Process Chemicals

Rotajet manufacture and supply degreasing and washing systems for the aerospace industry; systems are used for cleaning and degreasing newly manufactured parts. The systems are used throughout MRO’s for washing and degreasing components and parts, prior to service or repair.

Depending on the application either spray washing machines or ultrasonic cleaning systems are used.  

Below is a list of the approvals for the cleaning chemicals supplied:

Immersion and Ultrasonic cleaning detergents approvals

• Airbus Industrie: Consumable Material List (CML) Item #11-024A
• Airbus UK: ABP 8-1290; Approved Alkaline Cleaner
• Airbus: AIPI 09-01-003 Approved Alkaline Cleaner
• American Airlines: CPN4106223
• American Eurocopter: AEC QA-DCR/10-06/01
• Anheuser Busch: CTS #07979-000
• Bell/Textron: Material Bulletin 1608J
• Boeing (McDonnell Douglas): DPM 6373
• Boeing (McDonnell Douglas): DPS 9.341-1
• Boeing (McDonnell Douglas): P.S. 12024;
• Cleaning, Aqueous Immersion Degreasing
• Boeing: BAC 5749; Alkaline Cleaning
• Boeing: BAC 5753; Cleaning, Descaling, and
• Surface Preparation of Titanium and Titanium Alloys
• Boeing: BAC 5763; Emulsion Cleaning
• Boeing: HP 9-25; Degreasing
• Boeing: BAC 5749; Alkaline Cleaning (PSD 6-153)*
• Boeing: BAC 5763; Emulsion Cleaning (PSD 6-62)*
• Bombardier (de Havilland): PPS 31.04,
• Aqueous Degreaser
• Bombardier Inc, Canadair: MPS 180-40;
• Aqueous Degreasing
• Ford: Tox #150887
• GE Aircraft Engines: SPM CFM-TP SP2 (CFM56) 70-21-18
• GE Aircraft Engines: SPM GEK9250 (CF6,
• GE90, CF34, CT7) 70-21-22, Method 1
• GE Aviation: List of Alloy Compatible Cleaners
• GE Aviation: S-421
• General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division:
• Contract No. N0024-95-C 2103
• GM: FID Number – 261545
• Goodrich Aerostructures (Rohr): RMS 1533
• Goodrich Aerostructures (Rohr): RPS 17.23
• Rev. AE; Metal Prep for Adhesive Bonding
• Goodrich: ML 21304; Brake & Wheel Components
• Honeywell (Allied Signal): EMS 53170
• Honeywell: Component Maintenance Manual (Fuel controls)
• Honeywell: Standard Practices Manual
• Hughes: 780202
• Hughes: SCGPS 56039
• Lockheed Martin: EPS G32.0160
• Lockheed Martin: STP-57301; Aluminum Cleaning
• Lockheed Martin: LMA-PG006, Rev B
• National Stock Number: 07 Size; 6850-01-392-8439
• National Stock Number: 55 Size; 6850-01-392-8430
• Naval Shipyard: File No. 0006902; Cleaning
• Respirators and Paint Equipment
• Northrop: C-24
• Pratt & Whitney: SPMC 184, SPOP 209
• Immersion Tank (oper.1) and Spray-on/Rinse-off Cleaning (oper. 3); SPS 184
• Rockwell: LLD565-0013-001
• Rohr: RMS 1533
• Rohr: RPS 17.23 Rev. AE; Metal Prep for Adhesive Bonding
• Rolls Royce (Allison Engine): EPS-345
• Rolls Royce: CSS 204 Type A
• Rolls Royce: E.A. AX-1800-001
• Rolls Royce: OMAT 1/24S
• Sikorsky Aircraft (United Technologies): SS 8423 Rev 5
• SNECMA: CFM56 Manual, CP2597
   South Coast Air Quality Management District:
• Certified as a Clean Air Solvent
• United Technologies/Pratt & Whitney: SPMC 184, SPOP 209 Immersion Tank (oper.1) and Spray-on/Rinse-off Cleaning (oper. 3)
  USDA A1

Spray washing  cleaning detergents approvals

• Airbus UK: ABP 8-1290; Approved Alkaline Cleaner
• Airbus: AIPI 09-01-003 Approved Alkaline Cleaner
• Boeing: BAC 5763; Emulsion Cleaning
• Boeing: HP 9-25; Degreasing
• GE Aviation: List of Alloy Compatible Cleaners
• GE Aviation: S-421
• General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division: Contract No. N0024-95-C 2103
• GM: FID Number – 330546
• Goodrich: ML21345; Cleaning Aluminum and Steel Brake/Wheel Parts
• Hamilton Sundstrand: Soak Cleaning of Heat Exchangers
• Honeywell (Allied Signal): EMS 53170; Steel Brake/Wheel Parts
• Honeywell: Standard Practices Manual
• Lockheed Martin: EPS G32.0160
• Lockheed Martin: LMA-PG006, Rev B
• Lucas Aerospace: DC Starter/Gen
• National Stock Number: 05 Size; 6850-01-428-8842
• National Stock Number: 55 Size; 6850-01-435-6459
• Philips Electronics: 12NC Number: 1322-529-81201
• Rolls Royce: CSS 204 Type A
• Rolls-Royce OMAT 1/24 AG
• South Coast Air Quality Management District: Certified as a Clean Air Solvent
• Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical: RACO 2833, Alkaline Degreasing Fluid, Spray
• United Airlines: UMS CLE3005-3-2-Cleaner, High Temp/High Press. A/C Parts Washer
  USDA A1 LG

