SaitechLabs – SOP (2×A4): Competitor Sample Validation | Alkaline Degreasing Liquid

Page 1/2: Editable Benchmark Record Sheet (Internal, Non-NABL). Use with as-received sample and working dilution (typically 2–5% w/v).

Document Type: Internal SOP

Editable Benchmark Table

Click any yellow cell to edit. Record competitor values and compare vs your reference. Verdict options: Better Similar Worse.
Parameter Competitor Your Reference Remarks / Verdict
Appearance / Colour / Odour / Clarity
Phase stability (RT, 72 h)
pH (as-received)
pH (1% w/v solution)
Specific Gravity / Density @ 25°C
Viscosity (cP) @ ___°C (optional)
Non-volatile matter / Total solids (%)
Free alkalinity (as NaOH, g/L or %)
Total alkalinity (as Na₂CO₃ / as NaOH)
Conductivity / TDS (optional)
Foam height @ use dilution (0 / 1 / 5 min)
Hard-water tolerance (300 ppm as CaCO₃)
Cleaning efficiency (% soil removal)
Water-break test after rinse (Pass/Fail)
MS corrosion check (30–60 min + overnight)
50°C stability (24–48 h) + pH drift
Decision rule (summary): Prefer the competitor benchmark only if it delivers higher cleaning at same dilution with controlled foam, no precipitation in hard water, and no corrosion/flash rust.
SaitechLabs | Surface Coating Technology Solutions
Confidential • Internal benchmarking use only • Page 1/2

SaitechLabs – SOP: Competitor Alkaline Degreaser Validation (Method)

Page 2/2: Scope, acceptance logic, equipment, reagents, and procedure (print-ready).

Method Page

1) Scope

  • Internal validation of competitor alkaline degreasing liquid for strength, performance, stability, and substrate safety.
  • Applicable for spray/immersion/ultrasonic metal cleaning lines (MS/SS; optional Al/Zn check).
  • Not a NABL certificate; results are for internal benchmarking and reformulation targets.

2) Acceptance Logic (Go/No-Go)

  • Go: Higher or similar cleaning at equal dilution + controlled foam + no hard-water precipitation + no flash rust/corrosion.
  • No-Go / Flag: Severe pitting on Al/Zn, heavy precipitation in 300 ppm water, aggressive odour suggesting high solvent, unstable phase separation.
  • Compare: Always run your reference product in parallel at same dilution, time, and temperature.
Safety stop: If abnormal exotherm on dilution, or suspected flammability, shift to fume hood and treat as solvent-containing material.

3) Equipment

  • pH meter, balance (0.01 g), volumetric glassware, hydrometer/pycnometer, thermometer.
  • Hot air oven (105°C) for non-volatile; Brookfield viscometer (optional).
  • Coupon/panel set: MS (mandatory), Al and Zn (optional), hanger/threads.
  • Stopwatch, beakers, stirrer, drying oven or hot plate for panel drying.

4) Reagents & Materials

  • DI/RO water; hard-water (300 ppm as CaCO₃) prepared using CaCl₂/MgSO₄ or standard.
  • 0.1 N HCl; indicators: phenolphthalein + methyl orange (or potentiometric endpoints).
  • Standard oily soil (defined oil/grease mixture) for gravimetric cleaning test.
  • PPE: goggles, nitrile gloves, apron; fume hood access if needed.

5) Procedure (Recommended Sequence)

  1. Sample prep: Mix sample thoroughly. Prepare use dilution (2–5% w/v) in DI water and in 300 ppm hard water.
  2. Visual & stability: Record appearance; keep 100 mL at RT for 72 h for separation/sediment check.
  3. pH & SG: Measure pH (as-received and 1%); measure SG at 25°C.
  4. NV%: 2–5 g at 105°C to constant weight; record % solids.
  5. Free & total alkalinity: Titrate with 0.1 N HCl (single or two-endpoint). Record as NaOH/Na₂CO₃ basis.
  6. Foam test: At use dilution, fixed agitation; note foam height at 0/1/5 min.
  7. Hard-water tolerance: Check haze/precipitate at use dilution in 300 ppm water (30 min observation).
  8. Cleaning efficiency: Weigh soiled MS panel → clean at fixed time/temp → rinse → dry → reweigh → calculate % removal.
  9. Water-break: After rinse, observe continuous water film (no breaks) = pass.
  10. Corrosion: Immerse MS coupon in use dilution 30–60 min; then keep overnight and observe flash rust.
  11. Heat stability: Keep 50 mL at 50°C for 24–48 h; check separation and pH drift.
  12. Report: Transfer all results to Page-1 table and mark verdict vs reference.

6) Output / Reporting

  • Attach filled Page-1 benchmark sheet + photo evidence (panels, foam, precipitate if any).
  • Conclude: recommended dilution window, key differentiators, and reformulation targets (alkali/surfactant/stabilizer).
SaitechLabs | Surface Coating Technology Solutions
Confidential • Internal benchmarking use only • Page 2/2