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Chemex, your specialty chemical company of choice, offers many training seminars for our customer base. Topics range from industrial coatings, drain maintenance and related concerns relevant to maintenance managers and building engineers.

I've been getting requests for information on how to remove layers of rust on various surfaces, without the impact of creating hazardous waste, associated with typical rust removers. This is quite typical in manufacturing concerns, especially where work is performed outdoors. 

Fortunately, there's an easy resolution to this problem. Its accomplished with a rust converter. This is not a new product, however its been perfected recently and with exceptional results. Rust forms when the iron in steel oxidizes and becomes iron oxide. -Remember rust never sleeps. The rust converter product easily converts the iron oxide to ferric oxide, a substance that stops the rust and forms a stable metal primer. This conversion results in a protective chemical barrier that is highly resistant to moisture and protects the surface from further corrosion.

Rust converter is usually applied to objects which are difficult to sand blast, such as vehicles, trailers, fences, iron railings, sheet metal, and the outside of storage tanks. It may also be used to restore and preserve iron-based items of historical importance.

This one-step process provides a surface coating that is a smooth and ready for wear. A top coat if desired, will result in a uniform color, extended wear and also provide additional protection. Rust Converter is a ready to use product that's applied by brush, roller or spray gun. One gallon will cover up to 500 sq. ft. Excellent for use in marine environments.

Chemex has been very successful using our Rust Converter on gates and railings that surround community swimming pools. The chlorine fumes react with the railing, especially at the weld joints, to form the rust. The resulting black coating typically blends with most black railings.

Best practices recommend removing large rust and scale particles with a wire brush, or sandpaper. Then clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt, dust and grease. Allow the surface to dry properly before treating with Rust Converter. Only treat the rusty areas, not the entire surface. Once the rust converter has cured and a black primer has formed, its suggested to rinse or wipe down the entire area, in order to remove any product that remains on the surface. This is critical when applying a secondary oil-based coating.

• Chemically converts rust to a durable, long-lasting, protective coating
• Not a cover-up
• Protects against further corrosion
• Prepares metal surfaces to readily accept final coats of paint
• No sandblasting, grinding or etching required
• May be top coated with oil based paint for additional protection

Our product is called RC-346 - Rust Converter and is available in quart packaging (12 quarts per case) as well as in gallon containers (4x1) gallons per case) and 5-gallon pails.

Also available in aerosol can (12 per case)

Sanitizing and Disinfecting Irregular Surfaces - Electrostatic technology enables superior coverage

As your specialty chemical company of choice, Chemex knows full well that we live in a world of three dimensions. We constantly interact with objects that have height, width, and depth. These three spatial dimensions pose a problem for custodial crews, when attempting to clean and disinfect/sanitize surfaces. The various shapes of our environment consists of spherical, cylindrical and a multitude of other contours and configurations.

Most facility decision-makers, executive housekeepers and the their custodial staff recognize the merits of microfiber technology, dual mop systems, and such. Keeping a hard surfaced floor area disinfected, while using the auto scrub, should be a snap. It's conventional procedure, when using a mop and bucket, to clean most horizontal or vertical area of a classroom or the OR. Desktops and windowsills don't typically provide problems either. What's challenging is the third dimension.

Why do we hear so much about the occurrences of HAI's.? These incidences are not reducing in numbers! Occurrences of hospital-acquired C.difficile (HA-CDI) are on the rise. Monitoring practices, using ATP units certainly support the necessity to disinfect these areas, as required.

All training programs must stress the dire consequences of attempting to disinfect a surface, that has not been cleaned properly. The removal of soil and contaminants from surfaces must be achieved, prior to removing pathogens from contaminated surfaces.

When we swab a bed rail does the backside provide evidence of microbes? Do the underside of desks, ever get treated, by custodial staff, in the typical school or college? Are there touch points on gurneys and patient's beds that are not treated because they are so difficult to reach? In athletic facilities, do the shower areas have surface areas left exposed. Costs related to professional athletes, sidelined because of CA MRSA infections are astronomical.

