MA5X Heavy-Duty Degreaser Industrial 55-Gallon Drum | Maximum Strength pH 13-14 Alkaline
For heavy manufacturing operations, engine rebuilding shops, metal fabrication facilities, power generation plants, and industrial maintenance programs that require maximum-strength alkaline degreasing on the most extreme contamination loads. Available in a 55-gallon drum for centralized storage, drum pump dispensing, and pallet delivery.
MA5X Heavy-Duty Degreaser Industrial in the 55-Gallon Drum is a maximum-strength pH 13-14 alkaline concentrate formulated with sodium hydroxide, sodium metasilicate, glycol ether solvent (2-Butoxyethanol), and specialized industrial surfactants to obliterate heavy hydrocarbon deposits, engine carbon, caked grease, and extreme industrial contamination within 2-6 minutes contact time. One drum yields 275-550 gallons of working solution at $0.55–$1.09 per gallon, the highest-concentration degreaser in the MA5X drum lineup, engineered for applications where the Black Degreaser (pH 12–13) is not sufficient.
How It Differs from MA5X Heavy-Duty Degreaser Black
Both products share the same core formulation and GHS safety classification, but pH 13-14 represents 10× greater alkalinity than pH 12-13. The Industrial version is appropriate when you need faster penetration of years-old carbon buildup, caked industrial soils, and heavy petroleum contamination on equipment that can tolerate high-pH chemistry. The Black Degreaser (pH 12-13) is the better choice for routine commercial degreasing, fleet washing, and applications where surface compatibility with metals, coatings, and painted equipment is a priority. When in doubt, start with the Black Degreaser and step up to the Industrial only when the Black does not achieve sufficient results.
Key Features & Benefits
- Maximum alkaline strength - pH 13-14: Sodium hydroxide and sodium metasilicate chemistry at pH 13-14 penetrates and emulsifies the most extreme hydrocarbon deposits, carbon buildup, compacted grease, and industrial soils that lighter-duty commercial degreasers cannot address, delivering results on applications where standard cleaning chemistry falls short.
- 275-550 gallons yield per drum: At 1:5 dilution for extreme contamination, one 55-gallon drum yields 275 gallons of working solution. At 1:10 for heavy maintenance cleaning, it yields 550 gallons at $0.55-$1.09 per gallon of working solution at the current drum price.
- Engineered for extreme industrial applications: Purpose-built for engine rebuilding, metal fabrication cleaning, power generation equipment, production floor maintenance, and heavy equipment turnarounds where multi-shift operations require consistent maximum-strength performance cycle after cycle.
- Fast-acting within 2-6 minutes: High-alkalinity formula begins breaking down extreme contamination on contact, allowing short dwell-and-rinse cycles that maintain throughput in high-volume industrial cleaning programs.
- Non-flammable, water-based formula: Glycol ether solvent system in a water base eliminates the fire hazard and special storage requirements of solvent-based industrial degreasers, maintaining industrial cleaning performance without flammability risk.
- Built for bulk handling: Standard 55-gallon drum with 2" and 3/4" bungs integrates with drum pumps, proportioning systems, and pallet storage for continuous industrial operations across multiple work areas.
Dilution & Application
For extreme contamination, years-old carbon buildup, compacted industrial grease, and heavy equipment overhauls - dilute at 1:5 (1 part concentrate to 5 parts water) and apply by brush, pressure washer, or spray to the target surface. Allow 2-6 minutes of dwell time and agitate on compacted deposits before rinsing thoroughly. For heavy maintenance cleaning on regularly serviced equipment, dilute at 1:10 to extend yield and reduce cost per application. Always use in well-ventilated areas. Do not apply to surfaces incompatible with strongly alkaline chemistry without testing first. Do not mix with acids or oxidizers.
Industrial Use Guide - Surface Compatibility & Best Practices
Confirmed applications:
- Engine rebuilding and heavy carbon removal: Apply diluted at 1:5 to engine blocks, heads, manifolds, and transmission cases. Allow full dwell time on carbon deposits and caked gasket material. Rinse thoroughly and inspect before reassembly.
- Metal fabrication and production equipment: Effective on fabrication tables, press beds, conveyor systems, and production equipment carrying accumulated cutting fluids, lubricants, and metal-working soils. Rinse thoroughly and dry to prevent oxidation on bare ferrous metal surfaces after cleaning.
