The Science Lab
KYZEN’s Bivins Highlights How to Utilize an Acid Stabilizer Kit with Vacuum Degreasing Solvents
KYZEN’s long-running Tech 2 Tech video series recently received an update in the ways episodes are presented, but that doesn’t mean the invaluable cleaning knowledge provided by KYZEN’s cleaning experts has changed.
The first episode of the reimagined Tech 2 Tech is hosted by KYZEN’s Global Product Manager – Solvents Beth Bivins as she explains how to properly use an Acid Stabilizer Kit with METALNOX M6386.
Why test for acid in a metal cleaning process?
As Bivins explains in the episode, “As you’re cleaning soils and water is introduced into the system from opening and closing the door to the work chamber, some acids can build up in the water separator and circulate throughout the system, which can cause pump failures, corrosion and other things you don’t want.”
In the episode, Bivins details the tools and solutions like KYZEN Booster 86, included in KYZEN’s Acid Stabilizer Kit before covering the step-by-step process of stabilizing the acid level in a wash bath.
The process begins with testing the pH level of a chemistry sample by finding the appropriate amount of Booster 86 drops required to stabilize the acid level of the sample. After determining the correct amount of Booster 86, the number of single drops in the testing phase is converted up to the volume of Booster 86 in ounces needed stabilize the acid level in the full-scale wash bath.
While the process appears to be simple, cleaning insights like these from industry-experts like Bivins can ultimately prove to be the difference between effectively cleaned parts and parts that suffer from their conditions after cleaning more than before cleaning.
Click here to watch the full video, and subscribe to KYZEN on YouTube for more Tech 2 Tech episodes.
The Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Parts Cleaning
Established in 1990, KYZEN has more than 35 years of cleaning experience developing award-winning chemistries and process control tools for a wide range of cleaning applications. Our research in the lab and in the field has refined the scientific approach used to solve your cleaning problems.
An optimized cleaning process delivers reliable, dependable results. KYZEN’s team of cleaning experts will work with you to develop the most effective cleaning process for your specific parts cleaning challenge. You can quickly increase productivity and yields by considering these Five Forces of Cleaning and implementing them in your process.
1: The Cleaning Agent – Choosing wisely will save money in the long run.
Consider the parts you are cleaning and the soil. Are there hard to reach areas, blind holes, or vias that may trap dirt and/or chemistry? Do you need corrosion protection? Test to make sure your cleaning chemistry is effective on the soil sets you are using and compatible with all materials of construction of your part and your cleaning machine.
2: Concentration – More is not always better.
No two cleaning chemistries are created equal. The concentration at which they are effective will differ, and most directions supply a range for use. Start at the high end of the range and lower the concentration in small increments until you reach the optimal concentration for your specific process parameters.
3: Time – Determine the most effective wash cycle time.
Several factors determine how long your parts need to be exposed to the wash solution before they are completely residue-free. Is your soil easily removed? If not, can you adjust or optimize other process parameters to shorten your wash cycle time?
4: Temperature – Too high or too low can cost you more than money.
If your operating temperature is too high, you could harden carbon, oils, or greases, making them harder to remove. High heat could also damage delicate metals, not to mention the wear and tear on your machine. Running at a lower temperature may not take advantage of your chemistry’s solvency, leading to poor soil removal. Optimizing your process through comprehensive testing will help you find the right temperature for success.
5: Mechanical Energy – Cleaning efficiency and effectiveness are always enhanced by mechanical energy.
Mechanical energy is available in many forms, and particular cleaning systems are often designed to employ one or sometimes more types of mechanical energy. Commonly available sources of mechanical energy are spray impingement, either in air or below the fluid level, ultrasonic energy, vapor and vacuum degreasing, turbulence within the cleaning fluid, and providing cleaning fluid flow across the surface of the substrate. Not every source of mechanical energy is suitable for every substrate. A thoughtful review of what is available and what will be most effective for your particular needs is always a good approach.
The good news is KYZEN can help define and refine your cleaning process from start to finish, delivering the results you need to keep your manufacturing process moving at full speed.
If you’re looking to solve a cleaning problem, KYZEN offers Free Parts Cleaning Assessments to help you identify the best option for your manufacturing process. Connect with us at Contact Us | KYZEN
Care Corner
Meet KYZEN’s Own: Gary Liu and KJ Lee
Gary Liu joined KYZEN in 2017 as Regional Manager – Taiwan, with previous stops including serving as a Sales Manager for UCT and in a regional sales executive role with Materion Corporation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and system services from National Tsing Hua University in Hsinchu City, Taiwan and master’s degree in Material Science and Engineering from National Cheng Kung University. Gary was recently promoted to the role new role as Sales Leader – North Asia, where he will carry on his previous success providing guidance and cleaning knowledge to KYZEN customers and distributors in the advanced packaging, electronics, and automotive industries.
