TSI301

[oc1]

Acetone leaves a white film residue even though it is not supposed to contain other ingredients.  I don't know what the residue is or where it comes from, but if you can see it and rub it off then it is probably real.  I have avoided naphtha because I thought it would leave an oily residue that would emulsify in water if the bearing got wet.  To prove the point about 0.1 ml of acetone, denatured alcohol, naphtha and 91% isopropyl were put in the wells of a glass slide and allowed to evaporate.  



The acetone left the familiar white film.  The denatured alcohol, naphtha and isopropyl did not leave a detectable residue.  The alcohols were predictable but I was really surprised that hardware store naphtha did not leave a residue.  It is Klean Strip brand VM&P Naphtha (VM&P = varnish makers and painters).  I'm evaporating 5 ml now to make sure nothing is left behind.

I agree that the stuff from the hardware store is sort of an unknown entity.  There are no ingredients on the labels or in the Safety Data Sheet (they do not have a real MSDS).  For naphtha it does say the flash point is 69F but the boiling point has a fairly broad range (264-291F) suggesting it is indeed a variable mix of hydrocarbons.
-steve

edit: could not discern oily residue after evaporating 5 ml of naphtha either.

[Rickb]

I have enjoyed the chem lessons!
Takes me back in time to when I worked in plating

[theswimmer]

GClev,
I am not a fireman.
I am however a SAR professional with over 30 years of experience in rural / urban and wilderness rescue year round.
I also have a real job importing and specifying stone products from every continent ex. Antarctica.
As I stated my education is bio chem based ,minor in geology, with a 4 year stint in a very high volume enology lab.

Here are some references for you as far as gasoline fire stats.
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/gasoline-and-propane/gasoline-at-home
http://www.ameriburn.org/Preven/GasolineSafetyEducator'sGuide.pdf
http://www.burnandfireprevention.org/new_page_3.htm

Just some basic info offered with all due respect.
The stats for occurrence  and survival rate in gasoline fires are far different than what you quoted.

[exp2000]

Acetone leaves a white film residue even though it is not supposed to contain other ingredients.  I don't know what the residue is or where it comes from, but if you can see it and rub it off then it is probably real.  I have avoided naphtha because I thought it would leave an oily residue that would emulsify in water if the bearing got wet.  To prove the point about 0.1 ml of acetone, denatured alcohol, naphtha and 91% isopropyl were put in the wells of a glass slide and allowed to evaporate. 



The acetone left the familiar white film.  The denatured alcohol, naphtha and isopropyl did not leave a detectable residue.  The alcohols were predictable but I was really surprised that hardware store naphtha did not leave a residue.  It is Klean Strip brand VM&P Naphtha (VM&P = varnish makers and painters).  I'm evaporating 5 ml now to make sure nothing is left behind.

I agree that the stuff from the hardware store is sort of an unknown entity.  There are no ingredients on the labels or in the Safety Data Sheet (they do not have a real MSDS).  For naphtha it does say the flash point is 69F but the boiling point has a fairly broad range (264-291F) suggesting it is indeed a variable mix of hydrocarbons.
-steve

x2
I too did similar tests.
~

[Blacklabelsociety]

The best DeGreaser I have found is CRC  QD Electronic Cleaner for Ar Bearings or Regular Bearings. And I use 321 and Speed X. Both do really well. The CRC is pricey but worth every penny. I have used Lighter Fluid, Acetone, White Gas and the CRC cuts better for me. Good Luck my Ba Friends. I have also heard that Denso has developed a lubricant that is Awesome but cant seem to get my hands on any. They use it in there bearings on their Automated Robot Machines. Im working on getting some.

[mo65]

Well kick the dog and spit in the fire...who'da thunk a question about bearing lube would have morphed into this? Good read though...