There's new technology from Clorox Healthcare to resolve these critical issues.

Electrostatic technology enables superior coverage of Clorox-trusted solutions in hard-to-reach places — the side, underside and backside of surfaces.

Clorox Total 360 System utilizes Electrostatic Technology, to provide superior coverage compared to conventional disinfecting tools. The revolutionary Clorox®Total 360™System is paired with Clorox®trusted solutions. -It provides superior coverage through its proven electrostatic technology and delivers Clorox®disinfectants and sanitizers onto hard-to-reach surfaces. The Clorox®Total 360™System helps keep your facility healthier while also saving you time, money and labor.

Easily deliver Clorox-approved products to hard-to-reach places.

This new technology from Clorox Healthcare is truly a game changer.

Public Relations Support

With your investment in the Clorox^® Total 360^™ System, Clorox Professional will partner with you to help inform internal and external audiences, as well as the broader community, about your facility’s superior cleaning protocols and effort to reduce germs and prevent illnesses.

Time, of course is considered the fourth dimension and the electrostatic process will save up to four times the time and effort necessary. 

• Saves time: Works up to 4x faster*
• Saves labor: Covers up to 18,000 ft²/hour
• Saves money: Uses up to 65% less solution

Please contact us to learn more about the Clorox Total 360 System and our special offer.

See Technical Data HERE

See Video Here

During FLU season, situations arise which require an additional effort to assure proper disinfecting.. This is when disinfectants with fogging uses can be effective as an adjunct or supplement to normal cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

Disinfecting products like QuestSpecialty's Phenomenal Disinfectant Deodorants are useful in settings which are at a higher risk of spreading communicable diseases, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). According to webmd.com, the most common areas for MRSA infections are:

• ATHLETIC SETTINGS
• MILITARY BARRACKS
• PRISONS
• SCHOOLS

Disinfectants with fogging uses are great for getting into hard to reach areas in facilities to provide additional disinfecting power, such as:

• SCHOOL BUSES
• AUDITORIUMS
• WEIGHT LIFTING ROOMS
• AIR DUCTS
• LOCKERS
• CABINETS

Questspecialty's PHENOMENAL Citrus Hospital Disinfectant Deodorant does "double duty", as it can be used as a direct spray disinfectant or as a fogging device. In addition to the disinfecting power on hard surfaces, it works on non-porous surfaces such as fabric and leather to inhibit the growth of certain fungi and control Staphlococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

When fogging, here are some tips for best results:

• All surfaces need to be cleaned and disinfected prior to fogging
• Remove food and food products
• Avoid use where food may be stored or processed
• Shut off all fans and air conditioners. Seal doors and windows.
• Leave room during treatment and wait for at least two hours before airing it out.
• Allow room to thoroughly air out as recommended by the manufacturer..

For more information on cleaning and Disinfecting Environmental Surfaces in Healthcare Facilities

Here are some of our best options for fogging disinfectants:

1. PHENOMENOL Citrus Hospital Disinfectant Deodorant

Use for odor control and hospital grade disinfecting on hard surfaces

This is a total release aerosol

Please contact us with your questions related to proper applications and procedures for disinfecting

With the holidays come colder weather and more time with family and friends. Unfortunately, bacteria and viruses come along with that. While bacteria and viruses will grow in homes, hospitals are a more popular breeding ground. Hospitals are a necessary component of society, making it important to keep them as clean and germ-free as possible. Luckily, Clorox has just introduced a new product - Clorox Healthcare Fuzion Cleaner Disinfectant - which is EPA-registered to kill C. diff spores and 35 other pathogens in 2 minutes or less.

Clorox Healthcare Fuzion Cleaner Disinfectant

Fuzion combines bleach and aesthetics to make it the ideal cleanser to use on any surface. It has "bleach efficiency that's easy on surfaces". So what can Fuzion do?

