Hello!
I have been using the Alumiprep-33 / Alodine 1201 to prime the internal parts of my airframe (so far have only completed 90% of my RV-8 empennage kit). So far I have been very happy with the results. Especially when I started using the immersion bath technique. However, I have discovered some issues with storing the chemicals of the bath after the fact. Particularly the Alumiprep-33. My solution is a 1:4 dilution as per the technical bulletin. I had been storing the solution in the plastic jugs that distilled water comes in from Wal-Mart. (Essentially plastic milk jugs). These jugs are marked "2-HDPE" on the bottom. The jugs that the undiluted chemical originally came in are also marked "2-HDPE", but are of a thicker material than the water jugs I was using. I was storing these on the bottom shelf of one of my EAA work tables. A few weeks ago I came into the garage and noticed I was smelling the chemical. When I checked, one of the jugs had formed a pinhole leak in the side and had been dribbling out.
Suction had prevented most of the chemical from leaking out, thankfully.
Thinking I had encountered a random defect in one of the water jugs, I purchased more water jugs and also a couple of Sterilite storage totes (marked "5-PP") to use as a secondary containment vessel. Then I transferred the Alumiprep-33 immersion solution into the new jugs. I put all the jugs inside the Sterilite storage totes and called it a day. Unfortunately, today (after a hot spell where the external temps in the Phoenix, AZ area were between 115 and 120 all week), I noticed the smell again. When I looked I saw that one of the jugs had imploded. The secondary containment held, however. This time after consulting a trusted friend/advisor, I purchased 4 gallons of distilled vinegar (in jugs marked "2-HDPE" and of approximately the same thickness as the original chemical container) and used these to contain the Alumiprep-33 solution. I also purchased additional Sterilite storage totes to use as tertiary containment vessels. A little overkill I know. I have also moved the chemicals to a downstairs closet in the A/C'd part of my house so that the heat won't be an issue. I think a combination of the heat in my garage and the thinness of the water jug containment vessel is what lead to the leaks.
So, I was wondering. Is anyone else using the immersion bath technique with Alumiprep-33 / Alodine 1201? If so, how are you storing the solution after the fact?
Thanks,
I have been using the Alumiprep-33 / Alodine 1201 to prime the internal parts of my airframe (so far have only completed 90% of my RV-8 empennage kit). So far I have been very happy with the results. Especially when I started using the immersion bath technique. However, I have discovered some issues with storing the chemicals of the bath after the fact. Particularly the Alumiprep-33. My solution is a 1:4 dilution as per the technical bulletin. I had been storing the solution in the plastic jugs that distilled water comes in from Wal-Mart. (Essentially plastic milk jugs). These jugs are marked "2-HDPE" on the bottom. The jugs that the undiluted chemical originally came in are also marked "2-HDPE", but are of a thicker material than the water jugs I was using. I was storing these on the bottom shelf of one of my EAA work tables. A few weeks ago I came into the garage and noticed I was smelling the chemical. When I checked, one of the jugs had formed a pinhole leak in the side and had been dribbling out.
Suction had prevented most of the chemical from leaking out, thankfully.
Thinking I had encountered a random defect in one of the water jugs, I purchased more water jugs and also a couple of Sterilite storage totes (marked "5-PP") to use as a secondary containment vessel. Then I transferred the Alumiprep-33 immersion solution into the new jugs. I put all the jugs inside the Sterilite storage totes and called it a day. Unfortunately, today (after a hot spell where the external temps in the Phoenix, AZ area were between 115 and 120 all week), I noticed the smell again. When I looked I saw that one of the jugs had imploded. The secondary containment held, however. This time after consulting a trusted friend/advisor, I purchased 4 gallons of distilled vinegar (in jugs marked "2-HDPE" and of approximately the same thickness as the original chemical container) and used these to contain the Alumiprep-33 solution. I also purchased additional Sterilite storage totes to use as tertiary containment vessels. A little overkill I know. I have also moved the chemicals to a downstairs closet in the A/C'd part of my house so that the heat won't be an issue. I think a combination of the heat in my garage and the thinness of the water jug containment vessel is what lead to the leaks.
So, I was wondering. Is anyone else using the immersion bath technique with Alumiprep-33 / Alodine 1201? If so, how are you storing the solution after the fact?
Thanks,