What Is Trichloroethylene?

What Is Trichloroethylene?

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Trichloroethylene, commonly referred to as TCE, is a popular halocarbon industrial solvent. The chemical is utilized in a variety of industrial applications and is extremely useful.  

But while TCE is a popular choice for a solvent, it does not come without its risks. 

Read on to learn more about the uses of trichloroethylene and the dangers associated with this chemical. 

Trichloroethylene Explained 

As previously mentioned, TCE is used for several industrial applications. Here are some of the most popular uses for this solvent: 

Degreasing – TCE is primarily used in cleaning and degreasing processes due to its ability to effectively dissolve grease and oils. The solvent is a particularly popular option for vapor degreasing, as its non-flammability and high boiling point allow it to remove stubborn debris.  

Extraction processes – TCE is sometimes used as an extraction solvent for oils and waxes.  

Additive – This solvent is occasionally added to certain types of adhesives, paint removers, and paint thinners. It is also present in certain household products, such as cleaning wipes and carpet cleaners.  

Refrigerant manufacturing – trichloroethylene is also utilized to produce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants.  

Those who may be researching trichloroethylene will most likely come upon multiple articles and studies discussing the hazards associated with it. In recent years, companies have been replacing TCE with safer alternatives because of the negative health effects it has caused to workers:   

  • It is a known carcinogen, having been shown to potentially cause liver cancer, kidney cancer, and lymphoma.  
  • Moderate exposure levels can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, or confusion.  
  • High levels of exposure can cause kidney/liver damage, nerve damage, coma, permanent cardiac issues, reproductive damage, and even death.  

On top of these health hazards, trichloroethylene is known to contaminate various drinking water sources throughout the country. It can leak from industrial storage tanks and seep into groundwater, where it is not able to evaporate. This means that it can potentially cause these negative health effects in unsuspecting people, particularly those living near facilities that use the solvent. 

Luckily, safer options are now readily available to effectively replace TCE. Not only are a majority of these alternative solvents worker-friendly, but they are also biodegradable, low VOC, and cheaper.  

Interested in TCE Replacement Chemicals?  

Ecolink provides high-quality industrial chemicals with the focus of ensuring the protection of workers and the environment. You can begin shopping for our products here, or contact our experts here for help finding the best product for your business!  

Paint Thinner Use: Enhancing Efficiency in Painting Projects  

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Paint thinner is a versatile solvent with multiple uses and applications. The applications for paint thinners vary, from diluting to various paints. It is a substance that no industry should be without. This blog will explain how a paint thinner can enhance industrial painting projects.  

What are the uses of paint thinner?  

A paint thinner can be used for several tasks: 

  • Dilute/reduce the viscosity of oil-based and latex-based paints  
  • Remove paint from surfaces  
  • Create specific paint finishes  
  • Remove paint from painting utensils (brushes, rollers, pallets, etc.)  

Paint thinner use often depends on the thinner type. The most common paint thinners are:  

  • Acetone  
  • Turpentine  
  • Mineral Spirits  
  • Toluene  
  • Naphtha  
  • Mineral Spirits  
  • Isopropyl Alcohol  
  • Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)  

You often find paint thinner (such as toluene) applied in industries where dilutions create substances such as print ink and rubbers.   

Acetone is another popular paint thinner used regularly to remove ink stains.  

Methyl Ethyl Ketone is another popular substance used in industries to dilute gums and resins; however, many health risks are associated with the product. 

If you are looking for a safer, more eco-friendly option for the paint thinners listed above, then we here at Ecolink are here to help! We offer a product called SAFE STRIP which is an environmentally preferred paint and resin solvent.   

SAFE STRIP is a great replacement for substances such as MEK and toluene. It can be used like most paint thinners, and it has a similar performance to MEK. This product, however, is biodegradable and non-ozone-depleting. 

The use of paint thinners can help enhance your efficiency during painting projects. Using a thinner consistency paint allows for easy application on textured surfaces. A paint thinner will also allow for quicker application times.  

Looking for more paint thinner options?  

Here at Ecolink we offer a variety of different eco-friendly chemicals. If you would like to browse through our selection,  click here! If you have an idea of what you are looking for,  click here to talk with one of our expert chemists! They will be willing to help you in any way that you need! 

chemical treatment of wastewater

Process of Chemical Treatment of Wastewater

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Wastewater chemical treatment is a necessary process that is done to remove contaminants and solids from the water, in order to ensure purification so that it is deemed safe for humans and the environment.

water treatment chemicals

Though there are different types of treatments for wastewater, chemical treatment is usually an additional process involving addition of specific chemicals for various purposes, including: 

  • Neutralization 
  • Precipitation (Coagulation and Flocculation) 
  • Oxidation 
  • Ion exchange 
  • Disinfection 

Neutralization: 

This step involves the addition of either an acid (for lowering pH) or an alkali (for raising pH), depending on the pH of the wastewater. Sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid are chemicals that are commonly utilized for this step.  

Precipitation (Coagulation and Flocculation): 

This part of the treatment is extremely important and involves adding coagulants and flocculants to create a floc, or large clusters of solid particles, that can later be removed from the water by filtration. Coagulation is the process of destabilizing negatively charged particles by introducing positively charged chemicals, which will allow for the solid particles to form into large groups. After this step, flocculation is performed in order to further ensure the growth and accumulation of the floc. Commonly used coagulants are iron (III) sulfate and aluminum sulfate, which can also simultaneously act as a flocculant.  

Oxidation: 

This step involves the addition of an oxidizing agent to reduce the chemical oxygen demand levels of the water and remove organic and oxidizable inorganic particles. Hydrogen peroxide and ozone are commonly used oxidizing agents.  

