Solvents & Vapor Degreasers

Vapor degreasers are a kind of surface finishing solvent, whose chemical components can alter the surface of a manufactured product or material, which allows for the manipulation of certain properties of a product, if that is what is desired. In some instances, industrial components must be cleaned in this manner so that the components are ready for its intended operation. The vapor degreaser functions in vapor form, as is obvious, since it is called “vapor degreaser.” The theory behind the process of vapor degreasing is that the chemical compounds that form the makeup in the vapor degreaser will dissolve all types of potentially invasive particles and contaminants located on the industrial products. The vapor degreaser effectively removes these operational inhibitors by literally dripping the particles and contaminants off the industrial parts.

Vapor degreasing steps are performed as follows: The user will set up a solvent basin, combined with a heating coil, used to boil the solvent. The solvent will eventually evaporate, and the vapor will waft into the chamber set in place to capture the vapor so it can work itself onto the industrial component. Essentially, the vapor degreasing solvent will be trapped in a closed off space where the industrial component is located. The condensed vapor degreasing solvent will encapsulate the industrial part, then commence dissolving any dirt, grime, rust, oil, grease, and all other particles and contaminants on the industrial part. The impurities located on the industrial part will eventually come off, and become contained within the liquid beads formed from the vapor degreaser. Finally, the beads formed from the liquid degreasing solvent will run down the industrial part, and simply fall off, like spilt water dripping off a table.

Most recently, several industrial cleaning companies that offer vapor degreasing services have developed supplemental cleaning systems and methods to the vapor degreasing process that make the service more economically feasible. The process involves capturing and reclaiming the degreasing solvent when it drips off the industrial part being cleaned, so that it can be used again. Other adaptations put forth to enhance the method of vapor degreasing have been issued, including the use of several tanks to improve and speed the rinsing of solvents. One such adaptation includes the use of a degreasing solvent spray that coats the industrial component before it enters into the chamber, so that tougher particles and contaminants that are attached to the industrial component are loosened in hopes of hastening the entire degreasing process, and to help efficiently clean complex industrial products better than usual.

One of the most important qualities of vapor degreasing solvents is that this cleaning method can be used on electronic devices in order to remove non-water soluble particles. Water as a standalone cleaning option on electronic devices could disrupt and / or break electronic devices, and therefore, should never be used. Most electronic devices are fragile, expensive, and difficult to replace. Therefore, the only safe method of cleaning electronic devices is with a vapor degreasing solvent.

Organic Solvents – Safe & Effective Cleaning Agents

Any substance capable of dissolving and dispersing another substance is considered to be a solvent. Cleaners or degreasers containing carbon as part of their molecular structure are referred to as organic solvents. These substances can be found in countless products including varnishes, adhesives, paints, cleaning agents, and glues. They are also used in the production of items such as dyes, textiles, and plastics. Numerous organic solvents are labeled as carcinogens, reproductive hazards, or neurotoxins because of the harmful materials included as part of their chemical makeup. A number of chemical compounds may be used to create organic solvents such as:  

  • Amines
  • Esters
  • Ethers
  • Ketones
  • Hydrocarbons

Any gas, liquid, or solid chemical compound containing carbon is considered to be organic. Classifications vary based on a number of factors; however, the easiest to recognize distinction is between natural and synthetic compounds. A natural organic solvent is derived from plants or animals and is extracted from a natural source because it is cheaper than attempting to develop it artificially. Synthetic compounds are created through the reaction of other substances, which can come from nature or be artificial. Organic solvents consisting of no artificial compounds deliver the safest option for cleaning, degreasing, or other processes.

Choosing an Eco-Friendly Solution

Various alternatives to powerful, carcinogenic substances have been created to provide eco-friendly, effective solvents. One of the largest misconceptions in the area of cleaning agents is that potent chemicals are required to do the trick. While in some cases this is true, countless industrial processes may be performed with a natural organic solvent. Cleaning agents applied for degreasing, general dirt removal, or surface preparation are frequently petroleum-based meaning they release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and emit Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) at normal temperatures. This means these items are released as the product is being used well as during storage. Traditional organic solvents entering soil or water sources continue to remain present for an extended amount of time thus causing pollution. Individuals exposed to these agents continuously or in large doses are also likely to suffer from severe health problems.

