WIX Archives
Re: Recovery, Storage/Stabilisation and Cleaning (long)
Posted by Ross McNeill on Fri Mar 21, 2003 10:26:59 AM
In reply top Re: Recovery, Storage/Stabilisation and Cleaning (long) posted by Elliott on Fri Mar 21, 2003 09:55:16 AM
The balance is in selecting a storage solution that is of benefit to all the metals present in an aero engine.
Usually engine aluminium does not fare well in sea water but copper, lead, tin and pewter used in the alloys can still be found in a reasonable state.
Each item needs to be initially examined to find the best balance but 5% solutions of Sodium sesquicarbonate or Sodium carbonate are a good all round medium. pH needs to be limited to below 10 for lead, tin and pewter protection.
You are correct that for aluminium alloys sodium hydroxide is not a good choice but for an artefact where large amounts of ferrous metal is present then it is acceptable.
Cees was asking for a cheap method and sodium carbonate best fits this bill.
We are also looking for a storage medium that will "soften" encrustation and make this easier to mechanically remove before cleaning.
Regards
Ross