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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Replacing ABF with HF in an aluminium cleaner formula
Hi we currently have a problem in South Africa where we cannot source ABF and subsequently need to find a replacement that works the same. We are thinking of using HF instead but need to know the ratio if there is one. We where using the ABF in an Aluminium cleaner.
Robert FreitagChemical sales consultant - Durban South Africa
April 26, 2011
There's no problem with making the substitution from a chemical point of view. The conversion depends on what % HF by weight acid you are buying. In the US, several technical grades are available. Adding 1% by volume to your tank if you are using HF that is 48% HF by weight would be equivalent (in fluoride) to 7.94 g/L addition of ammonium bifluoride. Adding 1% by volume to your tank if you are using HF that is 70% HF by weight would be equivalent to a 12.55 g/L addition of ammonium bifluoride.
Jon Barrows, MSF, EHSSC
GOAD Company
Independence, Missouri
April 27, 2011
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