Where Can I Find a Safe Paint Remover?

Where Can I Find a Safe Paint Remover?

/in /by

Finding a safe paint remover on the market, whether industrial or commercial, can be surprisingly difficult. Many traditional paint removers contain highly toxic chemicals that do not only have the potential to harm human health but also environmental health.  

Luckily, there are several safer, and more eco-friendly options becoming available. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the risks associated with exposure to the harmful chemicals in traditional paint and varnish removers, and where you can find a safer paint remover product for your company’s industrial needs. 

Dangers of Traditional Paint Removers 

Many traditional paint removers are highly toxic. This is mostly because of the fact that most paint removers contain harmful chemicals as active ingredients, such as dichloromethane.  

Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride, is easily the most common active ingredient in these products. This chemical is a volatile halogenated solvent that possesses serious health and environmental risks, such as:  

  • Air pollutant that contributes to ozone depletion 
  • Maybe a carcinogen, as high levels of exposure can cause liver and lung cancer 
  • Neurotoxin can potentially damage the brain and central nervous system 
  • Can cause severe eye irritation 
  • Can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and wheezing 
  • Is readily absorbed through the skin 

Dichloromethane use harms the environment and puts industrial workers at serious risk for various health issues.  

Though effective and still widely used in the U.S., the chemical is banned in many countries, in the EU, and by the EEA trading members. Many companies are beginning to search for safer options that are eco-friendly and ensure a safer work environment.  

Luckily, new products are now available that not only effectively replace hazardous paint removers, but pose significantly fewer health and environmental risks.  

What Is an Example of a Safe Paint Stripper?  

There are a few environmentally conscious options available to those searching for a safe paint remover.  

Some examples are acetone or methyl soyate-based removers, which are significantly less toxic than traditional removers. An ideal option for those searching for a safe industrial paint removing the solvent is also Safe Strip.  

What Makes Safe Strip Safe?  

Safe Strip is an environmentally conscious paint and resin solvent that effectively replaces hazardous solvents like dichloromethane and benzene.  

The solvent possesses many beneficial characteristics:  

  • Biodegradable 
  • Non-flammable 
  • Recyclable 
  • No ozone-depleting substances 
  • Low VOC emissions 
  • Removes coatings in only one step 
  • Strong performance, comparable to dichloromethane 
  • Significantly lower Inhalation Hazard Index than MEK and dichloromethane 
  • Effective on all coatings, even epoxy and polyurethane resins 
  • May be used in an immersion tank, gun cleaning tank, or as a brush-on, rinse-off solvent 

Looking to Buy Safer Paint Removers for Industrial Use? 

Companies no longer have to choose between the quality of paint removers and the safety of their workers. If you are looking to purchase Safe Strip for your industrial or business needs, reach out to the Ecolink staff here today! 

Best Ways to Remove Biofilm from Cooling Towers

Best Ways to Remove Biofilm from Cooling Towers

/in /by

Biofilm, or the slick, slimy layer of microorganisms that can form on any surface, can cause real problems for cooling towers. Whether it blocks the flow of water or hinders the exchange of heat, it is important to explore methods to biofilm. 

Examples of Biocides for Cooling Towers 

The most common and cost-effective method of removing biofilm in cooling towers is using biocides. Biocides come in two main types: non-oxidizing biocides and oxidizing biocides. 

Oxidizing biocides, which work by destabilizing the exterior molecules of the cells by removing electrons, are among the most commonly used. Some examples of these chemicals include: 

  • Cl2 (gas) 
  • NaOCl 
  • Calcium hypochlorite 
  • Bromine chloride 
  • Stabilized bromine 
  • Hydrogen peroxide 
  • Ozone (gas) 

Chlorine and bromine are used very commonly because of their low cost and high efficiency of oxidation, in part because both elements are highly electronegative, meaning they can easily attract electrons to leave the microorganisms. 

Non-oxidizing biocides, which work by disrupting the reproduction and other life functions of microorganisms, might include: 

  • Thiocyanates 
  • Glutaraldehyde 
  • Isothiazolone 
  • Quaternary ammonium compounds 

All of these compounds work best under certain conditions, so it is important to consider the qualities of the cooling tower, and the type of biofilm afflicting it. 

