STRIP 3.3
PURPOSE |
Strip 3.3 is a water-based release agent for both wet and dry cast concrete
mixes. Strip 3.3 is nonflammable and fully biodegradable and will significantly
improve plant safety and environmental conditions.
OTHER BENEFITS |
The California South Coast Air Quality Management District requires that the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) contained in all form release agents must be 250 grams per liter or less because VOC is one of the key precursors to smog generation. Most available commercial diesel-based release agents have VOC's in the range of 500-600 grams per liter. Strip 3.3 has a VOC of less than 1 gram per liter and can be recycled on-site so that waste generation can be avoided.
Strip 3.3 also is noncorrosive and will not stain your finished product. Strip 3.3 meets all EPA requirements and has been approved for use in the production of potable water pipes and tanks. Strip 3.3 does not contain benzene or any other of the toxic ingredients which have been reported by the National Cancer Institute to be linked to myeloid leukemia (NOTE: Diesel-based release agents contain benzene and other cancer-linked toxic chemicals in amounts up to 40%).
Strip 3.3 is a very durable release agent that can be subjected to a wide range of climatic conditions. It does not wash off easily and can be used effectively in locations that have numerous rainstorms and, because it does not easily evaporate, it can also be used in arid locations that have high temperatures.
The following is a comparison of Strip 3.3 versus a typical diesel-based form oil:
| Characteristic or Quality |
Strip 3.3 | Diesel-Based Form Oil |
| Classified as a Hazardous Material under Title 49 of Federal Code |
NO | YES |
| Contains Benzene and other toxic ingredients linked to myeloid leukemia as reported by the National Cancer Institute. |
NO | YES, 10% to 40% |
| Flammable: Subject to fires on the production line |
NO | YES |
| Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in grams per liter |
<1 | 500-600 |
| Approved for production of potable water pipes and tanks |
YES | NO |
| Stains finished product | NO | Sometimes |
| Produces irritating and noxious fumes | NO | YES |
| Toxic skin irritant, causes rash and sometimes loss of hair |
NO | YES |
| Corrosive to metal parts | NO | Sometimes |
| Can cause restricted breathing by line operators | NO | YES |
| Can be used on forms and products which are steam-cured |
YES | Sometimes |
| Removes light cement buildup, rust and grease when applied by rag with light hand pressure |
YES | NO |
| Minimizes concrete buildup on mixer blades | YES | Sometimes |
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT |
Strip 3.3 should be applied using an airless type pump with an air assisted nozzle that controls the fan and minimizes overspray. The liquid pressure should be 300 psi or greater and the assist should be 15 psi. The nozzle orifice should be .015" with a 60o flat spray pattern. Spray Quip of Houston, Texas (713/923-2771) has a precaster model, Part No. 397-130, which is wall mounted and can be connected to a standing drum for delivery to a hand-held spray gun. Spray Quip also has a pump and spray gun which is smaller and fits over a 5 gallon pail.
Strip 3.3 can also be applied using rags, brushes or rollers provided care is taken to maintain a thin uniform coating.
MOLD PREPARATION |
When this product is used on a continual basis the only preparation needed, if any, is to occasionally clean the mold with a soft rag that has been saturated with Strip 3.3. This will remove any concrete buildup that might have accumulated. Also if the buildup is very soft (e.g., can be displaced by lightly rubbing the mold with your finger), it should not be removed since it will aid in providing for an easy release and will be more cost effective.
Prior to using Strip 3.3 for the first time, it is strongly recommended that no abrasives (e.g., steel wool, wire brush, etc.) be used to clean the mold. However, if it is absolutely necessary to do so, or if the mold is new, it first should be seasoned by applying a thick film of Strip 3.3, then exposing the mold to the atmosphere for 24 hours. This cycle should be repeated over a period of two to five days, depending on the condition of the mold and the amount of exposed metal.
APPLICATION |
Strip 3.3 will perform best as a release agent when the application is between 0.5 and 2.5 mils thick. The thickness will be indicated by the time required for Strip 3.3 to change from a milky white to a clear color. If it requires less than 5 minutes, the application is too thin. If it takes more than 60 minutes, the application is too thick.
Coating thickness can be measured via a wet film thickness gauge (calling card type) made by Paul N Gardner Company, and is available free of charge upon request. Measure the thickness by first placing the aluminum metal card in a perpendicular position to the concrete form containing Strip 3.3. Then remove the card immediately and notice the indentations in the coating made by the teeth in the card. The actual mil thickness will be in between the tooth touching the film and the next tooth not touching the film. It may take a few tries to become accustomed in reading this gauge and estimating the thickness.
The most significant determinants in reducing the coating thickness are: (1) smaller nozzle orifice size, (2) faster travel speed of spray wand across the form, (3) longer residence time on the form and (4) higher atmospheric temperature and windy conditions.
The following table compares release performance for various coating thickness:
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Strip 3.3 |
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Confidential Information |
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Dilution with water will increase the thickness of the liquid and decrease the release efficiency and dilution with solvents will lower the product's stability and decrease release efficiency. Any puddles in the corners or bottoms of the mold must be removed prior to pouring the concrete in the normal manner. Strip 3.3 should be applied after each use of the form.
This product is compatible with most types of molds including some synthetic rubber molds, but not natural latex molds. However as a precaution, prior to using Strip 3.3 on any synthetic rubber mold, it is recommended that a small piece of the mold be immersed in this product for not less than one week to determine if swelling or other problems possibly might occur. For natural latex rubber molds, we recommend only the use of Natural Strip or Strip ALN.
AGITATION & STORAGE |
Occasional agitation may be necessary particularly if the barrel has been idle for greater than two weeks. Preferably use a mechanical agitator that fits into the barrel bung hole and agitate for 15 minutes. If a mechanical agitator is not available, use a compressed air lance for a period not exceeding 15 minutes.
Strip 3.3 has a shelf life of 10 months when it is stored between 45oF and 70oF and not contaminated by solvents, water, salts or other foreign materials. If the storage temperature is between 90oF and 110oF, the shelf life is 5 months.
Strip 3.3 is a water based product which must be protected from freezing. When required, heat the storage tank to keep it from freezing, but avoid heating the product in excess of 110oF for an extended period of time (more than 2 hours). Heating should be done by using external electrical heating tapes (Raychem type).
Do not use an internal heating probe as it can subject Strip 3.3 to high spot temperatures.
If Strip 3.3 has separated or has become discolored for whatever reason, it can be revived, but to accomplish this reconstitution, please call Concrete Producers Solutions Inc. for instructions.
For Additional Information Contact:
Concrete Producers Solutions Inc.
Telephone: (800) 231-6403 or (281) 398-6244
Fax: (281) 398-6242
16720 Park Row
Houston, Texas 77084-5021
email: concrete@concrete-solutions.com