• In 1 minute, it can kill 36 common bacteria, viruses, fungi, and TB including staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis B, rotavirus, HIV type 1, and norovirus.
• In 2 minutes, it can kill clostridium difficile spores.
• Can be used on stainless steel, plastic, finished wood, and other common surfaces without causing damage due to its neutral pH.
• Does not leave a strong odor on surfaces.
• Does not require PPE.
• Compared to Metrex CaviCide and EcoLab OxyCide, Fuzion left a significant less amount of residue.

Fuzion allows hospitals to use the cleaning and disinfecting power of bleach without causing damage. All in all, it provides safe and strong protection against the spread of pathogens. Fuzion comes in a quart package with 2 chambers and mixes itself, making it easy and safe to apply.

Keeping your healthcare facility safe and clean can now be done faster than ever before.  Chemex Industries offers a wide variety of environmentally safe cleaning and maintenance solutions.

Drains and drainage systems were brilliant developments that lead to many of our modern conveniences and comforts.  When working well, when free and clear, they almost go completely unnoticed.  However, the slightest hint of trouble can make lead to some very big problems.  While these problems cause major issues in your home or office, include even more dangerous consequences in a hospital.

Keeping drains flowing in a healthcare facility is a top priority and based on the nature of their business, host a variety of challenges.  While grease and hair are top offenders when it comes to a drain’s flow, it is the dangerous pathogens and bacteria the pose the biggest threat.  Ensuring that these harmful elements can safely leave the facility, as well as keeping drains maintained and clear to prevent slip and fall hazards can be as difficult as it is important.  But it doesn’t have to be.

Fireball H&G Drain Opener

Fireball H&G is an odorless, nonflammable, and safe drain opener.  The fact that it is odorless makes it ideal for use in hospitals.  This product is fast-acting and outperforms traditional caustic drain openers without irritating the skin.  What makes Fireball H & G so effective?

• pH of >12 (caustic without harming the skin).
• Thickened formula sinks and clings to the point of obstruction.
• Improved formula is highly effective against fats, oils, lint, hair, and grease.
• Odorless, biodegradable, nonflammable.

While all of these characteristics are important, the fact that they all work together is what makes this solution so effective.  With the higher pH Fireball is able to work faster and outperform traditional drain openers, but is biodegradable at the same time.  The updated formula provides a higher density, which is heavier than water, allowing it to sink and cling to whatever is blocking the drain. 

Instead of fighting with troublesome grease, hair, and other clogging elements, eliminate them quickly and safely with Fireball H & G.  This product is available from Chemex Industries.  Chemex Industries is an expert provider of environmentally safe, highly effective cleaning products and maintenance solutions. 

In any given office there is a myriad of equipment, platforms, hardware, fixtures, and amenities to maintain.  They each require their own special touch, knowledge, and strategy.  Many can vary from one industry and sector to another; however, there is one element in each and every office complex that is as familiar and important, as it is challenging to maintain: the restroom.  The specific impediment that can cause blockages, odors, build ups and other problems is uratic salt.  But what is uratic salt and what does it do?

Dissolve Uratic Salts and other Minerals with F-2002

Uratic salts are mineral deposits derived from uric acid.  These salts can create malodors and produce a persistent scale that will quickly build up and block urinal drains.  In addition to urinal drain blockages, severe build ups in your traps and other pertinent plumbing equipment will occur.  It can actually dissolve your plumbing and connections.  These common problems can be exacerbated in newer facilities that utilize water free urinals, as means to preserve water.  Now that we’ve discussed the potential problems that not only prevent you have from having a safe, sanitary, and functioning restroom, let’s discuss how to prevent uratic salt build up, to keep your urinals free flowing and your plumbing operational.

