The "Very Best Record Cleaning Formulation"


The "Very Best Record Cleaning Formulation"

 

I am providing this formulation for all who are interested in the very best, and can be proven and demonstrated to be the "Very Best". It can easily be made from available ingredients. On the surface, it appears to be very simple. However, it is based on extensive complex chemistry along with precise mathematical calculations and verifiable data.

 

You may use it with absolute confidence and be truly assured that it is beyond doubt the "Very Best". You may use it for your personal needs. Or, archival entities may use it for their purposes with confidence. Or, you may choose to start an enterprise that makes and packages quantities as either a "ready-to-use" or a "Semi-concentrated" version for sale and distribution knowing that nothing better exists. You have my blessings and encouragement with one condition. And, that is, that the pricing represents a "fair margin", and, not an obscene gouging, typical for such products.

 

Initially, I had prepared a presentation that briefly introduced myself, and provided the thought processes, design parameters, and the necessary basics of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to assure you and allow you to be absolutely confident in this formulation. I made a considerable effort to keep it as simple, but, also as thorough enough to achieve this confidence. However, that presentation entailed 5,239 words, typical of such a requirement, however, unacceptable in length by this website forum.

 

I have no option other than to offer the formulation as a 100% parts by weight version suitable to produce 1 Kilogram of the cleaner, and, invite you to question me about any aspect of the formulation.

 

Professionally, I am a Chemist, more specifically a Polyurethane Chemist. I have a Doctorate in Chemistry as well as two other Doctorates and a M.B.A.. I held prominent positions in significant corporations before being encouraged to start our (wife and I) manufacturing facility servicing those I previously worked for. We started, owned, and fully operated this business. We eventually obtained 85+% Market Share in our sector in Medical, Automotive, Sporting Goods, and Footwear areas before retirement.

 

The Audio Industry is extremely technical and many brilliant minds have contributed their talents over the decades in order that we may enjoy music today as we choose. Like many other technical industries, those of lesser minds and values invade the arena with their "magical" inspired revelations and offer their "magical" ingredients and items to all at extremely high prices. They promise that if only we are willing to part with our money - they can provide these items to you that make your audio system sound as if the orchestra, or vocalist, is in your room with you. And, after all, "magical items" must be expensive, otherwise, they would not be "magical".

 

This disturbs me enormously, and, it is for such reasons, I feel compelled to provide realistic and truthful information that conforms to basic Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematical Principals in those areas with which I am very knowledgeable and familiar.

 

          "Ultimate Record Cleaner Solution"

 

   Ingredient                                          Amount by Weight (Grams)

 

Distilled Water                                     779.962

 

Ethyl Alcohol                                       220.000

 

Tergitol 15-S-7 (Dow Chemical)            0.038  (Approx. = 2 Drops)

                                                         1,000.000

 

Important and/or Relevant Criteria

 

1.)  Distilled Water ONLY. Do not use deionized, tap, rain, or spring water. Distilled Water is readily available in most grocery stores. Check labeling to be certain that it is distilled and not deionized. The pricing is comparable.

 

2.)  Ethanol must be purchased at a "Liquor Store" or a "Liquor Control Board" that is suitable for human consumption, and the appropriate taxes must be paid. This assures that the alcohol consists of only Ethyl Alcohol and water. You need to purchase the 95+% version, also known as 180+ Proof. NOTHING ELSE is acceptable. (100% Ethyl Alcohol is not available under "normal" circumstances). Denatured alcohol from a Hardware Store or elsewhere is PROHIBITED, as well as ANY other alcohols.

 

3.)  Tergitol 15-S-7 is made by Dow and is available on the internet in small quantities from Laboratory Supply Houses such as Fisher and Advance, etc.. I have no affiliations with either Dow Chemical, or Fisher, or Advance. You MUST use Tergitol 15-S-7 ONLY. No other Tergitol product is acceptable for this designed formula, and you need to acquire the undiluted form only.

 

4.)  The above cleaner formula will result in a non-foaming (VLF) Surfactant Formulation that exhibits the following:

            Surface Tension of 28.5 dynes/centimeter @ 20 C. (68.0 F.)

            Surface Tension of 28.2 dynes/centimeter @ 25 C. (77.0 F.)

 

5.). A Surface Tension of 28.5 dynes/centimeter is Remarkable and will properly clean records of all organic soilings, and all oily substances, as well as very significant amounts of inorganic soilings.  This available Surface Tension coupled with the Azeotropic Characteristics of very rapid evaporation and spotless drying occur because of the selection of Ethyl Alcohol and the very specific concentration determined as 22.00% p.b.w., further improves the products abilities.  The "Ease-of-Use" and "Spot-Free" results are to be accepted.

