Immersion Paint Strippers: Efficiency and Advantages

Different types of paint strippers exist: immersion strippers in liquid form and spray strippers in gel form. Paint stripping is a crucial step in industrial maintenance, and it is particularly demanding in the aeronautical sector. Professionals are looking for solutions that combine performance and regulatory compliance. SOCOMORE offers KEMSTRIP 600, a reference solution for immersion stripping. This third-generation product is formulated to meet current challenges.

An immersion stripper is a chemical solution used in a vat to remove paint and other organic coatings. The parts to be treated are directly immersed in a heated bath. This method is ideal for treating small to medium-sized parts with complex geometries.

KEMSTRIP 600's performance is optimized for hot use. Its composition, based on benzyl alcohol and an alkaline activator, reaches maximum efficiency above 80°C on all types of paint. The product does not contain CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic) like NMP or NEP, which ensures full compliance with European REACH regulations.

The performance of KEMSTRIP 600 is optimized for hot use. Its composition, which is based on benzyl alcohol and an alkaline activator, reaches maximum efficiency above 80°C on all types of paint.

KEMSTRIP 600 operates using a two-phase system. The main active layer works by softening the paint and breaking down the coating layers. An anti-evaporation layer, located on the surface, limits solvent loss and reduces odors. This composition ensures both the performance of the bath and a safer working environment.

To maintain the performance of the bath, regular maintenance is essential. It is necessary to periodically drain the paint sludge and adjust the levels with different additives designed to maintain the bath's balance.

SOCOMORE recommends maintaining:

• The level of the baths by controlling the height of the anti-evaporation layer at 20 cm with the addition of ADDICAP 2.
• The level of the lower active phase with Kemstrip 015.
• The chemical concentration by measuring the alkalinity of the bath and adjusting it if necessary with the A-96 additive.

Every element of the bath is adjustable, which helps to ensure its longevity.

The reliability of KEMSTRIP 600 is confirmed by numerous official qualifications. It is approved by the largest engine manufacturers in the aeronautical sector.

Among them are: Safran, Rolls Royce, Pratt & Whitney, GE, and CFM.

The product is also qualified for the maintenance of landing gear and wheels. These approvals validate its compatibility with sensitive materials such as high strength steel.

Modern immersion strippers are often two-phased to optimize their action.

• The active layer: This is the lower phase of the bath. It contains solvents that soften the paint and activators that break down the coating layers.
• The anti-evaporation layer: Located on the surface, this oily layer prevents the evaporation of solvents. It also significantly reduces odors emanating from the bath

The principle consists of fully immersing the parts to be stripped into the active layer of the bath. The chemical action, often accelerated by heat, removes the paint in a few hours, or even less.

The immersion stripping method offers numerous advantages. It allows for the treatment of parts in vats with volumes ranging from a few hundred to over 10,000 liters.

This process works as a "masked time" operation. This reduces the workload for operators and minimizes equipment downtime.

It also ensures a homogeneous treatment, even on components with complex geometries.

A rigorous methodology is essential to ensure the efficiency and safety of the stripping process. This process is broken down into several phases, from preparing the equipment to maintaining the bath.

The equipment must be suitable to ensure optimal performance. The stripping vat, as well as the pumps and pipes, must be made of 316 L stainless steel. It is preferable to equip the vat with a lid and adequate ventilation. Slow, laminar agitation can accelerate stripping without disturbing the anti-evaporation layer on the surface

Stripping follows a precise protocol for a perfect result.

• Pre-cleaning of parts:

It is generally recommended to clean parts before immersion to optimize stripping effectiveness and extend the bath's lifespan by reducing the amount of pollutants introduced.

For KEMSTRIP 600, parts must be perfectly dry before immersion to minimize the introduction of water into the bath, which could cause corrosion and embrittlement on some materials.

SOCOMORE offers a full range of pre-cleaning solutions for optimal surface preparation before stripping. For removing waxes or degreasing parts, SOCOMORE provides dedicated solutions such as SOLUWAX and SYNCLAIR AC.

• Immersion in the heated bath:

The parts are then completely immersed below the oily protective layer. For Kemstrip 600, SOCOMORE recommends heating the bath to a temperature between +80°C and +115°C for optimal efficiency.

• Rinsing and finishing:

Once the paint is removed, the parts are rinsed with a pressurized water jet. For ferrous metals, a rustproofing product is recommended to protect the stripped surface.

Immersion stripping is a prime solution for industrial maintenance. It combines high efficiency with optimized time and labor, while also ensuring homogeneous treatment of parts. Modern formulations like SOCOMORE's KEMSTRIP 600 also guarantee regulatory compliance (REACH) and increased safety for operators. It is a strategic investment that combines performance, reliability, and peace of mind.