Production problem encountered using a solvent drying plant.

All dirty surgical instruments received into the unit are processed through an Automatic Surgical Instrument Cleaning and Solvent Drying System. This system had been in continuous use since its installation in August 1983 until May 1986, without any significant production problem arising. During May 1986, and for a prolonged period afterwards, persistent separation of the surfactants contained in the Arklone W occurred. This separation manifested itself as a thick Cheeselike surface scum on the cooled solvent. At the onset the only recourse available in order to maintain the plants productive capacity was to replace the contaminated solvent with fresh following each occurrence. This constant replenishment obviously proved to be an extremely time consuming exercise. No additional material cost was involved as ICI readily supplied all the solvent requirement completely free of charge throughout the whole period.