largely on the type and extent of the scale produced
during the particular heat treating operation. Parts with light to moderate scale normally require 5 to 15
minutes in the Gindox 281 solution for easy removal in the subsequent acid dip.

The Gindox 281 bath may be opearated at concentration ranging from 120 to 240 g/l; the higher the
concentration, the faster the descaling action. Where only light scale is normally encountered and longer
processing times are permissible, a concentration of 120 g/l can be used; for heavy scale removal, a
concentration of 180 to 240 g/l is recommended.

The Gindox 281 bath can be used electrolytically to shorten the required processing time. For
electrolytic use, a concentration of 60-120 g/l is recommended and the work is made the anode.

For certain difficult-to-remove, heavy heat treating scale and oxide on steel or stainless steel, a 2-3
minute immersion in 50% muriatic acid prior to treatment in Gindox 281 may improve the efficiency of
the cleaning cycle.

EQUIPMENT

Gindox 281 solutions may be contained in plain steel tanks and may be heated with steel coils. For barrel
descaling, polypropylene barrels are recommended. Some ventilation should be provided to remove
caustic spray and steam generated by operating at elevated temperature.

For electrolytic use of Gindox 281 a 6 to 9 volt source of direct current is required for rack application;
for barrel descaling, a 12 to 18 volt power source is recommended. Steel cathodes should be used.

CONTROL

No analytical control of the Gindox 281 solution is necessary since a change in colour of the solution
from blue-green to brown indicates the need for the addition of Gindox 281 salts. At that time, it is
suggeted that an addition equal to 25% of the initial make-up amount be made.

WASTE TREATMENT

1. Neutralise the Gindox 281 solutions with 18N Sulfuric Acid to a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Be cautious
during addition of Sulphuric Acid.

2. For each gallon of Gindox 281 solution add 3 ounces of Sodium formate with agitation. The
solution will turn brown and a brown precipitate will form; allow the precipitate to settle.

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3. Filter or decant the clear supernatant liquid which can be dumped into the sewer. The precipitated
solids can be buried or trucked away for disposal.

CAUTION

Gindox 281 salts and the Gindox 281 solution are oxidizing in nature and they should not be allowed
to come in contact with organic material such as cloth, rubber,wood or sawdust. Also the salts or
solutions of the salts, should not be allowed to come in contact with chemical reducing agents such as
sulfur, phosphorous, or sulfides due to the danger of ignition or explosion.

When adding Gindox 281 salts to the solution, allow the solution temperature to drop to 70C or lower
and then shift the powder slowly into the solution, stirring to facilitate dissolution of the powder. If large
quantities of Gindox 281 are dumped directly into the hot cleaning solution, there may be danger of
eruption due to the heat of solution of the powder.

Gindox 281 is strongly alkaline in nature and the usual precautions for handling such material should
be observed. Avoid contact of the salts or solutions of the salts with the skin or eyes. In case of contact
flush with plenty of cold water; for eyes, obtain medical attention.

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