Methods of Cleaning Cooling Towers 

Beyond the introduction of biocides, there are physical methods of removing biofilm. These include: 

  • Flushing water quickly through the system 
  • Electrical currents 
  • Ultrasound exposure 

Flushing the tower with a large amount of water can work to dislodge biofilm and remove any free-floating residue. That is an important aspect because unless they are completely removed, microorganisms can grow back exponentially.  

Running an electrical current through a water-based infrastructure may seem far-fetched, but even a small voltage can have an impact on microorganisms. While small voltages do not typically kill existing organisms, they will prevent them from reproducing, which ultimately prevents greater accumulation.  

Ultrasound technology is increasingly used in cleaning processes because of its ability to create bubbles. When ultrasound waves penetrate a liquid, it creates negative spaces, which then quickly collapse into themselves, creating an abrasive effect, which can help dislodge biofilm from cooling tower membranes. However, it is difficult to effectively submit all areas of a cooling tower to the same level of ultrasound, so this method may be used in conjunction with another. 

Interested in Removing Biofilm? 

While biocide may not be the only method of interest, the means to remove biofilm from cooling towers requires chemical expertise. If you are looking to introduce a new cleaning method to your industrial system, the experts at Ecolink are here to help you along the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out today! 

Why Is There Biofilm in Cooling Towers?

Why Is There Biofilm in Cooling Towers?

/in /by

If you’ve ever been around a natural body of water during warm weather, you may have observed a slimy layer of scum accumulating on the surface of rocks or other built structures. This slimy green layer is made up of bacteria, fungi, and algae, and is referred to as biofilm. 

Biological material can accumulate easily in nutrient-rich water. That is why cooling towers, which usually get their water from natural sources, can often contain layers of biofilm. 

What Is Biofilm? 

From a more scientific approach, biofilm is an incredibly stable and resilient method for microorganisms to live. It is defined as a surface-adhering growth of microbial cells, which live in an extracellular matrix structure they build themselves using proteins and other polymer molecules. This matrix, which has a gel-like consistency, can store water, air, and nutrients, and allows the community of microorganisms to stick to solid structures very tightly. 

Harms of Biofilm in Cooling Towers 

A type of biofouling, it can accumulate in the membranes of cooling towers and harm their efficiency. When too much buildup occurs, it can block water flow, and clog the pipes, which are integral to moving water in and out of the system. 

However, even a thin layer of biological matter can have effects on the efficiency of heat transfer. The gel-like matrix structure acts as an insulator, preventing the heat generated through industrial processes from being released to the cooling water. Just as a winter coat keeps our body heat from escaping into the atmosphere on a cold day, the layer of biological material traps the heat in cooling tower membranes, making them much less efficient.  

Factors That Affect Biofilm Development 

Cooling towers often provide perfect conditions for biofilm to accumulate. The factors supportive of biological growth include: 

  • Water temperature of 25-35­­o C (77-95oF) 
  • pH close to 7 (neutral) 
  • Plenty of exposure to sunlight 
  • Continuous aeration 
  • Presence of nutrients from the natural water source 
  • Surfaces that allow for matrix attachment 

All of these factors make cooling water towers the perfect home for microbiological cultivation but also shed light on ways to potentially control biofouling.  

Still Curious About Risks of Biofilm in Cooling Towers? 

Making sure your equipment is working its best is an important part of any industrial process. If you think you might be losing efficiency because of biofilm buildup, Ecolink is prepared to help. Please contact us today to learn more about our chemical solutions! 

What Are Some Water Cooling Anti-Corrosion Additives?

What Are Some Water Cooling Anti-Corrosion Additives?

/in /by

One of the biggest problems that water cooling systems can face is corrosion, which occurs when water interacts with the metals in the structure and causes it to deteriorate. The most common example is rust, which is the result of water oxidizing iron. Cooling water systems, especially those with large amounts of iron, can be susceptible to rust, but other types of metal can also corrode 

Just like garden tools that become brittle and weakened by rust, cooling systems can be greatly damaged. However, there are ways to mitigate this damage, such as including additives in the water to prevent corrosion.  