- Concrete preparation and floor cleaning: Apply diluted at 1:10 for concrete floors with heavy oil and grease contamination in preparation for coating, sealing, or inspection. Capture and contain wash water, do not allow alkaline runoff to reach floor drains connected to untreated waterways or storm systems.
- Power generation and heavy equipment: Suitable for generator housings, turbine components, compressors, and heavy infrastructure maintenance where maximum-strength degreasing is required on a scheduled maintenance cycle.
Surfaces and situations requiring strict caution:
- Aluminum - minimize contact time strictly: At pH 13–14, aluminum oxidizes and can etch rapidly with extended contact. Do not allow to dwell beyond the minimum effective time. Rinse immediately and completely. Not recommended for soaking or recirculating contact with aluminum components.
- Soft metals (zinc, magnesium, tin): Strongly alkaline solutions react with soft metals. Avoid use on galvanized or zinc-coated surfaces, magnesium alloy components, or tin-plated materials unless specifically tested and approved for this chemistry.
- Painted, coated, and powder-coated surfaces: pH 13-14 will strip many paint and coating systems with sustained contact. Test in an inconspicuous area before treating coated surfaces. For coated equipment, use the Black Degreaser (pH 12–13) where surface integrity must be preserved.
- Enclosed and confined spaces - ventilation is mandatory: 2-Butoxyethanol content requires adequate ventilation with a NIOSH recommended exposure limit of only 5 ppm TWA. Never use in confined spaces, enclosed engine rooms, or poorly ventilated areas without mechanical air circulation and exhaust systems in operation.
- Do not mix with acids or oxidizers: Incompatible with all acidic cleaners and oxidizing agents. Never combine in the same container, tank, or spray system with acidic degreasers, descalers, hull cleaners, or any oxidizer, violent neutralization reactions can generate heat and fumes.
- Not suitable for general facility, kitchen, or office cleaning: This product is formulated for trained industrial maintenance personnel operating under documented safety procedures. It is not appropriate for commercial kitchens, office environments, restrooms, or general janitorial use, use the Black Degreaser or All-Purpose Cleaner for those applications.
Commercial Specifications
- Drum size: 55 gallons with standard 2" and 3/4" bungs
- Drum weight: Approximately 550 lbs (product + container)
- Pallet: 4 drums per pallet, forklift-accessible
- Shelf life: 36 months from manufacture date in proper storage
- pH: 13-14 (maximum alkaline strength)
- Color: Transparent Dark Red
- Specific gravity: 1.02 g/cc
- Flash point: >212°F — non-flammable
- Yield: 275 gallons at 1:5 / 550 gallons at 1:10
- NFPA rating: Health 2 / Fire 0 / Reactivity 0
Shipping & Fulfillment
55-gallon drums ship via LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight, rates are calculated at checkout based on pallet weight and delivery destination. Up to 4 drums fit on a single pallet at approximately 2,200 lbs total; ordering a full pallet reduces your per-drum freight cost. Despite its maximum-strength pH 13-14 classification, this product is not regulated for DOT, IMDG, or IATA transport, simplifying receiving, storage, and compliance documentation at your facility. Local pickup is available at no charge from our Coral Springs, FL facility (4105 NW 124th Avenue) Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm, allow up to 2 business days for drum preparation. For recurring orders, contract pricing, or multi-pallet arrangements, contact our sales team directly.
Safety - Signal Word: DANGER
This product carries the GHS DANGER signal word and is classified under: Skin Irritation (H315), Serious Eye Damage (H318), Possible Allergic Skin Reaction (H317), and Respiratory Irritation - Sodium Metasilicate (H335). At pH 13-14, this is among the most alkaline formulas in the MA5X drum lineup. Concentrate contact with eyes can cause permanent eye damage. Eye protection and chemical-resistant gloves are mandatory, not optional, when handling this product.
Required PPE (HMIS Level B): Chemical-resistant rubber gloves, safety glasses or face shield, and protective clothing. Ensure adequate mechanical ventilation in all application areas due to 2-Butoxyethanol content (NIOSH REL: 5 ppm TWA).
First aid - Eye contact: Flush immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Immediately call a poison center or doctor (P310).
First aid - Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Wash affected area thoroughly with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.
First aid - Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. Give a glass of water if conscious. Get immediate medical attention and call poison control.
Storage: No special storage conditions required. Keep away from children. Store separately from all acids and oxidizing agents, incompatible materials that can cause dangerous reactions on contact. Do not allow spills to reach waterways, floor drains, or storm systems, ingredients carry aquatic toxicity data.