FAQ

1. EVAPO-RUST® It is the “green” product par excellence because it removes rust by simulating what already happens in nature thanks to its selective chelating action:

1) Chelating action is a reaction where a metallic element forms a coordination bond with a chemical reagent called a chelator. The product of this reaction forms a very stable molecular structure with the metallic element at the center surrounded (“pincer-like”) by the chelating agent, simulating the grip of a crab's claws (hence the term chelation)

1) the selective action derives from the presence in the formula of a chelating agent possessing sufficient energy to form the aforementioned coordination bond with the iron contained only and exclusively in that particular hydrated oxide (commonly called “rust”), but not with the iron contained in steel or cast iron which would instead require greater energy.

Therefore, this chemical reaction imitates what already occurs in nature, for example, in chlorophyll with magnesium or in hemoglobin with iron: in fact, to transfer iron into the blood, hemoglobin similarly exploits the chelating action of the 4 constituent protein groups (porphyrin rings) to form with iron that chemical complex called hematin (or heme group).

Recommended methods of use are:

a. Immersion

b. Filling (e.g. tanks)

c. Ultrasound

d. Flushing

e. Spray

f. Membership

It is non-corrosive and will not damage brass, copper, aluminum, gold, lead, titanium, steel, cast iron, chrome, solder, vinyl, plastic, neoprene, silicone, glass, cork or wood.

The only incompatibilities are cadmium and related alloys (e.g. paints, stabilizers, cadmium plating, etc.) and magnesium and related alloys (e.g. zama). High carbon steel darkens when in contact with EVAPO-RUST® ; the carbon can be partially removed during rinsing with water by rubbing, for example, with a cloth.

Compared to traditional acid or basic pickling solutions, it also prevents the removal of the non-oxidized metal underlying and/or surrounding the rust patina, thus avoiding the need for post-pickling neutralization. Finally, it minimizes the structural embrittlement of the metal caused by the accidental introduction of hydrogen into the crystal lattice ( hydrogen embrittlement ) during the treatment.

The duration is respectively:

- unlimited if unused and stored sealed in its original packaging

- limited after the 1st use, of variable duration depending on the specific biodegradability rate determined by the bacteria present on the metal being treated that come into contact with EVAPO-RUST®

After the first use, it is advisable to not hermetically cover the tank or container intended for storing EVAPO-RUST® , in order to simultaneously limit both the evaporation of the aqueous fraction and the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria: in fact, pouring the already used EVAPO-RUST® into a hermetically sealed container determines the most favourable conditions for the multiplication of the anaerobic bacterial consortia responsible for biodegradation in the absence of oxygen.

Practical applications have demonstrated an average duration of 12 months for EVAPO-RUST® after the first use (and in some cases even well beyond this limit).

The water contained in the EVAPO-RUST® formulation is the only component that can evaporate; if the amount of water lost through evaporation is replaced, the EVAPO-RUST® solution will be revitalized.

Therefore, before use, we suggest placing a mark on the inside wall of the tank at the air vs. EVAPO-RUST® interface to record the maximum level; subsequently, it will be necessary to maintain this level by periodically adding water to restore the amount lost through evaporation.

EVAPO-RUST® should be used continuously until it is effective in removing oxide; after which it will become exhausted and must be disposed of in accordance with current legislation.

Ideal for reconditioning the inside of tanks:

· thanks to its selective chelating action it safeguards the entire non-oxidised metal thickness, preventing excessive thinning of the sheet metal

· thanks to the water-based formula it minimizes the structural weakening of the metal ( hydrogen embrittlement) against vibrations, resonances, etc.

There is no need to fill the tank with abrasive material (e.g. screws, bolts, grit, etc.): just ensure sufficient contact time with the metal and EVAPO-RUST® will solubilize all the rust present, stopping automatically at the interface with the non-oxidized metal substrate.

Unlike acids and bases, it will not remove non-oxidized metal from the thickness of the sheet metal, also ensuring compatibility with gaskets (e.g.: fuel tap) or non-ferrous metal parts (e.g.: chrome plating) that may come into contact.

To avoid the reappearance of flush-rust, it is recommended to rinse with alcohol at the end of the treatment and protect immediately.

Aluminum does not undergo any tonal or structural variation in contact with EVAPO-RUST® ; any oxidation of the alloy will remain exactly as it is without any removal. On the contrary, EVAPO-RUST® is excellent for removing rust from chrome plating, while preserving all the chrome plating itself thanks to its selective action; obviously the more or less macroscopic holes in the chrome plating where there was previously rust will remain visible (because obviously EVAPO-RUST® does not also contribute material)

Since the chemical reaction that determines the selective removal of rust is endothermic, that is, it absorbs energy (heat) from the external environment, it is recommended to use EVAPO-RUST® at a solution temperature higher than 15°C. At temperatures lower than 5°C the chemical reaction is significantly retarded; while the maximum speed is recorded in the range between 35°C and 50°C.

It is not applicable by brush because it dries (evaporates) before the minimum contact temperature of at least 30 minutes (unless the end user has the patience to continue applying EVAPO-RUST® by brush on the rust until the oxide is completely removed; feasible only for extremely thin oxide patinas).

EVAPO-RUST® is sold ready-to-use, although it tolerates any further dilution with water. Further dilution with water does not bring any significant advantage:

a. regardless of the degree of dilution actually adopted, the quantity of removable rust (i.e. consumption) remains unchanged, equal to a maximum of 60 g. of anhydrous rust per litre of EVAPO-RUST®

b. the reaction speed to remove the oxide decreases as the degree of dilution with water increases, therefore the maximum time of 24/48 hours for ready-to-use will no longer be indicative if diluted and it will be up to the user to evaluate when the pickling will actually be finished; to this end, to avoid excessive slowing down of the chemical reaction, it is recommended not to dilute beyond the 1:1 ratio (e.g.: 1 Lt. EVAPO-RUST® + 1 Lt. water).

Therefore, we do not recommend diluting the product unless the rusty object is completely immersed because, in the case of only partial immersion, a dark line may appear at the air/liquid interface which is difficult to remove (obviously this problem does not exist if the metal is then completely covered, for example, by painting).

EVAPO-RUST® chemically removes rust, while the converters transform it into phosphate but leave it in place; therefore, by removing the rust, the risk is avoided, especially in the case of thickening, that the conversion layer is not able to extend to the entire oxidized thickness, i.e. that a residual rust layer remains between the surface conversion layer and the underlying non-oxidized metal.