F-2002 Acid Replacement Cleaner

In order to eliminate uratic salts and the compounding problems that come with them, you require the following: a regular maintenance procedure and the correct solution.  The best solution for the eradication of uratic salts, hard water residue, soap scum, calcium, and other mineral deposits is F-2002.  F-2002 is an acid replacement cleaner that removes uratic salts from urinals and your drain lines.  F-2002 is a powerful and completely safe cleaner/descaler that effectively removes uratic salts, hard water scale, rust stains, grease, mildew, mold and more.  This innovative acid replacement cleaner offers an unprecedented level of safety in the workplace for plumbing personnel, maintenance crews, employees, and visitors alike.

Keeping a safe functioning, odor free, clean bathroom is crucial on a number of levels to any commercial establishment. Understanding uratic salts and inherent hazards, and more importantly, how to eliminate them, is critical for any maintenance department.  Chemex Industries provides F-2002, which offers multiple applications, specifically dissolving uratic salts, a uratic salts remover designed to keep your urinals and plumbing clear, optimized, and effective.

   See additional Technical Information, pricing and ordering format HERE

We can answer your technical questions, related to drain maintenance.

- Just call us. Ask for Barry  

In any industrial setting floor drains play a key role in the functionality and safety of a facility.  From a comfort perspective, unprotected drains can develop smells, become a source of pests, and make a normal task less efficient.  From a safety perspective, unprotected drains can backup to create slip and fall hazards and allow dangerous gases to infiltrate the area.  While we walk around, step over, and large don’t notice these convenient pieces of infrastructure, these are elements we should be well aware of; because when they become noticeable, expensive and hazardous conditions can occur.

Knowing that problems can occur inside of a drain is only the first part of finding a solution. Recognizing potential problems and understanding how to solve and prevent them is imperative.  This can be tricky as plumbing technology has been slow to evolve since the advent of drainage.  New drains in newer buildings are being tasked with handling more pressure, and managing a wider variety of materials.  Along with these added stressors, there is a focus on buildings to be more conservative in their water use, this green initiative can created additional issues for drains.  Low flow toilets, and other water-saving devices are reducing the amount of water that flows through a buildings plumbing, leaving drains drier.  A reduced water level in drains can lead to the following problems:

Foul Odors

Highly toxic and unpleasant odors can infiltrate your workspace as the airflow reverses within the drain.  Sewer gases, Radon gas, and biological aerosols all have the potential to emanate from an unprotected drain.  All of these gases and elements can create severe health problems, as well as other safety hazards like increased flammability.

Blockages

With a lower level of water to move a higher level of solids, blockages can often occur and be difficult to remove.  Backups carry their own share of headaches and hazards:  backups, flooding, drain flies, and more can find their way out of the drain and into your facility.

Dry Traps 

Viruses like NORO and SARS as well as other pathogens can become a major health hazard when drain traps become dry.  Dry traps allow airflow to reverse direction and enter inhabited areas, as opposed to continuing down the drain and staying contained.

So how exactly do you protect a drain and keep it flowing while keeping the bad things out?  The answer is simple: Green Drain.  Green Drain is an economical drain seal device that allows water to flow down a drain while preventing odors, pests, and harmful gases and pathogens from infiltrating your workspace.  The unique design of Green Drain creates a one-way valve thanks to strong silicon skirts.  These skirts allow for the passage of water down the drain, while keep everything that should stay below from coming up.  Green Drain is:

• Easy to install
• Does not impair flow rate
• Increases air quality
• Protects public health
• Offers an eco-friendly solution
• Provides sewage backflow protection
• Comes in the following sizes:
  • 2” (51mm)
  • 3” (76mm)
  • 3 ½” (89mm)
  • 4” (102mm)

Even though floor drains can easily go unnoticed, any of these problems can quickly change that.  Keeping your drains and plumbing protected with Green Drain can ensure that you avoid the pests, odors and harmful gases that can occur with a dry, unobstructed drain.  Chemex Industries specializes in maintenance and cleaning supplies and solutions that support a safe and environmentally friendly atmosphere.

