SSPC-SP 1 solvent cleaning is a specification that the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) has placed in order to prevent

premature
coating failure. This specification is a way to approach surface preparation, which promotes longer coating life on industrial
equipment. SSPC-SP1 is a requirement for surface preparation that removes contaminants from steel surfaces. Solvent cleaning is the
primary method to remove visible dirt, grease, oil, soil, drawing compounds, as well as, similar organic compounds from steel
surfaces.

Why is Solvent Cleaning Important?

SSPC-SP1 is an essential requirement because it is done before surface preparations such as SSPC-SP 10/NACE No. 2 near-white blast
cleaning or SSPC-SP 5/NACE No. 1 white metal blast cleaning. Surface preparation is the removal of rust, scale, or paint off steel
surfaces.

The process of solvent cleaning entails, solvents of various kinds being used separately or combined to remove the contaminants
listed above i.e. grease, oil, soluble salt, etc. Solvents can be directly applied onto the surface, used on scrubbing brushes or rags, or
surfaces being immersed in the solvent.

The best way to avoid spreading the contaminants is to use contaminant free solvents for the final steps. The SSPC 1 solvent cleaning
sometimes is a contingency plan on coating specification. Some customer requires a chloride test to be performed and if the chloride
level was more than 15μg/cm², then is subjected to the solvent cleaning otherwise can be directly subjected to the sand blasting.

What Solvents can be used for SSPC-SP 1 Solvent Cleaning?

SSPC-SP 1 solvent cleaning calls for the use of solvents for cleaning. Solvent cleaning can be done using organic, inorganic, petroleum
based, alkaline cleaners, acidic cleaners, and detergents. The solvents for SSPC-SP 1 solvent cleaning should be selected carefully
based on the surface material and contaminants that need to be removed from the surface. It is highly recommended that precaution
be taken when selecting your solvent. The determination of solvents used for SSPC-SP 1 can be based on environmental
temperatures or suggested based on the environment that SSPC-SP 1 will be performed in.

Regardless of which solvent is used caution is always advised. As some solvents are hazardous, safety precautions should be taken
when using solvents for SSPC-SP 1. A list of some solvents has been provided below.

Alkaline solvents

Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium Carbonate

Sodium Silicate

Orthosodium Silicate

Sodium Phosphate

Trisodium Phosphate

Detergents

Household detergents

Petroleum solvents and Turpentine

Acetone

Benzene

Carbon Tetrachloride

Cyclohexane

Epichlorohydrin

Ethyl Acetate

Ethanol

Ethylene Dichloride

Ethylenediamine

Furfuryl Alcohol
Methanol

Petroleum solvents and Turpentine cont.

Methylene Chloride

VM & P Naphtha

Perchloroethylene

Isopropyl Alcohol

Stoddard Solvent

Toluene

Trichloroethylene

Turpentine

Xylene

Emulsion

Cleaners normally consist of oil-soluble soaps or other agents that contain kerosene or mineral spirits. Take note some solvents can
be combined, and all solvents should be used under special care due to their hazardous nature.

Procedure

In order to successfully follow SSPC-SP 1, you have to take steps prior and post this requirement to complete the specification of
solvent cleaning.

Prior to performing solvent cleaning, it is best if dust is removed from the surface of interest. The removal of dust prior to applying
SSPC-SP 1 solvent cleaning is done by using a stiff wire brush against the surface. If necessary, applying solvents appropriate for
removing dust is acceptable as long as it is rinsed off with fresh water prior to solvent cleaning.

Remove all contaminants from the surface with a scraper and then apply any of the methods listed below:

Use a rag or brush with solvent to wipe or scrub off the remaining contaminants

Spray surface with solvent

Fully immerse surface into solvent

Use emulsion or alkaline cleaners

Use detergents or cleaners to steam clean

Take caution on all methods listed to remove the final contaminants. Be sure to use clean rags, brushes, solvent spray, and solvents
for the final steps for each method used. For emulsion, alkaline cleaners, and steam be sure to finish the method by cleaning the
surface with fresh water or steam.

Just as important as pre-solvent cleaning, post-solvent cleaning is just as important as the step following solvent cleaning.

Post solvent cleaning, it is very important to remove all remaining residue on the surface. This is best done by using any of the
accepted methods listed.

Blow off with clean dry air

Brush off

Vacuum cleaning

What is next?

With the completion of SSPC-SP 1 solvent cleaning, any surface preparation method can be performed depending on the project
specification i.e. SSPC 10 or SSPC 5.

Return to Coating Inspection

Related Articles; Power Tool Cleaning, Commercial Blast Cleaning, Brush-off Blast Cleaning, Surface Profile Measurement, Dry Film
Thickness, Air Compressor Blotter Test, Surface Dust Test