Isopropyl alcohol (2-propanol), also known as isopropanol or IPA, is the most common and widely used disinfectant in the pharmaceutical, hospital, cleanroom, and electronic or medical device manufacturing industries. Different solutions, purity grades, concentrations, and types of alcohol provide beneficial cleaning and disinfecting properties when applied correctly; or have dangerous consequences if used incorrectly. This post will help you identify key uses, best practices, and proper disinfection with isopropyl alcohol.
USP-Grade Isopropyl
The United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is a non-profit scientific organization that develops and disseminates public quality standards for drugs, foods, and supplements. Certification of USP Grade isopropanol wipes Alcohol ensures that both the IPA and any additives are of the highest purity, potency and precise concentration. Manufacturing, packaging, and storage must meet strict guidelines, and all manufacturing facilities must comply with FDA registration and inspection. These specifications improve consistency and safety for industrial, pharmaceutical, flavor and fragrance, or laboratory use.
NSF Grade Isopropyl Alcohol
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that focuses independently on the public health and safety of the food industries, water supply, consumer products, and human environments. Strict standards include product testing and materials analysis in all aspects of product development. NSF certification includes regular on-site inspections of manufacturing facilities and periodic product testing. If a product fails to meet the benchmarks, NSF takes action including recall, public notification , or even decertification.
Pure Isopropyl Alcohol
Pure isopropyl alcohol is produced and processed without common additives such as denaturants, which make the alcohol unfit for human consumption. Pure IPA is not interchangeable with sterile or USP Grade IPA, but misnomers occur frequently because USP Grade alcohol is always in its pure state.
Industrial Grade Alcohol
Industrial grade isopropyl alcohol, also known as technical grade isopropyl alcohol, is most commonly used for non-critical manufacturing and processing purposes, such as the removal of ion salts from PCBs, thermal paste from heat sinks, and integrated circuit packages or the dissolution of organic acids in rosin. It is an economical option for remediating large areas and mitigating general contaminants such as dust, debris, grease , and adhesives found in other manufacturing processes.
Food Grade Alcohol
The use of isopropyl alcohol for products fit for human consumption is limited. In general, ethyl alcohol is preferred for consumer products as it is GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe). For food-grade products, FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) accreditation establishes acceptable levels of purity and quality of ingredients for products intended for human consumption. The use of isopropyl alcohol is most commonly found in the preparation of food flavors, fragrances, fats, oils, colors, preservatives, sweeteners and probiotics.
Sterile Isopropyl Alcohol
Sterile isopropyl alcohol meets the highest standards of purity in aseptic environments. Sterile certification results in 0.22 micron filtration, gamma radiation between 25 kGy and 50 kGy, and compliance with revised AAMI/ANSI/ISO 11137:2006 guidelines. Sterile isopropyl alcohol is packaged in a cleanroom and is commonly used in the same environment to clean ducts, cleanroom furniture, laminar flow hoods, cleanroom furniture, and tables or work surfaces.
What Are the Advantages of Pre-saturated Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes?
- Saturated disposable isopropanol wipes have some technical advantages for cleaning and sanitizing. First, the physical cleaning mechanism of a surface has beneficial effects on the removal of germs and bacteria.
- The 70% pre-saturated alcohol wipes allow for easier access and apply just the right amount of alcohol to the surface without waste or excessive odors.
- 99% alcohol wipes are often used for manufacturing and assembling electronic components. High-purity alcohol with low water content can remove resin or paste without leaving water residue. Because the wipe is made from extremely durable polyester or non-woven fabric, the wipe does not release particles or lint onto sensitive components.
- Finally, pre-moistened wipes prevent static cling when wet. Polyester and non-woven cloths are safer for sensitive electronics when pre-saturated, as they dissipate static charge.