Rotajet manufacture and supply degreasing and washing systems for cleaning and degreasing aluminium castings. Typically, the components are from the automotive remanufacture industry and the castings are diesel injector pumps, cylinder heads, gearbox casings, etc. The components are generally degreased and washed in a Rotajet parts washer: this removes the surface road dirt, oil and grease. The components are then stripped down into components parts and repaired or replaced. The casings, if painted, are stripped in a Rotajet developed Benzyl Alcohol-based paint stripper, in a Rotajet dunker immersion cleaner.     

Once stripped, the castings are then finally degreased and brightened in a Rotajet ultrasonic cleaning system.

Rotajet supply a range of antifoam and defoaming additives used in Rotajet spray washing machines and Rotajet tunnel washing equipment.  

In the surface coatings industry, Rotajet machinery is used for cleaning vessels and containers which have contained paint inks. Due to the nature of the inks and paints, the washing solutions begin to foam as the paint and ink build up in the working washing solutions. Rotajet spray washers are fitted with the Rotajet Antifoam System: this system doses antifoam into the working solution at high pressure using an atomising spray nozzle. The Antifoam system is programmable and can be engaged on or off during the washing cycle, which reduces the amount of antifoam used and also avoids build-up within the working solution. When treating foaming in surface coatings applications, Rotajet recommend the use of Rotajet DF1316. This material is non-silicone and has been developed for use in high pH and high temperature environments.

Foaming in food based cleaning environments is normally caused when fats react with the caustic in alkaline cleaning agents. The reaction forms soaps which, over a period of time, start to foam in Rotajet spray washers, parts washer and tunnel washing machines. Rotajet recommends the use of DF1318 antifoam which has been developed for food environments and is food approved.

Rotajet supply a broad range of carbon-removal chemicals used in Rotajet spray washing machines, Rotajet tunnel washing equipment, and ultrasonic cleaning systems.

For cleaning ferrous components, Rotajet supply heavily alkaline and non-alkaline carbon remover: the high pH cleaner is typically used in Rotajet immersion systems and ultrasonic cleaners for the decarbonising of heavily encrusted carbon deposit; normally caused from the combustion of hydrocarbons. Typically, the process time is from 30 minutes to 3 hours for ceramic-type carbon deposits (normally caused from hot running engines or gas fired engines). After cleaning, the components will be rinsed; this normally takes place using a Rotajet parts washer.

For carbon deposits from the food and baking industry, Rotajet supply a non-alkaline cleaner used in Rotajet spray washers, parts washers and ultrasonic cleaners. After decarbonising, the components will have to rinse using fresh water in the food industry.

Rotajet degreasing machines are used for general parts washing and degreasing throughout the industry; typically for light oil removal we recommend Rotajet 1-516 or Rotajet 1-410 neutral based degreaser. Rotajet 1-516 degreaser is a multi-metal cleaner and is used in single-stage spray washers and parts washers. Operating between 55-70oC, the product offers excellent cleaning and corrosion protection of ferrous components.

Rotajet spray washers use Rotajet 1-410 for cleaning and degreasing plastics and composites. The product is low foam and can be used at 45-65oC depending on the application. 

Rotajet 1-550, is a specially designed degreaser for use in ultrasonic bench two cleaners and ultrasonic cleaning systems. The surfactants used are chosen to work in conjunction with the cleaning cavities caused by the ultrasonic waves, and this provides excellent degreasing and cleaning results.

Rotajet degreasing machines are used for cleaning and the removal of thick greases and gears. Due to the high temperatures in which the greases are designed to operate, and the addition of wear, additives, and extreme pressures additives, the removal of these can prove difficult when using traditional low-pressure parts washers. Rotajet manufacture spray washers and parts with high-volume and high-pressure pumps, fitted with dedicated jetting and flushing. The dedicated jetting on a Rotajet spray washer can be custom-designed for cleaning inside bearing races; removing all traces of greases and contamination. The Rotajet washing machine uses a heated, neutral-based detergent which is specially designed with a non-ionic / ionic surfactant blend. This quickly breaks down the grease and oils, allowing it to be skimmed from the surface. The spray washers used are typically two-stage wash and rinse machines, in which the rinse removes any residual traces of the cleaning chemical.

The standard Rotajet range of spray washing equipment will accommodate the majority of bearings and gears used in industry and transit applications. Rotajet can also manufacture bespoke parts washing and spray washing equipment for components which are outside the standard range. 

