EPA TCE BAN

Understanding the EPA’s TCE Ban & Safer Alternatives with Ecolink

What is the EPA TCE Ban?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule banning the use of trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical long associated with serious health and environmental risks. This ban, effective December 9, 2024, marks a significant step toward protecting public health. But what does this EPA TCE ban mean for industries that rely on TCE for cleaning and degreasing?

TCE, a powerful solvent, has been widely used for industrial applications such as metal degreasing, paint stripping, and cleaning equipment. However, some dangers of TCE include:

  • Health Risks: TCE is linked to cancer, including kidney and liver cancer, and can damage the central nervous system, liver, and immune system.
  • Environmental Impact: TCE can contaminate groundwater and persist in the environment, posing long-term risks to ecosystems and communities.

With the ban, most businesses must phase out TCE in most applications within a year and switch to safer alternatives, but for industrial applications the phase-out may take slightly longer.

Ecolink’s TCE-Free Replacements

Here at Ecolink we offer environmentally preferred solutions that are safe and effective alternatives to TCE-based solvents. Here are just some of the options for safer alternatives to TCE:

  • Preptone – Low VOC Handwipe Solvent
    • Description: Preptone is a fast-evaporating, low-VOC solvent that delivers the cleaning power of TCE without the health risks.
    • Uses: Perfect for pre-paint cleaning and removing tough soils like sealants and lubricants.
    • Benefits: Environmentally friendly, quick-drying, and high-performing.
  • Ecolink 4005 – Non-Flammable Solvent
    • Description: Ecolink 4005 is a non-flammable, non-toxic solvent designed to replace hazardous cleaners like TCE.
    • Uses: Ideal for industrial degreasing and cleaning applications.
    • Benefits: Zero VOC emissions, safe for workers, and highly effective against grease and grime.

These products are designed to help businesses comply with the EPA’s regulations while maintaining efficiency and safety.

Why Choose Ecolink?

At Ecolink, we’re committed to sustainability, safety, and innovation. Our team specializes in providing tailored solutions to meet your unique cleaning needs. Switching to TCE-free alternatives is not just about compliance—it’s about creating a healthier and safer workplace for people and the environment.

Contact Ecolink today to learn more about our TCE-free solutions and how we can help your business transition seamlessly.

D-Limonene Production

D-Limonene Production Disruptions: The Impact of Hurricane Milton

D-Limonene Production

The effects of Hurricane Milton are currently being felt throughout the global supply chain, especially when it comes to chemicals products. From cleaning supplies to food-grade chemicals, millions of companies rely on chemical products to keep their operations running efficiently. But the recent hurricane has lead certain chemicals supplies to plummet, and prices to skyrocket. One of the chemicals who’s supply is at an all-time low? D-Limonene Production. 

Read on to learn more about D-Limonene shortages and how you can best help your business prepare. 

What Is D-Limonene Production? 

First, let’s discuss what this chemical is. 

D-Limonene is a naturally occurring substance in citrus and other species of plants. Here are some common examples of where D-Limonene can be extracted from the peels of… 

  • Tangerines 
  • Grapefruit 
  • Oranges 
  • Lemons 
  • Limes 

Once extracted, this chemical can be used as an ingredient in various products. For example, it’s used in essential oils for fragrance, as food-grade flavoring, or even to repel insects, and is commonly used as a cleaner. 

D-Limonene is a natural solvent and degreaser, making it an effective and eco-friendly cleaning ingredient. Here’s how it may be used:  

  • Removing tough stains (i.e., chewing gum) 
  • Removing adhesives (i.e., tar and tape) 
  • Degreasing 
  • Cleaning hard surfaces 
  • Hand cleaner 
  • & more! 

How the Impact of Hurricane Milton Is Affecting D-Limonene Production 

Unfortunately, one of the primary chemicals affected by the supply chain disruptions from Hurricane Milton was D-Limonene production. 

Why?  

While Florida is known for its sunshine, it’s also known for its Florida oranges, and the state accounts for 36% of the United States’ citrus production. 

In the wake of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, citrus groves across the state of Florida have been negatively impacted, leading to record low citrus production. 

Before both hurricanes hit Florida, citrus production was already estimated to reach an all time low of 16%.  

After Hurricane Milton, citrus production is estimated to be down 40% compared to last year, resulting in over $2 billion in damage to crops and infrastructure.  

Not only does this mean that the agriculture industry is suffering, but all the industries that rely on citrus.  

For the chemical industry, this means cleaners containing the key ingredient of D-Limonene. 

How to Prepare for Production Shortages: Choose Preptone 

The best way to prepare for shortages is to take action now. 

Stock up now with Ecolink’s Preptone, a precision blend of an ultra-high purity of d-limonene and an acetone base. 

This cleaner is VOC exempt, making it a greener alternative to harsher chemical products, and an effective product for removing tough stains and substances. 

Visit our website or contact our team to order yours now! 

Paint Thinner Suppliers: Choosing Reliable Sources for Your Needs  

The number of paint-thinner suppliers is higher than most would believe. However, just because there are multiple suppliers does not mean they are all selling the same quality of product. Knowing how to choose a reliable product from a reliable supplier is quite important when it comes to chemicals such as paint thinners. This blog will explain all you need to know about finding the right supplier for your industrial needs.  

