Frequently asked questions
The TK20 - Chromium-6 Neutralizer

• The TK20 Neutralizer can be used to remove chromium-6 from chromium-containing steel machine parts which were heated.
• The TK20 Neutralizer can be used for cleaning floors and tables which are contaminated by chromium-6-containing dust particles.
• The TK20 Neutralizer can not be used to remove airborne chromium-6 particles.
• The TK20 Neutralizer can not be used for paint layers.

No, the test kit is developed and tested for an operational temperature range between 0 ºC and 50 ºC. Therefore, the machine parts must be cooled down before you can use the TK20 Chromium-6 Neutralizer.

The shelf-life of the TK20 Chromium-6 Neutralizer is at least 1 year. The expiry date is indicated on a label on the product.

The TK20 Neutralizer fluid is applied successfully by many companies. We also tested this liquid in our laboratory. The pictures below shows an example of a bolt which was contaminated with chromium-6. The other picture shows an example of a bolt from which the chromium-6 contamination has been removed/neutralized by using the TK20 Chromium-6 Neutralizer liquid.

We cannot guarantee that the neutralizer liquid will remove/neutralizer all chromium-6. The effectiveness depends on many factors, such as the surface, and how the liquid is applied. After using this liquid it is advised to test with the TK11 Chromium-6 Detection Test Kit whether the chromium-6 has been removed from the metal.

The amount of fluid depends on the amount of chromium-6 contamination on the metal. One is able to test if all chromium-6 is removed by performing a test with our TK11 Chromium-6 Detection Test Kit.

After treatment with the neutralizer liquid, the chromium-6 will be converted to chromium-3. Chromium-3 is not/less harmful. We have never observed that this chromium-3 was reformed (at room temperature) to chromium-6.

The TK20 Neutralizer fluid is successfully used by many companies on stainless (or chromium containing) steel. In our laboratory we did not find any traces of corrosion after using this fluid on stainless steels. In fact, liquids with a similar composition as the TK20 Neutralizer are recommended to passivate stainless steel making it even more resistant to corrosion.

However, to reduce the small risk of any corrosion/deterioration of the metal, the liquid has to be removed after a few minutes (not more than 10 minutes) when the neutralizer fluid is applied. After use, the neutralizer liquid has to be wiped away, and subsequently wiped or rinsed with water. The neutralizer fluid should not be used on metals with gaps or with holes. In these cases, the liquid may not be completely removed, which may lead to corrosion/deterioration of the metal.

The TK20 Neutralizer is only developed to be applied to chromium-containing steel parts, such as stainless steel. The TK20 neutralizes the chromium-6 containing compounds which are formed after heating of chromium-containing steel, without deterioration/corrosion of the steel. Therefore it is strongly recommended to use the fluid only for machine-parts made of chromium-containing steel. So, it is not recommended to use the TK20 Neutralizer fluid on machine parts made of other types of metals, such as aluminium, since this might lead to corrosion or deterioration.

Yes, it is possible to use the neutralizer for smooth floors or tables contaminated with chromium-6 containing dust that has fallen off steel parts. Carefully test in advance whether the neutralizer does not affect the floor or table. (For example at an inconspicuous spot.) If you apply the neutralizer (for example by the sprayer), you should take the fluid off (with a cloth or tissue) after a few minutes and then clean the surface again with water.

The liquid has to be removed after a few minutes (about 5/10 minutes) when the neutralizer fluid is applied. Do not apply the liquid longer than about 10 minutes. After use, the neutralizer liquid has to be wiped away, and subsequently wiped or rinsed with water.

After use, you can immerse the cloth in the TK20 Neutralizer for a few minutes. By this, any remainders of chromium-6 will be removed. After this, you can rinse the cloth with water and wash it. You can test after washing if there is still some chromium-6 left on the cloth by our TK11 Chromium-6 Detection Test kit.

For the applying of the TK20 Neutralizer fluid you need to at least wear protective gloves and eye protection. Since you work with chromium-6 contamination, it is strongly advised also to use respiratory protection (for example class P3) and protective clothing. It is the sole responsibility of the user which appropriate security measures should be used.