Rotajet spray machines and parts washers are used for the washing and removal of heavy oils and lubricants from pressed parts and deep drawn parts. Rotajet washing equipment can be used for batch cleaning with a batch spray washing machine, or continuous cleaning with a Rotajet tunnel washing machine. For the removal of heavy oils containing AW and EP additives, Rotajet have developed a number of cleaning detergents. The detergents contain the surfactant blends and additives used for the removal of the most tenacious oils. For ferrous components, Rotajet also supply corrosion additives to the washing solutions of the spray washer or tunnel washing machines. The spray washers used are typically two-stage wash and rinse machines, in which the rinse removes any residual traces of the cleaning chemical. The Rotajet Tunnel washers are usually supplied with wash and rinse sections in which a 10% cleaning additive is automatically added to the wash. All Rotajet cleaning chemicals are supplied with test control methods.

The standard Rotajet range of spray washing equipment will accommodate the majority of pressed parts and deep drawn components. Rotajet can also manufacture bespoke parts washing and spray washing equipment for components which are outside the standard range.

Rotajet washing equipment is used by ink manufactures and printers for washing ink-contaminated mixing equipment and machinery parts. Rotajet supply UV and conventional ink manufacturers with “turnkey” washing solutions for cleaning mixing equipment and with cleaning chemicals. The majority of applications used in the ink industry are water based detergents: using alkaline and pH neutral cleaners, the cleaners are designed for heavy ink loadings, prolonging the cycle life of the cleaner. Rotajet have developed accelerator additives that can be used in conjunction with the traditional cleaners. For further information regarding the machinery used in the ink industry, or for solvent based washing machines, please visit: www.containerwashing.co.uk. This site covers all Rotajet machinery used in this industry. 

For cleaning components used in the printing industry, Rotajet manufacture a range of blanket washes and parts-washing cleaning chemicals. These are normally used in Rotajet spray washing equipment and parts washers.

Rotajet have developed a range of neutral-based degreasing solutions for cleaning pH-sensitive materials. The solutions have been specially designed using plant-based surfactants and the products are completely biodegradable. The products have been designed as low-foam cleaners, and have been formulated for specific use in ultrasonic cleaning systems and spray washing machines. The products will remove light oils, dirt and dust, and are used in Rotajet spray washers and ultrasonic cleaning systems. If required, the machinery can be fitted with conductivity meters to monitor the concentration of the working solutions.

Rotajet manufacture and supply a range of non-silicate cleaners and washing detergents used in the heat treatment industry. The cleaners are used in Rotajet spray washing and Rotajet dunk immersion washers for the removal of quenching oils from metal components. The products are designed silicate-free to avoid any adverse effects on furnace linings from silicates. To replace the degreasing and cleaning action of the silicates, Rotajet use a specific formulation of surfactants and non-caustic pH builders.

The products are used in Rotajet spray washing machines and Rotajet dunk washers at 65-70oC, and can be controlled with pH or conductivity. The products are supplied as powders or liquids for automatic dosing.

Rotajet manufacture and supply a range of paint strippers. The paint strippers are used in Rotajet spray washing and Rotajet dunk immersion washers for the removal of paints from metal components. For stripping paints from ferrous components, Rotajet recommend the use of high pH alkaline paint strippers: these products can be sprayed in Rotajet spray washers, or used as immersion strippers in Rotajet dunk washers. For paint systems that require a higher activity stripper, we recommend the introduction of 2-240 accelerator; this is a benzyl alcohol and surfactant blend.

For stripping aluminium and alloys, Rotajet recommend the use of Benzyl Alcohol paint stripper used in a heated Rotajet spray washing machine or Rotajet immersion dunk washer. Depending on the nature of the paint system, these products are either accelerated using potassium hydroxide or a surfactant blend.

The products are typically controlled via pH or titration.

Rotajet manufacture and supply a range of rinse aids. The rinse aids are used in Rotajet spray washing and Rotajet dunk immersion washers for the removal of streaking and water staining in single-stage and two-stage spray washers and parts washing machines. The rinse aids or rinsing agents are a blend of surfactants and use Marangoni stress to prevent cleaning droplets from forming. This causes the cleaning agent to drain in a uniform sheet rather than droplets, and eliminates the formation of spots and streaks. 

The rinse aids can be added to any Rotajet parts washer, spray washer or ultrasonic cleaning machine. Rotajet washing machines fitted with final freshwater rinse typically do not require rinse aids addition. 

Rotajet manufacture and supply a range of rust removal and derusting chemcials. The rust removal chemicals are used in Rotajet spray washing and Rotajet dunk immersion washers for the removal of rust from ferrous metal components. Rotajet supply a traditional alkaline rust remover for use in heated tanks; these products are used for heavy duty removing and are accelerated with gluconic acid. These products can be used for stripping paint and carbon removal in one process. After the process, the components will need to be rinsed to remove any residual chemical prior to handling: this normally takes place in a Rotajet parts washing machine.

Rotajet also supply safe rust removers for use in immersion tanks. Typically, the components are degreased and paint-free prior to derusting. The process is normally carried out in a Rotajet Dunk immersion tank.