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities and their residents comprise an increasingly larger part of our population.  An estimated 70% of people turning 65 will require long-term care and they will receive care for an average of three years.  With these institutions and facilities being so important to seniors and their families, maintenance and cleanliness is a key concern.  In fact when visiting prospective nursing homes there is one distinct observation that can be vital in the decision making process: offensive odors.

The way a facility smells when you enter, can immediately tell you about its level of sanitation and safety.  However, there is more to be noticed other than a malodorous scent.  While odor is obvious, an overwhelming or heavily perfumed fragrance can also be the sign of an attempt to mask foul and harmful odors.  With odor and stain control being such a significant issue in long-term care and retirement facilities, the focus on actual odor elimination is critical for the health, safety, and comfort of residents, visitors, and staff.

So how do you move from simply controlling odor to eliminating it?  The answer is to begin at the source.  If you eliminate the harmful bacteria that creates odor from organic sources, you not only have a cleaner and healthier surface, you also don’t have to worry about that scent from that source returning.  Organic materials are the leading cause of odors in nursing homes.  This covers everything from: urine, feces and vomit.  Traditionally there have been three different types of solutions for solving odor problems: air fresheners, odor counteractants, and odor eliminators. 

Why Nursing Homes Shouldn’t Use Air Fresheners

Air fresheners are becoming used less frequently as other options have become more developed and effective.  While having a fresh, pleasant fragrance in the air is a nice option to have, air fresheners have absolutely no effect on the life or source of the odor.

Why Nursing Homes Shouldn’t Use Odor Counteractants

Counteractants are designed to pair with foul odors and create an environment where they go unnoticed by the human nose.  More often than not, you end up smelling both the counteractant and the original odor.  This exposes everyone in the facility to a chemical reaction and multiple, unpleasant aromas.

Why Nursing Homes Should Use a Bacteria Based Odor Eliminator

The only true way to eliminate odor is to destroy it at the source.  The bacteria strains used in Digest Plus,produce enzymes that contribute to the thorough digestion and consumption of cause agents of malodors and stains.  Digest Plus is effective on all surfaces, especially soft, porous surfaces like fabric, furniture, and flooring.  Even set-in, old stains and odors can be eliminated by the       enzymatic reaction created by Digest Plus.

Enzymatic, bacteria-based odor digesters are perfect for nursing home facilities where odors and stains can be difficult to control.  Digest Plus is even evolving to include pleasant scents.  Now not only will your odors be eradicated, but your surroundings can be filled with a fragrance that isn’t covering a malodorous scent, or attempting to counteract anything.  The new Digest Plus with an agreeable green tea fragrance, offers a subtle, botanical option that not only freshens the air, but completely eliminates stains and odors.

For nursing home and long term care facility maintenance and housekeeping, Chemex Industries provides a wide range of products and solutions that keep surfaces safe, clean and healthy.

The designed purpose for a drain in any setting is to allow water and other fluids to escape a floor.  However, every drain also serves as a two-way street.  One way for liquid to enter the drain; and another for gas to escape from below.  The truth is any drain can be susceptible to harmful gases, odors, and pests permeating to areas that they aren’t wanted.  This becomes especially true in industrial and commercial areas.

One of the more common and harmful things that can rise from an unprotected drain is sewer gas.  Sewer gas is a complex combination of toxic and non-toxic gases.  Sewer gas is formed from the decay of household and industrial waste.  There are two highly toxic compounds in sewer gas: hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.  Along with exposing your facility to these dangerous elements, there are other risks that accompany exposure to sewer gas.

Hydrogen Sulfide Poisoning

Low levels of hydrogen sulfide will cause eye irritation and respiratory problems.  The rotten egg smell of this gas is very apparent, even with a low concentration level.  Other low level symptoms come in the form of: dizziness, nausea, headaches, and drowsiness.  At higher levels, the danger increases.  Moderate levels can impact your sense of smell, making detection impossible.  At extreme levels an immediate loss of consciousness and even death can occur.

