A Contact Cleaner is generally an aerosol using a propellant and some type of solvent.
Contact cleaners are used in electronics manufacturing and repair as well as electrical assembly and refurbishing. A contact cleaner is used to dislodge dirt, grease and contaminants for many types of electrical circuits, switches and assemblies.
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What propellants are used in contact cleaners?
There are a wide variety of propellants that can be used in contact cleaners. Many have been outlawed due to environmental issues such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's). Other propellants commonly used are Di Methyl Ether, Carbon Dioxide and LPG's (most commonly propane, isobutane and n-butane). The propellant exists as a liquid under pressure within the can and transforms into a gas in the empty space inside the can keeping pressure constant. This pressure is what propels the solvent and gas propellant out of the nozzle.
What solvents are used in contact cleaners?
The solvent in contact cleaners is the active ingredient. Most solvents in contact cleaners are an organic solvent or petroleum distillates such as hexane, isoethene, acetone, methane, trichloroethylene and mineral spirits. There are many other solvents used in particular contact cleaners.
How are contact cleaners used?
Contact cleaners are used to remove dirt, debris and contaminates from electrical circuits, switches, relays, controls, contacts, circuit boards and other assemblies so that the electrical circuits can function properly. Typically, the contact cleaner is sprayed directly on the particular circuit/assembly to be cleaned and allowed to dry, repeating as necessary. The number and types of uses for contact cleaners is almost endless. Because of the wide variety of places a contact cleaner can be used and the materials effected, different combinations of solvents and propellants are used. For example some contact cleaners use ingredients that are non-flammable so they may be used on live circuits or where the chance of fire is high. Other chemical combinations are used when adverse reactions on plastics must be avoided. Still other chemical combinations have been devised to create as little harm to the environment as possible. Always take precautions that the particular contact cleaner you are using is appropriate for the purpose intended.
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