PAC89 – Concentrated Deruster, Descaler and Degreaser

PAC89 – Concentrated Deruster, Descaler and Degreaser

PAC89 is a concentrated mineral acid cleaner formulated with non-ionic surfactants and water-miscible solvents. It combines powerful degreasing with effective rust and scale removal, allowing oily contamination and corrosion to be treated within the same process.

Developed primarily for ferrous alloys, PAC89 removes rust and heat-treatment scale while being inhibited to reduce unnecessary attack on the underlying ferrous surface.

Typical Applications

• Derusting ferrous metal components
• Removing heat-treatment scale
• Degreasing and derusting in one process
• Removing fallout contamination from transport vehicles
• Removing staining from the steam side of stainless steel heat-exchanger plates
• Preparing metal surfaces for further treatment or finishing
• Workshop and industrial maintenance

Dilution

For general cleaning, derusting and descaling, dilute PAC89 to between 10% and 20% in water.

The required concentration will depend on the severity of the rust, corrosion, scale and contamination being removed.

Always place the required amount of water into a suitable mixing vessel first. Add PAC89 slowly and carefully to the water while mixing. Dilution may generate heat, so the product must be added in a controlled manner.

For localised spot treatments, PAC89 may be used neat where this has been covered by the COSHH assessment and approved operating procedure.

Application Methods

PAC89 can be applied by:

• Immersion
• Spraying
• Foaming
• Brushing

Spraying and foaming can generate airborne mist. Suitable ventilation, extraction and respiratory controls must therefore be provided following the COSHH assessment and Safety Data Sheet.

Operating Temperature

PAC89 can be used from ambient temperature up to 60°C.

Higher operating temperatures generally remove rust more quickly. Where heating is used, the temperature must be controlled and the equipment must be suitable for acidic solutions.

The working solution should not be heated beyond 60°C. Avoid conditions that generate excessive fumes, vapour or mist.

After Treatment

Components must be thoroughly rinsed with clean water after treatment.

The required contact time will depend on the concentration, temperature and condition of the component. Parts should be inspected regularly during treatment to prevent unnecessary exposure.

Bath Maintenance

Oils removed during treatment may accumulate on the surface of an immersion tank. These should be skimmed regularly to maintain effective operation.

PAC89 solutions can provide a long service life when correctly maintained. When the cleaning process begins to slow, the bath can be strengthened as required. Only add enough concentrate to restore and maintain the solution at no more than the recommended 20% dilution rate.

Material Compatibility

PAC89 is inhibited against attack on ferrous alloys. However, material compatibility must always be confirmed before use.

Important limitations include:

• Copper-based alloys will be etched
• Aluminium-based alloys will be etched
• PAC89 may be corrosive to metals
• Reactions with some metals may release flammable hydrogen gas
• Stainless steel or HDPE are the preferred materials for tank construction

Tanks, pumps, heaters, pipework and application equipment must be manufactured from compatible materials.

Key Benefits

• Degreases and derusts in one process
• Removes rust and heat-treatment scale
• Suitable for immersion, spray, foam or brush application
• Works from ambient temperature up to 60°C
• Concentrated for economical dilution
• Long potential bath life when maintained correctly
• Inhibited for use on ferrous alloys

Hazard Classification

Signal word: Danger

Hazard pictograms:

• GHS05 – Corrosion
• GHS07 – Harmful

Hazard statements:

• H290 – May be corrosive to metals
• H302 – Harmful if swallowed
• H314 – Causes severe skin burns and eye damage

Exposure Controls

PAC89 is for professional and industrial use only.

Before using the product:

• Read the current Technical Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet
• Complete a suitable COSHH and task-specific risk assessment
• Ensure operators have received appropriate training
• Provide good ventilation and suitable extraction
• Avoid breathing fumes, vapours or spray mist
• Make eyewash and emergency washing facilities readily available
• Keep unnecessary personnel away from the treatment area

The UK workplace exposure limits for phosphoric acid are:

• 1 mg/m³ eight-hour time-weighted average
• 2 mg/m³ 15-minute short-term exposure limit

Personal Protective Equipment

The following PPE requirements must be considered alongside the COSHH assessment:

• Chemical splash goggles or face shield conforming to EN 166
• Nitrile or butyl-rubber chemical gloves conforming to EN ISO 374
• Minimum glove thickness of more than 0.44 mm, as specified in the Safety Data Sheet
• Corrosion-resistant protective clothing
• Chemical-resistant safety footwear
• Suitable respiratory protection where fumes, vapours or mist cannot be adequately controlled

Do not eat, drink or smoke while using PAC89. Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling. Contaminated clothing must be removed and washed before reuse.

First Aid

Inhalation: Move the affected person to fresh air and keep them comfortable for breathing. Immediately contact a Poison Centre or doctor.

Skin contact: Remove all contaminated clothing immediately. Rinse the skin thoroughly with water or use an emergency shower. Immediately contact a Poison Centre or doctor.

Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing and immediately contact a Poison Centre or doctor.

Ingestion: Rinse the mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Immediately contact a Poison Centre or doctor.

Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. First aiders must protect themselves from exposure.

Spill Response

In the event of a spillage:

• Evacuate unnecessary personnel
• Ventilate the affected area
• Avoid contact with the skin and eyes
• Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye or face protection
• Stop the leak if it is safe to do so
• Prevent the product from entering drains or public waters
• Contain large spills using a suitable barrier
• Absorb using an inert material such as clay, diatomaceous earth, wet sand or earth
• Collect the waste in a compatible, correctly labelled container
• Notify the relevant authorities if the product enters drains or public waters

Storage and Incompatibilities

Store PAC89:

• Upright in its original container
• With the container securely closed
• Away from direct sunlight
• In a suitably ventilated chemical storage area
• Away from metals, strong bases and amines
• Within suitable corrosion-resistant secondary containment
• Away from unauthorised personnel

PAC89 may react violently with alkalis and can react with metals to release flammable hydrogen gas.

Disposal

Do not release PAC89 into the environment, drains or public waters.

Dispose of the product, contaminated absorbents and empty packaging through an authorised hazardous or special-waste contractor in accordance with local and national regulations.

Transport Classification

• UN number: UN 1805
• Transport class: Class 8, corrosive
• Packing group: III
• Environmentally hazardous for transport: No

This product description does not replace the PAC89 Technical Data Sheet, Safety Data Sheet, COSHH assessment or the end user’s site-specific operating procedure.