Some of the process sounds like the things people use in a hydrasonic cleaner.
Many people start with dish liquid and vinegar in those to remove carbon and other elements. Then the follow with a backing soda wash to balance the acidity of the vinegar. Then finally a regular water wash, followed by a distilled water wash.
They work great, I have used them on tractor parts, guns etc. Even rigged up one to use inside the bore of a 12ga with pits using rubber plugs, o rings, and a steel rod. Change the water every couple of hours, you will not believe the crap that comes out.