Water Damage to Circuit Boards

Following the hurricanes in Florida, we are attempting to restore circuit boards damaged by water.

Also, we used alcohol on the conformal coating surfaces, and they have gotten gummy. What can you recommend?

M. Pugh
Fidelity Technologies
Pensacola, FL
.....

As far as the 'gummy' conformal coating, the situation might be irretrievable. The general rule of thumb is that one should not use solvents on conformal coating.

That said, the restoration process would be as follows:

1. Turn system off and disconnect from power source.

2. Treat the surface with a 2% ammonia solution, mixed with 98% distilled water, and wipe as much contamination from the surface area as possible with a lint-free cloth and/or swab.

3. Allow a couple of days for everything to dry, then spray any connections or metal surfaces with DeoxIT® (*DN5S-6N). Avoid populated areas as much as possible, i.e., transformers, etc.

Under normal circumstances, when circuit boards with components are to be treated, a simple mylar or metal template should be placed against populated component areas to avoid potential over-spray.

In this case, you may have to apply the DeoxIT® a couple of times, and leave it on over night, if necessary, to remove all corrosion.

Once all the corrosion is completely removed, apply DeoxIT® SHIELD. This product is especially efficient in locales where moisture may be an ongoing problem. It seals, lubricates and preserves metal surfaces against future oxidation and contamination.

Please note: DeoxIT® does not necessarily remove superficial discoloration caused by oxidation, but this will in no way hamper performance.

*Non-flammable, non-drip and safe on plastics.

NOTE:
DeoxIT® GOLD (formerly ProGold)
DeoxIT® SHIELD (formerly PreservIT)
DeoxIT® FaderLube (formerly CaiLube MCL)
DeoxIT® Grease Type M260 & L260 Paste (formerly CaiLube Grease).