What is a Drying Agent?

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drying-agentsIn the simplest described definition, a drying agent, as it pertains to industrial and chemical processes, is a term given to a chemical that works to remove water from a compound that is currently in solution. A compound that has been absorbing water for too long, or for an extended period of time, can become contaminated. Therefore, the application of a drying agent can prevent any contamination from happening by actively drying out all excess water. Examples of drying agents in use would be for food or electronics. In order for food to be preserved for a long period of time, a drying agent will be used in order to eliminate all liquids from the food, which would work to decay or spoil the food much quicker if it were not completely dry. Concerning electronics, it is no secret that water can corrupt and dismantle electronic components when immersed onto an electronic device (as many cell phone users already know, with much reluctance). A drying agent will immediately dry an accumulation of condensation or a mass of water on electronic equipment.

Although in almost every instance, a drying agent is used to benefit a product, if used excessively, it could potentially harm a product. Drying agents do not only absorb water, it can also absorb other types of compounds. This is why it is extremely important that an industrial organization preparing to use a drying agent has complete understanding and control of the drying agent about to be put into use. Otherwise, the compound that is brought together with the drying agent could wind up being destroyed. Fortunately, there are already determined processes and steps to take to ensure that too much of a drying agent will not be used. That is why it has been stated that, whomever uses a drying agent, should have a complete understanding of what is about to be performed to ensure total success.

To know when the drying process is complete, the solution will become translucent. In addition, the drying agent will desist clumping, and will actually float in the solution. If the mixture is still milky, the drying process is not complete, and you should allow it to continue until the milky look has completely disappeared.

More information regarding drying agents can be provided to you by organizations that support chemical and industrial processes. As you probably figured out from the information provided above, utilizing a drying agent should only be performed if the process is perfected. Otherwise, disaster will become the most likely result. ore simplified for your industrial organization. Therefore, if you feel unsure about performing the process, all you have to do is reach out and ask Ecolink for assistance.

Three Benefits of Chemical Management

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Because many chemicals solvents that industrial businesses use to clean parts, metals, and materials are considered hazardous to both people and the environment, and which much of the contents are wasted due to excessive purchasing and a lack of chemical recycling protocol – among other reasons – having a chemical management group to assist businesses using chemical solvents is ideal. Chemical management groups can put in place operations and resources that prevent potentially dangerous situations involving chemical solvents. Among the several benefits of a chemical management group assisting your industrial business with chemical solvents, three stand out the most, and they are as follows:

Reduced Chemical Usage: Believe it or not, many industrial businesses will overbuy and overstock chemical solvents for the cleaning of their industrial products, which consequently leads to overuse. Chemical management groups help industrial businesses significantly reduce the use of chemical solvents by thoroughly investigating and evaluating the operations and procedures in place for the cleaning of parts and materials, and will then implement a program that significantly reduces chemical uses. The reduction in usage also minimizes wasted chemical solution.

Less waste is disposed: Briefly touched on in the first listed benefit, a chemical management group will implement procedures and programs that significantly reduce, and in some instances eliminate, chemical waste. A reduction of waste is accomplished by incorporating a chemical recycling program that catches all of the run off and potential waste of the chemical solution so that it can be reused for later parts and materials cleaning. This procedure is also advantageous because it provides industrial businesses an opportunity to save money, as less chemical solution purchases will need to be made due to the recycling of the chemical solvent that would normally be lost.

Less Inventory: The chemical management of your industrial company’s chemical solvent stock means better management of your inventory. With a chemical management program in place, less inventory means not purchasing as much quantity of chemical solvent (a reduction in business overhead), not having to hold as much chemical solvent in your facilities (more facility space), and less time is spent devoting to the procedures involved regarding inventory protocol (employees spend more time on other necessary operations).

A chemical management system is truly the best way to accomplish the three mentioned benefits described in this blog, which directly lead to several other serious advantages. It also puts in place an eco friendly, green alternative system that reduces harmful, adverse affects brought on by chemical solvents that can endanger people, wildlife, and the environment. Contact Ecolink to learn more about the benefits to installing a chemical management program for your business.

Replacement Strategies for Banned Chemicals

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replacing banned chemicalsWith the help of newly found research and scientific studies on the inclusion of certain types of chemicals used in cleaning solvents, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is using this information to reduce the use of hazardous chemical solvents in the workplace and at home. If any chemical cleaning solvents are determined to be harmful, the EPA will start a notification process that will inform industrial businesses and the public who might be using harmful chemical cleaning solvents that an immediate cease and desist must commence no later than a certain date that will be provided, actuated by the EPA. A similar occurrence happened with a chemical solvent known as HCFC-225. Beginning on January 1, 2015, businesses that facilitate industrial cleaning solutions will no longer be lawfully allowed to use the chemical solvent HCFC-225, which is also called “AK225.” AK225 is a popularly used precision solvent used for cleaning industrial parts, metals, components, and materials, because of its efficiency for high performance cleaning. Known as “white paper,” this document, which will explain the termination of HCFC-225, will consist detailed information stating the reason why the EPA banned the chemical solvent.

The well detailed and abundantly informational white paper will also offer options for replacement cleaning solvents that will be listed on the document. In other words, your industrial organization will immediately have ‘a leg up’ in finding an alternative cleaning solution if it is currently using AK225. When implementing the plan to change to a different chemical cleaning solvent, options exist that include eco friendly, green initiative solutions that will clean as effectively as AK225 could, and also instill a safe solution that places people and the environment out of danger. If you, or your business, would like more information on eco friendly alternative cleaning solutions, Ecolink is a green initiative organization that can assist with the switch to a better, safer solvent.

