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OSP Magazine published an excellent article in their June 2014 issue entitled "Fiber’s Dirty Secret." It focused on the causes of fiber link failures, with the conclusion that contaminated end-faces were to blame 85% of the time. After identifying the sources of contamination and the nature of the damage they inflict, the writers then discuss the merits of the two most common methods of good fiber hygiene: dry cleaning and solvent cleaning. Polywater did not participate in the article, nor do we wish to imply that the writers endorse our specific products; however, the article presents a strong case for the use of specially formulated solvents to clean fiber end-faces: "there are now specially formulated solvents for fiber end-face cleaning that are far superior and more effective than IPA at dissolving virtually every contaminant. With a specified lower surface tension, the specialized solvents do a better job of enveloping debris for removal and will dissolve non-ionic compounds, which IPA will not." While they claim that advanced dry cleaning methods may be effective for cleaning more than 50% of fiber contaminants, they state that, "Most dry cleaning materials are either not good enough to uplift the various types of dirt or greasy contaminants over fiber end-faces, or they can actually introduce static to the fiber ferrule that attracts more dust than before the cleaning started." Solvents offer a better solution for removal of a broad range of fiber contaminants and provide multiple benefits. They dissolve dried contaminants, envelope particles, lift debris from ferrule surfaces, help avoid damage to end-faces, and prevent static charges caused by dry cleaning that can attract dust accumulation. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) has been an economical industry standard for years, and Polywater offers a superior quality, 99.8% anhydrous formula for users committed to its use: Type FO. But the article's conclusion supports the use of specialty solvents that are "far superior and more effective than IPA at dissolving virtually every contaminant," less likely to leave residue, and offer faster evaporation rates. Polywater's QuicKleen Fiber Cleaner is such a specialized cleaner. The article is good tutorial reading for agents selling fiber cleaners, and may support your efforts to promote premium solvents such as QuicKleen for optimal system performance. |