How to choose a reliable paint thinner supplier  

The most important thing to remember when looking for a reliable supplier or product is to do your research.   

Before purchasing any paint thinner products, you should:  

  • Research the type of product that would suit your needs best  
  • Know the type of thinner you should use  
  • Know the hazards associated with the products  
  • Research what suppliers offer that product  
  • Read the product reviews  
  • Browse through the supplier’s website  
  • Contact them with any questions you may have  
  • Eliminate suppliers that do not provide detailed information about themselves or their products  
  • Choose a supplier that has good reviews on their products and also shows evidence of having ethical values  

Ecolink as a supplier  

We here at Ecolink are determined to provide our customers with eco-friendly and effective chemicals of all kinds. We pride ourselves on making our customer experience stress-free and concise. Our customers have access to informative blogs, detailed descriptions of our products, and our direct contact information, and they can read all about us as a supplier on our website.   

Most, if not all, chemicals at Ecolink are environmentally preferred over numerous others. We offer a plethora of chemicals, such as paint thinners and degreasers. Some of the eco-friendlier paint thinner alternatives that we offer include:  

Looking to learn more about Ecolink as a paint thinner supplier?  

As previously mentioned, Ecolink is determined to provide our customers with a great experience and the best products on the market. If you have any questions about our products or operations, contact us here! If you know the product you need or would like to continue browsing through our selections,  click here 

Wood Alcohol Uses

Wood Alcohol: Properties and Applications in Various Industries  

Wood alcohol is a chemical with numerous names. One of the names that is used to refer to it is methanol. This alcohol is also known to possess a simple chemical formula: CH4O. This blog will discuss the properties and various industrial applications of this alcohol.   

What are some properties?  

This alcohol is a highly poisonous compound if ingested. It is known to cause blindness and can lead to death. Some of the basic chemical and physical properties can be found below.   

  • Colorless Liquid  
  • The boiling point of 64.96 C or 148.93 F  
  • Solidifying point of -93.9 C or -137 F  
  • Explosive in air  
  • Burns with a nonluminous flame  
  • Forms homogeneous mixtures with water  
  • Odor like ethyl alcohol  
  • Intoxicants of alcoholic beverages  
  • Strong poison  
  • High-octane, clean-burning fuel source  

Methanol has become a valuable substance in various industries due to these properties.  

What industries use wood alcohol?  

It is common to find this type of alcohol being used in industries such as:  

  • Automotive   
  • Solvent   
  • Cosmetics   
  • Agricultural  
  • Building   
  • Fuel   

The automotive industry commonly uses methanol to create antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid. This alcohol can also be used as a general solvent; however, it is often used as an additive in paint thinners. Its use in the cosmetic industry is as a perfume additive.   

The agricultural industry uses it to produce pesticides since this alcohol is an essential ingredient in formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is also crucial in the building industry since it is used in glues as well as wooden building materials  

Lastly, methanol has become a detrimental compound in the fuel industry. This alcohol is a high-octane yet clean-burning fuel source. It can be found in rocket fuels and various other fuels. There have been recent advancements in replacing gasoline in automotive vehicles with methanol.   

Looking to purchase methanol or wood alcohol?  

We here at Ecolink are here to help! Our goal is to provide our customers with eco-friendly yet still efficient chemicals. If you are interested in browsing through our selection, click here! If you have any questions about our products or blogs, feel free to contact one of our expert chemists here!   

 

Wood Alcohol Uses

Wood Alcohol Production: From Biomass to Valuable Fuel  

Wood alcohol or methanol is a fuel source derived from scrap wood and paper clippings. It can be used as a fuel- source for propane and natural gas burners. There are also other applications of wood alcohol: such as being an automotive antifreeze and a general solvent. This blog will discuss the production of this alcohol and how biomass- such as wood- can be transformed into a valuable fuel source.  

How is Wood Alcohol Production done?   

The production of wood alcohol has become easier over time; however, the alcohol’s hazardous nature has not changed. To produce wood alcohol, a destructive distillation process such as the one outlined below must be used.   

  • The wood is collected (typically oak or pine)  
  • Then the wood is chopped into smaller pieces and dried  
  • After being chopped, the wood is loaded into a sealable vessel or retort   
  • The wood is brought to a high temperature  
  • Once heated, the wood begins to break into different gases, liquids, and solids  
  • The gases and vapors pass through a condenser where they are cooled and converted into liquid (Wood Vinegar)  
  • Once condensed, the wood vinegar is distilled to separate the methanol or wood alcohol from the other substances  
  • The distillation process involves heating the wood vinegar to a certain point in which the methanol turns into a vapor  
  • The wood alcohol vapor is then condensed and collected in a separate vessel  
  • The final step is to add a denaturant or chemical; this makes wood alcohol inedible  

Although wood alcohol is a highly toxic compound, it also is a valuable fuel source. There are a multitude of industries that use this substance for numerous roles in their production process.   

Looking to purchase wood alcohol?  

Here at Ecolink, we sell a variety of eco-friendly chemicals, from wood alcohol to acetone. If you are interested in our vast selection of chemicals,  click here! If you have any questions about any of the products we sell, then click here to contact one of our expert chemists! They are here to answer any questions that you may have! Do not hesitate to contact us today!