Non Flammable Degreasers With nPB: Their Use in Vapor Degreasing

Vapor degreasing is a process in which various types of components are cleaned to remove surface accumulations of grease and similarly constituted substances. In some cases, the procedure is performed as a finishing process to prepare components for further finishing operations, such as painting and heat treating; while in other cases, the goal is to remove grease to sustain the performance of parts that accumulations of grease could compromise.

Using nPB for Vapor Degreasing
N propyl bromide (nPB) is a vapor degreasing solution that originally replaced more volatile and dangerous solutions, particularly the halogenated solvents 1,1,1 Trichloroethane (TCA) and Tetrachloroethene (PCE), which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned in commercial and industrial work settings in the early 1990’s, when the green movement was gaining steam. Compared to these solutions, nPB offers several practical benefits, including:

  • More eco friendly profile
  • No flash point
  • Ideal for non-water-based cleaning
  • Prevents oxidation and water spots
  • Produces little if any waste solvent

As advantageous as nPB can be for vapor degreasing applications, its popularity has started to wane due to emerging information about the drawbacks of the solution. More specifically, NPB has been identified as a solvent that contains ingredients that may be carcinogenic in nature, and can potentially cause liver damage. These findings have led many companies to replace nPB non flammable degreasers with ones that have a better profile for human and animal safety.

Finding New Non Flammable Degreasers
In spite of recent evidence that asserts the danger of using non flammable degreasers that contain nPB, many companies continue to use solutions that contain the ingredient. The reasons why are fairly obvious: companies that use the ingredient frequently typically have a large supply of it onsite, switching to a new vapor degreaser brings the challenge of finding a product that performs as well as the old one, and the EPA has yet to firmly regulate the use of nPB.

While these considerations are only understandable, companies are smart to look at the big picture, and replace nPB vapor degreasers with ones that contain non toxic ingredients. Even if nPB remains largely unregulated for the foreseeable future, it may still have a deleterious effect on the health of those who work with the solution, as well as produce negative effects in animals that come into contact with the solution via vapor emissions and other forms of release.

How Ecolink Can Help
If your company uses non flammable degreasers that contain nPB, and you would like to switch to new ones that have a better safety profile, Ecolink can provide you with readymade solutions or custom solutions that meet your needs. Above all, we can provide safer solutions that work just as well as the old ones, if not more so, and offer you the ability to use the new product as a “drop in” replacement that doesn’t require reconfiguring the existing vapor degreasing system.

For more information about obtaining high-efficacy, non flammable degreasers that don’t contain nPB, call us today at (800) 563-1305, or use the contact page on our website. We look forward to helping you avoid the drawbacks of using nPB in your strategic vapor degreasing operations!

Search here

Don’t forget to share this post!

Suggested Blog Posts

View all News
By Ecolink Team
What is the best solvent to dissolve grease
Feb 04 2025

What is the best solvent to dissolve grease?

  Not sure what is the best solvent to dissolve grease?  Choosing the right solvent can either lead to a successful cleanup or an even worse mess. But with the...
By Ecolink Team
EPA TCE BAN
Dec 14 2024

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...
By Ecolink Team
D-Limonene Production
Nov 04 2024

D-Limonene Production Disruptions: The Impact of Hurricane Milton

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...
By Industrial Degreasers
Feb 05 2024

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...
By Industrial Degreasers
Wood Alcohol Uses
Jan 31 2024

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...
By Industrial Degreasers
Wood Alcohol Uses
Jan 29 2024

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...
By Industrial Degreasers
Jan 26 2024

Methanol vs Ethanol: A Comparison of Fuel Properties  

Methanol and ethanol are two alcohol-based fuels that have gained significant attention as potential alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Both are considered...
By Industrial Degreasers
Jan 24 2024

Alternative Fuels Examples: Innovations in Industrial Energy

In the sustainability and reduced environmental impact, many businesses are turning to alternative fuels as a viable solution for their energy needs. These innovative...
By Industrial Degreasers
Jan 22 2024

Environmentally Friendly Fuel: Promoting Sustainable Practices

As environmental concerns continue to grow, businesses are recognizing the importance of using ecofriendly fuel. Traditional fossil fuels have long been a major source...
By Industrial Degreasers
Jan 19 2024

Aerosol Coating: Efficient Spray Solutions for Industrial Use     

In the world of industrial surface coating, aerosol coating has gained popularity as an efficient and versatile spray solution. Aerosol coating involves packaging the...
View all News