An environmentally friendly organic solvent releases minimum to no VOC’s or HAP’s into the surrounding atmosphere. Eco-friendly cleaners provide the same results but do not contain hazardous materials, offer a high flash point, have minimal to no odor, and are not aqueous based. These alternatives provide the safest option when water-based solutions will simply not work for industrial processes. It is also important to note the difference between a natural organic solvent and environmentally preferred products. Natural cleaning agents consist of all plant or animal derived ingredients whereas an environmentally preferred solvent simply meets all standards lined out by the Environmental Protection Agency. In some instances an “all natural” organic solvent may not have enough strength to provide the required cleaning results; however, several more powerful choices are available through manufacturers to ensure industrial needs can be fulfilled without posing significant harm to the environment.

Organic solvents are necessary in a number of industries and play a pivotal safety role in the workplace. For more information about environmentally friendly, low VOC products, please call (800) 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com.

How Atlanta Businesses can find Custom Cleaning Solutions for Industrial Solvents

Companies who purchase and use parts, such as metals and other materials likely use an industrial solvent to clean the parts. Metals, or other types of parts and materials must be cleaned before they can be added to an assembly for full range functionality and operability. Dust, dirt, grime, mildew, grease, rust, particles, and numerous other types of corrosives – if left on a part or material and put into assembly – could result in severe consequences. An unclean part or material could corrode and destroy the object over time, break a machine rendering it useless, and even weaken a structure to which the object was assembled. For these reasons it is critical that parts be cleaned thoroughly and correctly.

Having an industrial solvent, or knowing a company that provides cleaning solutions through the use of an industrial solvent is clutch. Most companies realize that complications can arise when an industrial business needs custom cleaning solutions for particular parts. Some companies that offer cleaning solution services advertise that they can customize or tailor their services to meet the demands of most custom cleaning jobs. However, this is often not the case, and what happens is the parts and materials are incorrectly cleaned, or time is wasted delivering the parts to the parts cleaning company, only to be told later that they cannot manage the job. This ends up being an incredible waste of time, money, and resources for all parties involved.

A good idea would be to contact companies beforehand, speak to a professional, and describe exactly what kind of custom cleaning job you need. A prominent business in the field of industrial solvent cleaning will have an operation that is used to customizing its services to satisfy any cleaning demand. Ecolink is a company that can help you find the right industrial solvent for your particular custom cleaning needs. Ecolink’s mission is to eliminate the waste and pollution of duplicate, unnecessary, harmful and non-complying and/or non-conforming chemicals through lean(er) chemical solutions including customizable delivery, dispensing, distillation, filtration and recycling/reclamation systems.

Ecolink has expert staff on hand ready to answer any question you might have for their chemists. They have dealt with custom cleaning solutions for years, and will know the right type of industrial solvent you will need for your job, and can assist you in finding the product that will provide an industrial solvent for your custom cleaning needs.

 

 

Keeping the Air Clean with Organic Cleaning Solvents

No matter how satisfied industrial organizations are with their late model, industrial cleaning solvent, the fact of the matter remains is that the chemical compounds used in the ingredients are dangerous, and the gaseous emissions from the chemical compounds pollute the air all of us breathe. Keep in mind that he harmful effects can go way beyond minor headaches and dizziness; as very significant, even life threatening side effects can be directly linked to inhaling industrial solvents laced with harmful chemical compounds. There have been reports of people becoming terminally ill later in life with such devastating diseases, such as cancer. No job, no career, and no amount of money are worth putting one’s life in danger. This is why industrial organizations need to keep the air clean by transitioning to organic cleaning solvents.

Another significant danger by using harmful chemical agents that release noxious gases is the polluting of air, and what that means to our environment and our ecosystem. Plants, animals, soil, the ozone layer, even the ocean are all affected by harmful gases released into the air. We all need to start feeling that we should be responsible for cleaning up our environment, not just industrial organizations. Having said that, those (both people and businesses) who continue to use harmful cleaning agents need to begin holding themselves accountable for how they are negatively affecting everyone and everything around them with the emission of noxious gases.

Companies like Ecolink can help you learn how to keep the air clean with organic cleaning solvents, as well as help you make the transition to a safer, greener alternative to cleaning solutions. Because it has been proven that organic cleaning solvents will keep the air clean, and are as effective, if not more effective than any other industrial cleaning solvent, there is no reason not to make the switch. Allow Ecolink to educate you on keeping the air clean with organic cleaning solvents, along with helping you make a seamless transition to an ecofriendly alternative.

Industrial cleaning agents are critical in a number of industries and play an important safety role. Ecolink is always searching for the most effective compound that delivers the least impact on the environment. For more information about environmentally friendly, low VOC products, please call (800) 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com.