[ATMoB-discuss] Eyepiece repair

[Tinkler, James B (CSC) (US SSA)]

Paul,

Just curious...

What is your opinion of using grain alcohol (from NH Liquor Stores Item
Number 2222, Clear Spring Grain Alcohol 750ml $12 190 proof) instead of
IsoPropyl Alcohol available over the counter?

-Bruce Tinkler

-----Original Message-----
From: atmob-discuss-bounces at atmob.org
[mailto:atmob-discuss-bounces at atmob.org] On Behalf Of valleli at rcn.com
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 10:39 AM
To: glenn at entropian.com; 'ATMOB-discuss'
Subject: RE: [ATMoB-discuss] Eyepiece repair

Glenn,
I should have CC:'d the discuss group because I answered that directly
to Ross. At Axsys we have been able to eliminated most solvents for lens
cleaning except Acetone and IsoPropyl Alcohol. 
Both are strong water absorbers but will weaken with exposure to the
atmosphere. We still have to use Toluene or the Opti-Clear Citrus
equivalent to dissolve polishing pitch efficiently. For a little bit of
pitch on the hands, DL waterless hand cleaner works well. Wearing rubber
or nitrile gloves could minimize skin exposure.
My history of experience was with dozens of solvents, all bad news for
one's health. The most effective was Trichloroethylene - just figures it
would burn up the ozone!

Acetone is in the family of Ketones that are normally in the blood
stream as a by-product of the consumption of body fat. That is therefore
my first choice. 

Beware that most alcohols available over the counter contain
considerable water. IsoPropyl Alcohol has an ability to dissolve both
grease and oil products and also many airborne contaminents such as
saliva, aerosols, spit marks, and water stains. 
However, I find it harder to get a residue-free surface compared to
acetone. 

Mirrors that have been exposed outside to a variety of airborne
contaminants usually require preliminary cleaning by immersion in
purified liquid detergent( Liquid Ivory - NO PERFUMES,NO DYES) then
alternating water/alcohol/acetone.

Paul
  
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