Asphyxiation from Sewer Gas

Large amounts of methane derived from sewer gas decreases the amount of oxygen in the air.  A lack of oxygen can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and unconsciousness.  With very low oxygen levels, death can occur quickly.  Sewer gas will mix with the air indoors and have the highest concentration at the source.

Explosion and Fire from Sewer Gas

With methane and hydrogen sulfide infiltrating areas of your facility the risk of fire and explosions significantly increase.

So how do you protect your drains and facility from sewer gas and all of the potential risks that come along with it?  There is one simple, effective answer.  Green Drain. 

How Does Green Drain Prevent Sewer Gas and Keep Drains Protected?

The Green Drain can help to prevent sewer gas infiltration and potentially fatal cross contamination and infection spread caused by unprotected drains.  This is an economical drain trap seal device that allows water to flow down the drain while preventing pests, odors and harmful gases and pathogens from creating a risk for your work space. 

Green Drain Has a Unique Design That Let’s Water Through and Keeps Gases Out

Green Drain features a one way drain valve that uses strong silicon skirts.  These silicon flaps allow water to escape, while stopping anything (gas, odor, pests) from entering your space through the drain.  Green Drain is easy to install and comes in these sizes:

• 2” (51mm)
• 3” (76mm)
• 3 ½” (89mm)
• 4” (102mm)

Green Drain is perfect for any industrial or commercial setting as it increases indoor air quality, protects public health, all while not impairing flow rate.  Green Drain also has no impact on routine plumbing maintenance. 

So before you let an unprotected drain put your facility or people at risk for the harmful effects and risks of sewer gas, install Green Drain to keep your drains and business protected.  Green Drain is one of many eco-friendly cleaning and maintenance products available from Chemex Industries .  For over 40 years Chemex has provided solutions for maintenance and safety needs across a wide range of industries.

The way we clean, care for, and maintain things today have drastically improved, even from only a few years ago.  Whether we are talking about household items or industrial equipment, the advancements made in methods and materials is impressive.  This fact is especially true when it comes to your facility’s grease traps. 

It wasn’t terribly long ago that grease interceptor and grease traps were cleaned with a petroleum-based surfactant, industrial solvent, or high emulsifying surfactants and terpenes.  While these applications liquefied the grease allowing it to move downstream and reduced pumping efforts, they were very slow to biodegrade and took a toll on the environment.

Today there is much more effective and environmentally safe way to maintain and clean your grease trap systems.  Instead of overpowering the build-up with strong, stringent, dangerous surfactants, bacterial formulations are now available.  These microbial formulations are specifically designed for use in drain and grease trap maintenance.  For the difficulties posed by grease within maintenance applications, a higher concentration and specific blend of bacteria is used to degrade organics.  These bacteria offer superior performance in degrading fats, oils, and grease.  These formulations also offer a fresh fragrance for grease traps and drains. 

Chemex 33 GTC is a specially designed solution to treat and maintain both:

• Grease Interceptor: A specialized compartment of a sewer line that traps grease so as not to clog lines or overwhelm treatment plants downstream.
• Grease Trap: A small collection area to trap grease for easy removal and rendering.

The biological advantages of Chemex 33 GTC are:

• A carefully selected 7-strain blend based on enzymatic production.
• 4x-8x higher counts than industry standards.
• Lipase producers to degrade fats, oils, and greases.
• Protease producers to degrade all types of protein.

The latest improvements of Chemex 33 GTC feature a non-emulsifying surfactant that removes grease from the walls of the surface.  It does not liquefy grease and allow it to pass downstream like older, more harmful solutions.  Instead it softens the grease making it easier for the bacteria to digest it.  This biodegradable surfactant is safer for the environment, operations, and offers low toxicity and easy biodegradability. 

When it comes to maintaining your grease trap systems, microbial cleaners that actually digest the build-up of fats, oils, greases, and proteins offer superior performance to older, more harmful methods.  Chemex 33 GTC is a state-of-the-art microbial grease trap cleaner that is safe for the environment and ideal for maintaining grease interceptors and traps.