![]() The non-ionic surfactant in Kodak will foam and has a low cloud point, but the propylene glycol is a weak solvent, is a preservative, is very water soluble and can act as weak defoaming agent. Kodak Photo-Flo 200 is a blend of 10% non-ionic surfactant and 30% propylene glycol. However, I was working with someone who was using a blend of ILFOTOL and Kodak Photo-Flo 200 and they were not seeing any foam, but the solution was not clear. Because the 15-S-3 is not water soluble, you may leave a film on the record if you do not rinse. Tergikleen which is a blend of Tergitol 15-S-9 and 15-S-3 does not foam, and the reason is the water insoluble 15-S-3. Most are associated with an insoluble component be it a hydrocarbon oil or a silicone oil. There are a number of different chemistries available for defoaming. Degassing the tank prior to adding the chemicals will reduce the development of foam. Otherwise, for those that may be using Tergitol 15-S-9 or Ilford Ilfotol in an ultrasonic tank, both of these products can produce foam. The wetting by the surfactant dissipates/removes any static charge that may be on the record. It contains only a non-ionic surfactant and a biocide. Highly ILFOTOL contains no 'anti-static" ingredients. (about 1-2 cents per LP- each bottle gives 50 tanks and a tank is good for 50 records). Since it uses just distilled water (about 700 cc per tank) and a small amount (1-2 ml per tank) of their surfactant, the cost per record is very little. It remembers your preference, so a wash is merely pushing a button. The fan makes as much noise as you want to tolerate- the slower it blows, the quieter (which can be very quiet indeed, or reasonably loud on full blast), but the slower the longer to dry. Even the heavy wash cycle is nearly silent. (Easier than the Clearaudio) Nice manual. (Took me about 1 minute to change.) The company welcomes you to make your own filter (they suggest the material) if you do not want to buy the precut ones. ![]() The water is continually cleaned via an inexpensive and easily replaced filter which is if you want, washable. A mechanism turns the record by its edge. ![]() Note that nothing touches the surface of the record- no pads, no rollers. The footprint is about the size of a shoebox, so convenient to place. After 10,000 washes, they would refurbish the unit. The company replied immediately informing me that they warranted the unit for 2 years or 10,000 (yes, ten thousand) washes and that I should purchase the unit. I emailed the company prior to purchase and asked what the duty cycle (life expectancy) of the US generator and pumps was. When I received it, it had washed approximately 2740 LPs. Noteworthy: The unit I purchased was used. I am using the Degritter supplied surfactant. Bass is better and cleaner and treble is "crisp" and "bright" in the positive sense of the terms. The Degritter lifts the "veil" providing a clarity that is throughout the spectrum. I often wondered what reviewers meant by "veil". There is lower noise level, so more articulation, separation of instruments, more natural timbre and tone. ![]() I played and then "rewashed" several (so far) LPs that had been cleaned with the ClearAudio. I had been using the Clearaudio ultrasonic cleaner at my local audio store. I built a unit for less than 200 dollars about 8 years ago That helps improve the action of the surfactant. Finally, the solution should be warm, about 100-125F that goes into the ultrasonic bath. I will air dry after rinsing with distilled water. I also like to rinse afterwards just to make sure there is no residues. one or two drops of triton goes a long way. I like Triton 100 but tergitol, Kodak photoflow, or even a little dawn dishwashing detergent will work. A good surfactant/detergent also is recommended if you have real dirty records. IMO, the cavitation occurs more readily with a little Isopropyl. 90, 70 or less will have water and may have other components (ie fragrance, etc). Second, i like a little 100% isopropyl alcohol if you can get it. As for as solution, distilled water is the primary component as it should be ultrapure. Its been a while since i have been on the site, but IMO, ultrasonic cleaning is very effective and if you don't mind building, they are actually easy to build.
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