Examples of Anti Corrosion Additives 

Depending on the type of metal that you are defending, and the temperature and pH of the water, different chemical additives will be more effective. Here are a few examples of common chemicals used: 

  • Zinc 
  • Molybdate 
  • Polysolicate 
  • Polydiol 
  • Azoles 
  • Nitrate 
  • Polyphosphates 
  • Ortho-phosphates 

It should be noted that chromate was traditionally used as a steel anti-corrosion additive, however, it has been banned by the EPA because of its toxicity and environmental harms. For all the Julia Roberts fans out there, you might remember the villainous Chromium-6 (a derivative of chromate) from Erin Brockovich, which was used as a rust inhibitor for cooling towers and caused serious health problems for the residents of a nearby town.  

The real-life case of Anderson et al. vs Pacific Gas and Electric (which the movie is based on) was the largest settlement of a direct-action lawsuit in the history of the United States at that time in 1996. Many of the chemicals listed above were developed as safer alternatives. 

What Causes Corrosion 

Corrosion is a chemical process that involves the transfer of electrons. Free oxygen atoms contained in water remove electrons from the surface of the metal in a process known as oxidation. This process involves 3 parts: 

1. Anode: the metal from which electrons are being removed 

2. Cathode: the metal receiving excess electrons 

3. Electrolyte: the medium capable of transferring electrons, in this case, water with oxygen 

To satisfy their electronegativity, the oxygen atoms will remove electrons from the anode, and combined with water and oxygen, these electrons will become hydroxide ions (an ion is a molecule with a charge).  

Simultaneously, some of the oxygen will also dislodge metal ions from the cathode. These metal ion particles will combine with the hydroxide ions to form metal hydroxides, such as iron oxide (rust). This process makes corrosion a twofold danger; it deteriorates the metal and deposits new material which can create blockages. 

Most inhibitors work by creating a protective film over the anode or cathode, which can be the same metal. That way the free oxygen cannot penetrate to start the process. 

Interested in Cooling Water Anti Corrosion Additives? 

Understanding the risks of deterioration to a cooling water system may induce worry. However, here at Ecolink, we are dedicated to keeping your industrial systems working properly.  

For more information on additives for fighting corrosion, or to learn how to best protect your water-cooled system, please reach out today! 

What Is Cooling Water Biocide?

What Is Cooling Water Biocide?

/in /by

Cooling water systems are often dependent on large quantities of water, often obtained from natural sources. This means that all sorts of microorganisms may be found and can build up to cause harmful biofouling. This can have drastic effects on the flow of water, and decrease the efficiency of cooling by insulating the structures intended to spread heat to the water. 

One of the most effective methods of preventing the buildup of biological material is using cooling water biocides. 

Types of Biocide

Biocides can be organized into two categories: oxidating and non-oxidating. The former uses the destructive phenomena of oxidation, where electronegative atoms steal electrons from the outer layers of biological buildup. This destroys the outer cell layers, killing the organisms.  

Some examples of this kind of biocide include: 

  • Chlorine 
  • Bromine  
  • Iodine 
  • Ammonium 

Non-oxidizing biocides work through other more specific methods, though usually by inhibiting the reproduction of the microorganisms they are intended to target. A few examples would be: 

  • Bronopol 
  • Carbamates 
  • Glutaraldehyde 

Because these chemicals work differently than the oxidizing additives, they are often used conjointly to tackle a biological problem or to prevent buildup from occurring.  

How Biocide Is Administered 

There are several methods for administering biocides, which mainly depend on the scale of the operation, and the type of biocide being introduced to the system. Sometimes additives are added in a method known as shot dosing. This is when chemicals are dumped into the most turbulent area of water flow in a large quantity manually, as prescribed by a schedule. This is by far the most cost-effective method because it does not require the installation of any additional equipment. 

However, a more nuanced method is to use a pump to administer continuous dosing. Typically, the chemicals are pumped into the system based on a timer, or on a sensor. Sensor systems may be programmed to measure the changing concentration of the chemical in the water or to measure pH, redox, and temperature levels to make specialized doses to best meet the conditions of the water. 

Still Curious About Cooling Water Biocide? 

Biocides provide a useful method of cleaning and keeping clean the water used for cooling systems. To make sure your water system is the healthiest it can be, please fill out a contact form to let Ecolink’s experts help you on your journey!