Abstract: A method for testing for the presence of sol-gel on an aluminum test specimen includes: preparing an ammonium molybdate solution; preparing a hydrochloric acid solution; and mixing the solutions in 2:1 ratio in each of a number of receptacles. A test specimen of unknown coating, a first control specimen, and a second control specimen are placed in the mixed solution in three receptacles. The first control specimen has a sol-gel coating over an alodine coating; and the second control specimen has an alodine only coating. By timing events such as a change in color of the test and control specimens or the solution becoming opaque, the method determines that the test specimen of unknown coating has a like coating to that of a particular one of the control specimens if the timing of the event of the test specimen and the timing of the event of the particular control specimen are comparable.

Abstract: Process for combined chemical cleaning and etching of parts made of aluminum and/or aluminum alloys including: (a) providing a cleaning and etching solution including 5-30 grams/liter of phosphoric acid; 5-30 grams/liter of hydrogen fluoride; 120-220 grams/liter of sulfamic acid; 55-85.0 grams/liter of glycol ether; and balance water; (b) contacting the parts with the solution for a time sufficient to achieve the desired amount of cleaning and etching; (c) periodically measuring the etching rate of the solution; (d) when the etching rate is below the required minimum rate, adding sufficient hydrogen fluoride to restore the etching rate above the required minimum rate; and (e) periodically adding sufficient sulfamic acid to prevent the formation of scale made of hydrated aluminum fluoride.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for chemically analyzing a sample fluid are provided. The apparatus includes two fluid selection valves with multiple input ports for selectively receiving sample and reagent fluids. The selection valves are configured to selectively connect the input ports to output ports such that the sample and reagent fluids can be delivered through a fluid injection valve to a sample vessel and therefrom to an analysis device. The analysis device is configured to receive the sample and reagent fluids and determine at least one chemical characteristic of the sample fluid.