“Gary has been an incredibly valuable and knowledgeable member of our sales team in Asia and we’re thrilled to see his growth along with the market as the Sales Leader for North Asia,” said Michael McCutchen, KYZEN’s Global Sales Director, “While he has led significant strides in our growth across industries in Taiwan, with Gary’s expertise and guidance, we’re confident we’ll see even greater growth across the North Asia market.”
In his new role, Gary continues to serve KYZEN customers, partners, and distributors using his more than a decade of experience and precision cleaning expertise.
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KJ Lee joined KYZEN in 2011 in the role of North Asia Sales Leader and oversaw business development and customer relations across Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. He was recently named to the role of General Manager – Asia where he continues to guide KYZEN’s expanding presence in the Asia market. KJ holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Dankook University in Seoul and utilizes more than 20 years of experience in the semiconductor, electronics, and precision cleaning industries to serving KYZEN customers and partners.
Said KYZEN President and COO Erik Miller, “KYZEN is pleased and excited to continue our growth while also having the opportunity to recognize the leaders of our global teams like KJ. He has been a key figure in our expanded impact in bringing KYZEN’s dedication to care and innovation to customers in Asia and we look forward to many more years of success with his leadership in the general manager role.”
KJ is known for his strong technical insight, which helps him bridge the gap between technology and business to deliver sustainable growth for KYZEN in the Asian market while providing innovative solutions to customers.
Get Back Up to Speed with the New and Improved Tech2Tech
Did summer break leave you feeling like you have a lot to catch up on? No worries. The new and improved version of KYZEN’s Tech2Tech (T2T) is here to help!
Tech2Tech is an educational resource that provides practical solutions to your questions about electronics, metal finishing, advanced packaging, and universal chemistry.
Our new Tech2Tech videos will be shorter and more focused. We are also investing more time in research and investigation to ensure all videos are both entertaining and educational. Whether you need to solve a technical challenge or simply want to expand your knowledge, these videos will offer useful information in an easy-to-watch format.
Tech2Tech videos are also great resources to share with your colleagues and customers, helping them find answers and stay up to date on important industry topics.
Click here to watch the latest Tech2Tech videos from KYZEN!
KYZEN’s Path to the Future is Clean and Clear
Technology, material substrates, and the challenges presented in cleaning them are evolving at a record pace and likely will well into the future. Thankfully, while leading in the production of effective cleaning chemistries across multiple industries, KYZEN maintains an eye to the cleaning challenges to come and continues to “Build for the Future.”
How?
By ensuring the leadership, science, and commitment to continuous improvement are in place for KYZEN to continue doing what it does best…caring for manufacturing customers around the world and providing innovative cleaning solutions for their unique needs.
The future of KYZEN’s leadership is set after the announcement in August 2026 naming R. Erik Miller as KYZEN President and Chief Operating Officer while the men who founded and built KYZEN, Kyle Doyel and Mike Bixenman remain in leadership roles for the company and its board of directors.
“KYZEN has spent nearly three decades building me, and I’ve spent that time building it alongside a team I’m proud of every day,” said Miller of his new role, “My focus hasn’t changed: deliver value to our customers, invest in our people, and build for the future. KYZEN was built to outlast me. That was always the design. My job is to make sure we keep building, with expanded facilities, deeper capabilities, leading technically, and the same commitment to doing the right thing.”
In terms of KYZEN’s sciences and continuous improvement, Director of Science Adam Klett spoke to SMT Today in September for a Q & A article about building for the future.
When asked about KYZEN’s long-term thinking and preparing manufacturers for the future, Klett said, “The future isn’t simply about cleaning better. It’s about making cleaning more predictable, more sustainable, and easier to integrate into modern manufacturing operations. At KYZEN, we’re preparing manufacturers for what’s next by investing heavily in science, application engineering, and customer collaboration to meet the growing needs of the future.”
While KYZEN continues to build for the future, with leadership in place and science ready to serve, the path to many more years of combining innovation and care is clean and clear.
Click here to read more about the changes in KYZEN’s leadership and to read the full SMT Today interview with Adam Klett, click here (link when published).
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