Cal-Brite is a low-pH or acid-based product developed for cleaning evaporator coils, air-cooled condensers and other finned cooling and heating coils. It is based upon glycolic acid and ammonium bifluoride, and it incorporates two surfactants, including DuPont's Merpol®. The activity between the glycolic acid and the ammonium bifluoride produces a synergistic cleaning effect, resulting in a clean, brightened coil, but with the utmost in safety to the applicator and the job site as compared to HF-based products.
Air-cooled condensers, evaporator coils and other finned cooling and heating coils can become coated and clogged with greasy dirt and grime. This contamination will in turn cause the coil to lose efficiency and the time it takes for the coil to be dirtied and clogged will vary by locale. However, it will need to be cleaned to restore lost capacity and efficiencies.
Many service technicians will utilize an alkaline-based cleaner for this task, and the desired results will be achieved. Many other technicians continue to use the highly concentrated hydrofluoric acid-based products as they like the aggressive foaming of these cleaners. However, the high concentration of hydrofluoric acid in these products can present serious safety concerns for the technician and the equipment. When the use of these cleaners is taken inside to evaporator and chiller coils, the safety concern is magnified.
Cal-Brite's new technology provides a safer alternative with equal or better performance. The synergy of its acid-based formulation achieves foaming, brightening and cleaning, but without the dangers that are typical to high concentrations of hydrofluoric acid. And because of its low odor and increased safety, Cal-Brite can be used on indoor coils.