Kimi,
The style of tank that was recommended is only good if the baths aren't being moved. We use similar style round tanks for manufacturing, and even with the lip to keep splashes from escaping, they aren't safe to be moved if they're over half full. You can buy them with spigots, though, and that makes them easier to empty and clean. The spigots are likely a source of leaks, though, and can be knocked off fairly easily.
As far as the buckets with lids go, watch out for the gaskets in the lids. Depending on the kind of gasket, the material in the bath can degrade the gasket and keep the buckets from sealing properly. I like the containment buckets that are used to overpack returns of hazardous materials. The larger ones have handles molded in and locking lids.
Thanks,
Janice Umbaugh
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU] On Behalf Of Yaritza Brinker
Sent: Monday, December 02, 2019 5:13 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Acid and Base (glass wash) Bath Containers
In my experience, 5gal buckets of KOH cleaner are bad news. People don't necessarily respect the bucket and they don't cap it well. You end-up with KOH all over the floor from people taking their parts/glassware out. Every once in a while, you'll get someone deciding to move the bucketÉ and spill it in the process because it wasn't capped well.
If possible, you might want to consider using an Alconox product or something similar in lieu of the KOH bath. Alconox makes several different glassware cleaning products that clean up most of the residues out there. I've used these products with good results.
If you have to continue to use baths, I'd suggest you take a page off the parts washers' book.
Cleaning the tank can be a challenge with tanks larger than 1 or 2 gallons. Thus, larger parts cleaners usually have their own stand/cart and have a drain hose.
Location can be an issue. If it's on the counter, you'll need to consider ergonomics so the tank is not too high up.
Also, you need to consider the weight of the full tankÉ ~8lbs/gal of water. So, even a 5gal bucket filled 1Ú2 way will weigh about 20lbs. It doesn't sound like much, but that is the same as lifting 2 large potato bags with one hand.
I'm all for cheap problem solvers, but I've been thereÉ having to clean up the spilled 5gal bucket.
Thank you,
Yaritza Brinker
260.827.5402
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU> On Behalf Of Brown, Kimberly Jean
Sent: Monday, December 2, 2019 2:44 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Acid and Base (glass wash) Bath Containers
Hello, and Happy December!
Have any of you issued (or been subject to) specific guidance regarding lab-scale acid and bath baths for glassware cleaning?
After some recent spills, we evaluated the types of containers being used for acid and base baths in our labs. Some groups are using 5-gallon buckets with poorly fitting lids, which is what led to the spills. In updating our recommendations, however, we questioned whether or not the lids should be tight-fitting (liquid/gas tight) due to the potential for pressurization.
Ultimately, we recommended a product such as this: https://www.calpaclab.com/nalgene-rectangular-tank-with-cover-pp-7-gal-12x12x12/ng-14200-0010# (Which more than a few groups resisted/rejected for a variety of reasons).
A researcher argued that there is no potential for pressurization of a base bath (e.g. KOH and IPA) during glassware soaking, and therefore, a bucket with a screw top lid should still be an acceptable option.
Thoughts? Is there a potential for pressurization of the base bath? What requirements, if any, do you have for this?
Thanks for sharing your experiences and opinions!
Kimi Brown
(Kimi Bush) (she, her, hers)
Sr. Lab Safety Specialist
Environmental Health and Radiation Safety
University of Pennsylvania
3160 Chestnut St., Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6287
Office: 215-746-6549
Voice/cell/text: 215-651-0557
fax: 215-898-0140
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