 

6.). Be aware that an "ideal temperature of use" also exists for this formulation.  And, that reasonable temperature is 40 C. (104.0 F.). Further increases in temperature offers no improvement, therefore, confirming the proper use of the term "ideal". I mention this not because of of any substantial improvement, but, only to be aware of its’ existence. And, if you have a choice to utilize a room that is warmer than another, select the warmer room closer to 104.0 F. There is no need to elevate the temperature of the records or the materials. Simply be aware that 104.0 F. Is ideal.

 

If interest is expressed in this submission, I am willing to provide additional submissions regarding other materials, and, other areas of interest.  Such as"Best Contact Substance", "Best lubricants for turntables", " Better Dampening Materials" for turntables and tonearms, and, most significantly, "Best" material for "Turntable Platter/Vinyl Record Interface" usually called "Record Mats". The last item will certainly disturb many individuals and anger many suppliers.

 

Whatever I may contribute is substantiated by Science and Testing, and Verifiable. Science has no Opinions. Opinions in these matters are best reserved for those who rely on their imagination and wishful thinking.

 

Also, I have no vested interests in this Industry. Simply possess some scientific knowledge that also relates to some aspects of the Audio Area, and I am willing to share that information if requested!

128x128wizzzard

@mijostyn 

Some misunderstanding on my part.  Are you saying that the shaft that goes through the lip seal is only about 1.5 mm, and the outer diameter of the lip seal is only 6 mm. in diameter?  Which would make the width of the lip seal as 2.5 or 3 or 4 mm.  I only guessed at the width, because a 6 mm O.D. lit seal is nominally 3 mm.

Or, is the inside diameter 6 mm. and the outside diameter and width is unknown because it is hidden from sight.  And. is the 1.5 mm. shaft, the shaft from the gear assembly. 

Anyway, I will also try and find out about the motor and I will get back to you.  If Isopropyl alcohol is working and not leaking, you, most likely, need not concern yourself about the "concentration" of alcohol.  The problem is specific to the alcohol and the material the seal.  It is alcohol type related.  Usually the sequence of alcohol types is as follows:  Methanol, Ethanol, and Isopropyl alcohol.  Methanol demonstrating the least affect, etc.  Now that I know the Ethanol was a problem, and the IPA is not, your unsuccessful seal has been narrowed down to two, (possibly three) materials out of 11.  Also, that the selection was uncommon for such a pump, but, anything is possible.  I will find out what I can for future references.  Besides you selection of IPA is better than the alternative of Methanol.

My stated formulation calls for 22.000% Ethanol by weight, If your are to substitute IPA, as you have, the ideal concentration by weight of IPA is 19.132%, in order to more closely resemble my presented formulation.  For your reference purposes only for now.

Wizzzard 

@wizzzard 

There is only one motor shaft. There is a stub shaft that the secondary gear spins on. The motor shaft exits the motor cavity through a bearing then a seal into the pump cavity the seal is 6 mm in diameter and captured by a plastic rim. Pressure within the pump cavity presses the seal down against the bearing tightening its grip on the shaft. https://imgur.com/a/1C1KB5p Here is a picture of the pump.

@mijostyn 

Thank you for all the data.  I have done some extensive investigation and research for your situation.  Unfortunately, I do/did not have the time to submit it to you today, but, I will tomorrow evening.  I am off for the day to Hospital, and will submit your info upon my return.

I believe you will be surprised, pleased (I hope), and perplexed all at the same time.  Till tomorrow then!  I just wanted you to know that I have been working on your problem.

Wizzzard

@mijostyn 

Should have learned by now to stop saying such things as "I am off for the day to Hospital".  That was Tuesday evening 5 September 2023.  I only arrived home about 2.5 hours ago from the Hospital.

Tomorrow morning I am (and my wife as well) are being picked up at 6:00 AM to be transported via a special Mercedes Benz Air-Suspension Hospital Transport vehicle to be taken just under 300 miles to the "only" Hospital in the Country that has a new special Device made by Siemens to be tested and returned later that same day.

This was all the time I could spare today to inform you.  As I mentioned, you will be surprised and pleased once you hear back from me.  I am saying no more as to not curse anything, but, I absolutely needed to inform you or it would have bothered me all day.  It is just the way I am.  Sorry I knew nothing about the arrangements any sooner.

But, I also need to say that "you will hear back from me"

Wizzzard

@mijostyn 

Good evening Dr. Mijostyn,

My husband is still in Hospital in London.  What was to be a test only turned into an unexpected surgery.  He is ok now after an extensive and complicated spinal surgery.  As a physician you would understand.  I came home to pick up a few things and returning to London where we will be spending our Wedding Anniversary tomorrow.  He is expected to be released Friday.  He wanted me to send you a note that you will hear from him as soon as possible.  Knowing my husband that will be as soon as possible.  He said there was a list with a few other names on his desk which I can't find.  I recall a Lew N. but I do not see a list but perhaps you know them.  He had nothing else to add just that I send this note.

Respectfully,

Dr. Valerie Ann W.