The Importance of the Kauri-Butanol Value
The strength of non-aqueous cleaners is measured by an industry benchmark called the Kauri-Butanol test.
In the Kauri-Butanol lab test, a standardized test material: a thick, rubbery, eraser-like gum, is immersed in the solvent for a certain period of time and under certain prescribed conditions. By measuring the remaining gum determines the quantity of material that was dissolved by the solvent. It's simple, fast and easy.
A higher Kb value is better and means the cleaner is more aggressive or active. Mild cleaners have low scores in the tens and twenties; powerful cleaners like the old chlorinated solvents have ratings in the low hundreds.