| abstract |
PCT No. PCT/US91/09310 Sec. 371 Date Jul. 10, 1992 Sec. 102(e) Date Jul. 10, 1992 PCT Filed Dec. 6, 1991.A method for finishing metal surfaces, especially that of metal containers, using a cleaning agent having a substantially neutral pH is provided. In one embodiment of the invention lubricants and coolants used during container forming processes are cleaned from the surface of metal containers by using a terpene cleaning agent comprising d-limonene, alpha-terpineol, beta-terpineol, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, alcohols of such agents or mixtures thereof. Surfactants may also be used to aid in the cleaning process. The organic component of the cleaning agent, as well as lubricants, coolants and aqueous components, are separated for recycling and re-use. Cleaning metal surfaces according to the method of the present invention has many attendant advantages including decreased roughness and increased reflectivity of metal surfaces, increased mobility on a container production line, and reduced amounts of paint, overcoat and internal coat required to decorate metal surfaces. |