2,2,2-Trichloroethanol PCB Cleaner for Neutral-pH Tight Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-line cleaners for PCBs are toxic, difficult to use in tight gaps, and require high pH, which is harsh on components and poses disposal challenges.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning solution using 2,2,2-trichloroethanol as a solvent or co-solvent, combined with water, emulsifying and spreading/wetting surfactants, and amines, forming a biphasic system with a neutral pH, to effectively clean PCBs without toxicity and harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong industrial cleaners containing solvents like PERC, TCE, or methylene chloride are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but toxicity increases and environmental harm worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing traditional toxic solvents (PERC, TCE, methylene chloride) with 2,2,2-trichloroethanol as the primary solvent. This substitution maintains cleaning effectiveness through the unique molecular structure of 2,2,2-trichloroethanol while reducing toxicity and environmental harm, directly resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and toxicity.
2Reliability
If high pH cleaners (pH 9-12) are used, then cleaning performance is improved, but harshness on components increases and disposal challenges worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the pH parameter from the conventional high pH range (9-12) to a neutral pH range (6-8). This parameter change allows the cleaning solution to maintain effective cleaning performance through the action of 2,2,2-trichloroethanol and appropriate surfactants while eliminating the harsh effects on electronic components and simplifying disposal requirements.
3Ease of operation
If water-based in-line cleaners are used, then ease of operation is improved, but cleaning effectiveness in tight gaps deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite cleaning solution by combining 2,2,2-trichloroethanol (which has excellent penetration and cleaning properties) with water, emulsifying surfactants, and spreading/wetting surfactants. This composite formulation maintains the ease of operation of water-based cleaners while achieving superior cleaning effectiveness in tight gaps through the synergistic action of the solvent system and surfactants.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to a cleaning solution comprising 2,2,2-trichloroethanol as a solvent (or a co-solvent). The cleaning solvent may further comprise a second co-solvent, water, or both. The cleaning solution may biphasic with a first phase that is water-rich and a second phase that is solvent-rich. The cleaning solvent may contain other components, such as an emulsifying surfactant, a spreading and wetting surfactant, phosphonic acid and an amine. In certain embodiments, a dioxolane or a carbonate may be used as a co-solvent either instead of, or in addition to, 2,2,2-trichloroethanol.