Ecolink employs a team of scientists and experts in the chemical solvent industry that work toward uncovering hazardous chemical solvents that are still made available to industrial businesses and the public for cleaning purposes. In addition, through chemical research, Ecolink experts and scientists have developed eco friendly, green alternative cleaning solvent options that can take the place of your harmful cleaning solvent, and clean with as much efficiency as your previous model. Ecolink has plenty of information on eco friendly cleaning alternatives readily available, which means that little, to no lag time should happen when an industrial organization commits to switching to green initiative chemical cleaners.

Ecolink, through its brilliantly developed solvent replacement strategies, has made transitioning from one chemical solvent to a new, safer chemical cleaning solution simple. Industrial businesses, if willing to adhere to Ecolink’s strategies on solvent replacement, will never have to worry about problems related to conforming to the EPA’s set mandates and regulations ever again.

Call Ecolink today at 800-563-1305 to begin your chemical audit and begin saving money through chemical replacement and reduced chemical usage.

 

What is the ZWBA?

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USZBC Brandon Pelissero ZWBA Certificate-600Environmental and health safety organizations have developed over the years, alerting businesses about the alarming rate of waste that is produced. The rising of these organizations stem from the research and the growing increase of available information regarding how truly harmful waste has become from businesses, and how it negatively impacts both people and the environment. One such organization, known as the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council (USZWBC), has developed what is called the Zero Waste Business Associate (ZWBA) certification system. This systems works toward training professionals so they can help businesses achieve a “Zero Waste” standard, as well as to help get the companies’ facilities certified as Zero Waste, according to the USZWBC Scorecard Certification System. Companies that become certificate holders will obtain a practical understanding of the most current Zero Waste business principles and practices and USZWBC policies and processes, as well as the ability to demonstrate a clear and concise commitment to professional growth concerning the advancement of Zero Waste policy.

Companies that wish to become Zero Waste Business Associates through the USZWBC will earn their credentials by submitting the following: an application, attending the ZWBA Scorecard Training 101 Course – which was previous called the “Become a Certified Zero Waste Business” Course – and is a six hour course, paying all applicable fees, and passing a computer based exam, which is comprised of randomly delivered multiple choice questions. Once certified, the role of a ZWBA member is to implement Zero Waste programs and help others become aware of the program, prepare businesses for the USZWBC Zero Waste Business Certification training program, and assist businesses through the entire certification process. Note: certified ZWBA members do not conduct certification audits, trainings, or any other business affairs on behalf of the USZWBC.

In a brief summation, the following lists the steps on how to earn a Zero Waste Business Associate Certificate:

  • First, you need to fill out the application form.
  • Participate in the six hour training course.
  • Take, and pass the subsequent test that follows the training course.
  • Make sure you are up to date in paying all of the certification costs.
  • When it is time to do so, get your certification renewed.

More information concerning all related materials about the ZWBA can be attained from the USZWBC website, including a more comprehensive detailing of the steps mentioned above, the advantageous to becoming a ZWBA certified member, along with more information regarding the ZWBA, and everything it entails. Any additional questions can be answered by either an Ecolink professional, or a representative of the USZWBC.

Ecolink is fortunate enough to have one of only two certified ZWBA professionals in all of Georgia. Brandon Pelissero successfully completed the course in July of 2014. This certification adds to the many skills Ecolink employs to help their clients minimize chemical usage, maximize their cleaning budget and create an enviromentally friendly approach to industrial cleaning. Call today 800-563-1305 to begin your journey to zero waste harmony.

Is your Company Aware of the Proposed Regulations for Industrial Cleaning Solvents?

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industrial cleaningOne of the most important aspects involved in operating an industrial business is ensuring your company is aware of newly proposed regulations, guidelines, and procedures as it pertains to industrial cleaning solvents. Why is a consistently high level of awareness needed regarding industrial cleaning solvents? At present – and all should feel fortunate to have so many different types of agencies and organizations looking out for potential hazardous agents – there are so many more watchdog organizations in existence that help ensure that an eco friendly, green alternative mindset is pushed to maximize the safety of people, and the environment. The reasons for the increase in watchdog groups are many: the heightened recognition of detrimental aspects involving industrial operations and habits, and how those habits and operations impact the earth; increase in environmental awareness; the realization of so many hazardous chemicals in existence; and proof through research and testing that those hazardous chemicals in use have caused people to experience serious illnesses, and in some cases, death.

Environmental protection organizations and agencies are increasingly proposing at a more frequent rate new regulations that are often based on the findings of the Environmental Protection Agency, also known as the EPA. The EPA has a devised and structured set of mandatory rules and regulations, known as the Control Techniques Guidelines, or CTG, which specifically cites what is right and wrong when using Industrial cleaning solvents. The intention of CTG is to comprehensively cover all industrial cleaning operations that are not already regulated by other sources or set of guidelines.

As it pertains to the category of industrial cleaning solvents, the CTG included a variety of industrial products that are used to remove contaminants, such as adhesives, inks, paint, soil, oil, and grease. In the newly set proposed regulations, compliant solvents must completely satisfy one or both of the following Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) limits:

  • A Volatile Organic Compound content must be less than or equal to fifty grams of VOC per liter (gram of VOC per liter) (0.42 pounds of VOC per gallon (pond of VOC per gal)) of cleaning solvent material.
  • A VOC composite vapor pressure has to be equal to or less than eight millimeters of mercury, at sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, or twenty degrees Celsius.
  • If your industrial organization generates less than fifteen pounds of VOC per day from industrial cleaning unit operations, then it can still use non-compliant solvents, as long as your industrial operations maintain all of the required records proving the fact.

Industrial facilities that are generating fifteen pounds of VOC per day or more from industrial cleaning unit operations are required to use mandated and compliant coatings, or otherwise install an add-on air pollution control device.