Ion Exchange:  

This important step is done to soften hard water, which can result in scale formation or residue. Positively charged sodium ions, usually from sodium chloride, are added to the water to exchange spots with calcium and magnesium, which are the ions responsible for water hardening.  

Disinfection: 

This step is meant to purify the water by killing any bacteria or pathogens. Chlorine is commonly added to kill bacteria and viruses, ensuring complete disinfection of the water.  

Looking for Wastewater Chemical Treatment Solutions?

Looking for an environmentally preferred water treatment product to satisfy your industrial or business needs? You can begin shopping for products here, or you can contact our experts here to find the best product for you! 

Green chemistry

Understanding the History of Green Chemistry

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Are you curious about how the branch of chemistry known as green chemistry originated? This blog post will provide insight into the history of green chemistry, allowing you to learn about its inception and follow its progression to the present day.  

Green Chemistry: The 1960s-1980s 

The initiation of green chemistry can be tracked all the way back to the 1960s when Rachel Carson wrote Silent Spring, a book that discussed the impact of chemicals on the ecosystem. This book was an inspiration to both scientists and the public and served as a forewarning about chemistry’s potential to harm the planet.   

In 1970, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- a federal regulatory agency dedicated to protecting the health of both humans and the environment- was established by President Richard Nixon. The EPA’s first major mandate banned the use of DDT and other chemical pesticides deemed hazardous.  

In the 1980s, members of the EPA and the chemical industry began to focus less on chemical clean-up and more on preventing chemical pollution from occurring in the first place. This led to the creation of the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics in 1988.  

Green Chemistry: The 1990s 

The 1990s was a significant decade for green chemistry. A few of the important events that occurred during these years were: 

  • 1990: The Pollution Prevention Act, which stated that national policies in the United States should focus on preventing pollution rather than mitigating existing pollution, was passed.  
  • 1995: President Bill Clinton aided the EPA in creating an annual awards ceremony, the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards, which honored scientific advances that bolstered the green chemistry movement.  
  • 1997: The nonprofit Green Chemistry Institute (GCI) was co-founded by Dr. Joe Breen and Dr. Dennis Hjeresen.  
  • 1998: Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice, which outlined the now well-known 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, was published. 

Green Chemistry: Today 

Today, many successful companies whose products are based on the application of green chemistry and engineering have been established. Consumers can now find numerous eco-friendly chemicals, materials, and other industrial products on the market. Essentially every type of business now has a means to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. 

However, the green chemistry movement is still in its beginnings. One way that companies can help to support green chemistry is by purchasing their materials, whatever they may be, from manufacturers that emphasize environmental protection in their products and practices.  

About Ecolink & Green Initiatives

Ecolink is a trusted supplier of industrial-grade chemicals. We offer a wide range of products that are not only efficacious but also environmentally friendly. If your company has been looking to adopt greener practices or implement some of green chemistry’s principles, we would love to help you. Contact us today by calling 800-563-1305 or filling out our contact form!   

touchless truck wash soap

The Benefits of Touchless Truck & Trailer

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Are you looking for a touchless truck wash soap? If so, check out Touchless Truck & Trailer. Touchless Truck & Trailer is a system of two industrial alkaline cleaning solutions that primarily consist of 2-butoxyethanol, n,n-bis(carboxymethyl)-glycine/trisodium salt, disodium oxosilanediolate, a proprietary surfactant blend (all 1%-5% by weight), and oligomeric D-glucopyranose (0.1%-1% by weight). They are formulated to cleanse trucks, trailers, and other metal surfaces.  

The first solution, Touchless T&T, can expel magnetic road film, bugs, and other types of dirt and grime from trucks, tractors, trailers, RVs, mobile homes, and buildings. It can safely be applied to polished aluminum and painted surfaces. The second solution, T&D Degreaser, eliminates grease and oil from trucks, engines, trailers, whitewall tires, vinyl surfaces, and stainless-steel surfaces. It can also be used as a pre-cleaning spray.  

How Do I Use Touchless Truck Wash Soap? 

To use Touchless T&T, first dilute the solution to a 1:20 concentration. If using a pressure washer, it should be applied to the surface from bottom to top, then rinsed from top to bottom. The surface should be dry before Touchless T&T is applied.  

To use T&D Degreaser, dilute the solution to a concentration of 1 to 5 parts cleaner to 10 parts water. However, when being applied to heavily soiled surfaces as a cleaning spray, it can be used without dilution.  Just like Touchless T&T, it should be applied from bottom to top, then rinsed from top to bottom. Neither cleaning solution should be permitted to dry on the given surface before rinsing.  

Why Should I Buy Touchless Truck & Trailer?  

Are you wondering why you should buy Touchless Truck & Trailer instead of a different truck cleaning solution? Well, Touchless Truck & Trailer provides these excellent benefits: 

  • Nonflammable 
  • Industrial strength 
  • Safe to use with hot water or cold water 

Where Can I Find Touchless Truck Wash Soap?  

Touchless Truck & Trailer can be purchased from Tidal Washers, a division of Ecolink, Inc. Tidal Washers offers a wide variety of industrial-grade cleaning solutions that won’t break the bank. Like Ecolink, Tidal Washers prioritizes the use of eco-friendly ingredients in all of our products, making them safer for workers and the environment. In addition to our pre-made solutions, we also create customized chemical solutions for those in need of highly specialized products.  

If you would like to purchase Touchless Truck & Trailer, contact Tidal Washers today by filling out our contact form or calling 800-563-1305!