KavarClean® & KavarWipe®
KavarClean® Redox Powder is a proton- and chelate-assisted redox (reducton) system developed for dust binding and surface decontamination of chromate-contaminated components.
The water-based cleaning and decontamination solution is mixed with the powder on site and is ready to spray after a short mixing time.
Mode of action:
The integrated proton donors create the acidic environment in which the reductone, acting as an electron donor, reduces the carcinogenic and water-polluting chromium(VI) compounds to significantly less dangerous chromium(III).
The chelating agent keeps iron and interfering metal ions in solution, prevents hydroxide precipitation on the work surface, and helps to loosen adhering crusts so that the reducing agent can reach the chromate.
At the same time, the product acts as a fiber binder , binding fine chromate dust and contaminated insulation fibers or ash residues and significantly reducing their resuspension during dismantling and cleaning.
Fate of the chromium:
Chromium(III) as hydroxide is only sparingly soluble in the weakly acidic to neutral pH range; in acidic as well as in the strongly alkaline range and in the presence of complexing agents it remains dissolved and mobile.
The treatment therefore converts the chromium into a significantly less dangerous form, but it does not fix it in place.
It therefore necessarily follows that the work must be carried out without any drains. The liquid used must be completely contained, temporarily stored in sealed containers, and treated and disposed of separately.
Discharge into yard drainage, rainwater drain, sewer system or into the ground must be prevented.
rather perfect laboratory conditions, but not the reality found in vehicles, engines, engine compartments, etc.
Grenzen der Wirkung - Chrom(VI) kann wieder entstehen:
The reduction process occurs only once; this also applies to all “chromium(VI) neutralizers” available on the market!
Even KavarClean® cannot prevent the reformation of chromium(VI) compounds:
If the reduced chromium(III) compounds come into contact with basic oxides again under the influence of heat and oxygen, chromium(VI) compounds can form once more.
Furthermore, particles coated with oil, grease, or other contaminants are not always completely wetted and are therefore not fully reduced.
Success is not demonstrated by application alone, but through surface wipe tests followed by chromate analysis, such as KavarCheck®.
Safety notice for users:
Unfortunately, the use of KavarClean® Redox Spray does not replace personal protective equipment!
Before applying the KavarClean® spray solution or covering the KavarWipe® wipes, you are directly exposed to the carcinogenic, dermal-absorbable, and water-polluting chromium(VI) compounds from the source of contamination!
Even afterward, protective equipment remains necessary, as the reduction is often incomplete and the treated material must still be collected, packaged, and disposed of.
Protective clothing, respiratory protection, and skin protection must therefore, unfortunately, be worn throughout the entire work process until decontamination and disposal are complete.
All other claims made in this context by some suppliers are based on ideal laboratory conditions but often do not correspond to the actual conditions inside and on vehicles, engines, turbines, and other technical equipment.
The advantages of KavarClean® Redox Powder
Aqueous, ready-to-use reduction solutions ("neutralizers") do not lose their effectiveness through use, but through time .
By definition, the reducing agent is an electron donor and therefore reacts just as readily with atmospheric oxygen entering through the liquid surface, canister neck and spray pump.
This autoxidation process occurs entirely without chromate:
The solution releases its capacity to the environment, not to the contamination.
The process is accelerated by exposure to oxygen, heat, light, rising pH levels, and traces of foreign metals.
The oxidized reducing agent is not recyclable. It decomposes further through several stages, at the end of which colored derivatives are present.
A typical brown discoloration after a few weeks therefore proves beyond doubt that the reduction capacity is exhausted; however, it only occurs several decomposition stages after the actual loss of efficacy.
A clear solution is therefore not proof of effectiveness; a brown one is proof of ineffectiveness.
Even a used solution will still wet and bind dust; the application then looks the same as an effective one, without actually being effective; the absence of dust is interpreted as a success, even though the chemical function has failed.
This is the most dangerous failure pattern that such a product can have.
For these reasons, our redox powder system is only activated on site, immediately before application, and only in the quantity actually required.
