IPA is NOT a good cleaning solvent for flux residues because many
substances in the reacted porridge left on the boards are insoluble in
it. In all probability, the dissolved portions of the porridge are
simply entering in the solvent and, when the assembly is removed, some
of them will be evaporated onto the whole surface as a thin film. This
may be obviated by a succession of baths and ALWAYS having the last one
contamination-free. This will please your IPA supplier no end! :-)

Other than that, the flash point of IPA (~12°C TCC) is sufficiently low
that all electrical equipment within a few metres of the bath must be
flameproofed or intrinsically safe, if you don't want a fire.

Also, IPA is a mild toxin and prolonged exposure (respiration or dermal)
can cause headaches and symptoms akin to drunkenness. In fact, one beer
after work and you could be over the tops with a breathalyser test.

Around 1990 some very expensive machinery for IPA (to replace
CFC-113-based solvents) appeared on the market. I never found one that
did a satisfactory job.

Overall, it doesn't sound like a good idea, IMHO.

Brian

Schleman, Joe A. wrote:

> Hi,
> I happened to observe somebody soaking some assembled boards in isopropyl
> alcohol to clean them. I was wondering if this was an acceptable method for
> cleaning. I know using alcohol to clean is okay but, I'm not so sure about
> actually soaking the whole assembly in an alcohol bath. Any Insight would be
> appreciated. Thanks.
>
> Joe
>
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