Semiaqueous General Information Semiaqueous cleaning uses a solvent whose residue can be removed by rinsing parts in water. The solvent usually has a low vapor pressure and is frequently combined with water to form an emulsion. Common semiaqueous solvents include terpenes, glycol ethers, dibasic esters, and hydrocarbon blends. Semiaqueous cleaning may also be termed emulsion cleaning. It is also similar to diphase cleaning. Semiaqueous solutions are good for heavily soiled parts. They are effective on organic soils. Good examples are pigmented drawing compounds, lubricants, heavily oiled soils, rosin flux, and lubricants. Semiaqueous chemicals can be used in most types of process equipment, such as immersion tanks and spray processes. Some of the chemicals can also be used with ultrasonics. In some applications, the semiaqueous chemical is used without rinsing. This can provide a protective film on parts that are subject to rust. Semiaqueous cleaners are poor at cleaning rust and scale. Emulsions can replace acetone as the primary cleaner in fiberglass resin and composite plastics manufacturing cleanup. State Information | Glossary | Conversion Checklist | Comments Home | Process Advisor | Alternatives | Links | Search All SAGE material, Copyright© 1992, Research Triangle Institute Last Update: 23 May 2001 sage@rti.org http://clean.rti.org/alt.cfm?id=se&cat=gi