ZERUST AxxaWash NW-10C Preservation Cleaner

Product Overview

ZERUST AxxaWash NW-10C is a high-performance, mildly alkaline, water-based preservation cleaner developed by ZERUST/EXCOR for industrial metal cleaning and corrosion prevention. Formulated to address the rigorous demands of ferrous metal processing, it simultaneously cleans and protects surfaces in a single operation, reducing process steps and downtime.

Designed for use across a wide operating temperature range, AxxaWash NW-10C is well-suited to the varied climatic and process conditions encountered in Gulf and Middle East industrial facilities, from air-conditioned manufacturing lines to outdoor maintenance operations in high-ambient-temperature environments.

Mechanism of Action

AxxaWash NW-10C works through a dual-action chemistry. Its mildly alkaline formulation saponifies and emulsifies oils, greases, and metalworking fluids, while active surfactant systems lift and suspend particulate soils, chlorides, and inorganic contaminants for easy rinsing. Critically, the product incorporates ZERUST's proprietary flash-rust inhibitor chemistry, which forms a temporary protective layer on freshly cleaned ferrous surfaces, preventing immediate re-oxidation during and after the cleaning process.

Chloride deactivation is a key differentiator: residual chloride ions are among the primary drivers of under-film corrosion and pitting on steel. AxxaWash NW-10C actively removes and neutralises these ionic contaminants, extending the service life of protective coatings and preservative films applied after cleaning.

Applications and Industries

AxxaWash NW-10C is used across a broad range of industrial sectors where ferrous metal cleanliness and corrosion control are critical:

• Oil and Gas: Pre-treatment cleaning of pipelines, valves, flanges, and structural steel components prior to coating or preservation.
• Metalworking and Fabrication: Removal of cutting fluids, stamping oils, and machining soils from finished or semi-finished steel parts.
• Manufacturing and Assembly: Cleaning of ferrous components before painting, powder coating, or assembly to ensure adhesion and corrosion resistance.
• Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO): Degreasing and preservation of equipment during scheduled maintenance shutdowns.
• Automotive and Heavy Equipment: Pre-treatment of steel parts and assemblies in production and aftermarket service environments.

Key Benefits

• Simultaneous cleaning and flash-rust inhibition in a single process step, reducing cycle time and labour costs.
• Effective removal of chlorides, which are a primary cause of premature coating failure and pitting corrosion in humid Gulf environments.
• Water-based, low-VOC formulation supports compliance with environmental and workplace safety regulations.
• Concentrated formula delivers cost-effective performance when diluted to working strength.
• Compatible with spray, immersion, and ultrasonic cleaning systems for flexible integration into existing production lines.

Usage Guidance

Dilution

AxxaWash NW-10C is supplied as a concentrate and should be diluted with water prior to use. Recommended dilution ratios typically range from 2–10% (product to water) depending on soil load and application method. Consult the product technical data sheet or your ZERUST representative for application-specific guidance.

Operating Temperature

The product is effective across a wide temperature range, supporting both ambient-temperature and heated bath applications. Elevated temperatures generally improve cleaning efficiency for heavy soils. Refer to the technical data sheet for the recommended temperature window for your specific process.

Application Methods

AxxaWash NW-10C is compatible with multiple application methods including spray washing, immersion/soak tanks, and ultrasonic cleaning systems. After cleaning, rinse parts thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry or proceed directly to the next preservation or coating step.

Compliance and Safety

As a water-based, mildly alkaline formulation, AxxaWash NW-10C is designed with workplace safety and environmental responsibility in mind. It is free from chlorinated solvents and has a low VOC content. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available and should be reviewed before use. Operators should use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection. Dispose of spent solution in accordance with local environmental regulations.