PCB Cleaner

List, Is there any special disposal protocol needed when the filters on the PC board washer becomes clogged? How often do these filters become clogged? These filters would trap lead and such so how much does it cost to get rid of the filters? Brian

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| List, | Is there any special disposal protocol needed when the | filters on the PC board washer becomes clogged? How | often do these filters become clogged? These filters | would trap lead and such so how much does it cost to | get rid of the filters? | Brian Brian, You ask a lot of questions pertinent to environmental issues. Yes, you do have to properly dispose of the filters. Not only would it be morally wrong to throw a lead saturated filter in the trash but it's against the law too. You need to get in touch with a company like Laidlaw. These guys have contacts for chemical removal. they will set you up with the protocol. It's a cost of doing business. As far as the frequency of cleaning these things goes, that's up to your process. If you run 24 - 7 then you'll need to change these puppies out more frequently. If you have a solid process (no solderballs) you will have to clean less frequently. My advice would be to talk to the cleaner manufacturer. See what he recommends as far as how gummed up the filter can be before it has to be change. Then I would bite the bullet and check it daily to see how much particulate builds up on the filter compared to the amount of boards passed through the cleaner and the density of their surface population. that should be a good indicator of replacement frequency. Regards, Justin

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