The chemical Trichloroethylene (TCE) plays a role in the production of various products, from industrial degreasers to pepper spray used for self-defense. As for the latter application, TCE is even better than advertised.
In addition to helping pepper spray irritate eyes and skin, TCE also delivers a toxic shot of carcinogenicity to the unfortunate person who receives the spray. But would-be assailants aren’t the only ones whose health TCE jeopardizes. People exposed to the chemical in the workplace are also affected, their risk being the highest due to repeated exposure.
Why TCE Replacement is the Best Response
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both consider TCE to be a “known” human carcinogen, as opposed to “reasonably anticipated to be” a human carcinogen — a less severe designation the EPA applies to other dangerous chemicals.
Because such designations can have a major impact on the economics of the solvent industry, the EPA doesn’t dole them out them lightly. Once a chemical officially gets a bad rap, it’s because years of anecdotal evidence and scientific research support the conclusion. This brings us to the fact that TCE is indeed dangerous, and that switching from TCE instead of attempting to reduce exposure is the best option.
How to Approach Switching From TCE
Most companies that use TCE don’t specialize in identifying chemical replacement solutions. So, for most end users, step one is to contact a supplier of eco friendly solvents, such as Ecolink, that can offer guidance for choosing an effective replacement.
Step two is working with the supplier to identify viable replacement solutions in terms of chemical efficacy and workplace safety. For example, we often recommend replacing a TCE-based solvent with FluoSolv CX, which delivers the power of TCE without the well-known health risks of chlorinated solvents.
Step three is testing the prospective replacement solution to see how it performs. The best way to do this is to request a free sample of the solution to use as a drop-in substitute for your TCE solvent. You want to see how well a solution performs before you purchase it. We make it easy by providing free product samples.
Step four is ordering the product after it tests successfully. If the product doesn’t test successfully, this is the time to discuss receiving a custom solvent that’s tailored to your needs. If it turns out that a custom solvent is your best option, we can supply it in bulk or as-needed.
Lookinf for a TCE Equivalent?
If so, going for the switch can save your company headaches in the future, such as settling chemical injury lawsuits, investing in expensive solutions for mitigating TCE exposure, and having to replace a TCE solvent on short notice after TCE becomes more heavily regulated or banned by the EPA.
To get started on switching from TCE, call us today at (800) 563-1305, or send us an email through our contact form. We look forward to helping you select the best TCE replacement for your solvent needs.
6 Advantages to Using Alcohol Stoves When Camping
/in Commodity Chemicals/by Industrial DegreasersCamping is a popular activity among millions of Americans in the United States, especially during the summertime. Camping is great for anyone looking to get away from the stress of day to day life. Whether you plan to go camping by yourself and explore nature or go to a lake with your family for the weekend, you’re going to need a few essentials for your camping trip. When you’re backpacking if you are one who looks forward to cooked meals and does not want to eat dry foods every day in the wild, you will want to bring a portable stove. Below we look at six different advantages to using alcohol stoves for camping.
1) The materials needed for an alcohol stove are inexpensive
An actual alcohol stove can be purchased for just a mere $10 or you can make your own alcohol stove. All you need is a three-ounce can of cat food. Once it is empty, remove the lid and round off the sharp lip by folding it over with a pair of pliers. Use a handheld hole puncher to cut a row of holes around the top of the can. The holes should be about an eighth of an inch apart. Punch a second row of equally spaced holes under the first, but offset them so that the centers of these holes sit under the gaps of the first row. Then, you have to build the windscreen from aluminum foil to go light and cheap. Cut a sheet that is three inches longer than the circumference of your pot. Then, fold it in half, fold down the edges, and make sure to smooth out the air between layers. Fold it in half, then fold down the edges, making sure to smooth out the air between layers.
2) Fuel is easy to find
Most people burn denatured alcohol in an alcohol stove (called meths overseas), which you can buy in any drugstore or hardware store, making it very easy to resupply during a hike. This also makes them great for international travel, especially in countries that don’t have outdoor stores that sell specialized fuels.
3) Alcohol Stoves are Light and Portable
The majority of alcohol stoves weigh less than two ounces and you can even make an alcohol stove that only weighs a few grams.
4) Using Alcohol Stoves Never Require Maintenance
Most alcohol stoves don’t have any moving parts and never require any maintenance. There are no hoses or pumps or fuel lines that need to be cleaned, maintained, or repaired.
5) Using Denatured Alcohol is Safer
Using Denatured Alcohol is a lot safer to use than other kinds of backpacking fuel because it won’t flare up into an explosive fireball like white gas stove when you fill a small alcohol stove up and light it. Alcohol stoves are easy to put out by snuffing them out and you won’t smell like gasoline if you spill it on your clothes.
6) Denatured Alcohol is an Environmentally Friendly Fuel
The creation and packing of alcohol don’t have the same toxic by-products that are created during the manufacture of white gas (which is super refined unleaded gasoline), isobutane canister gas, or hexamine solid fuel tablets. Alcohol is still made using a natural fermentation process, although on an industrial scale.
Denatured Ethanol Applications
/in Commodity Chemicals/by Industrial DegreasersDenatured Ethanol Applications
What is Denatured Ethanol?
Denatured Ethanol is ethanol that contains additives which make it poisonous to consume, bad tasting, foul smelling, or nauseating. Denatured ethanol may also be known as specially denatured alcohol or SDA. Depending on the type of denatured alcohol, the composition of the alcohol can range from seventy to ninety-nine percent being ethanol.
Types of Denatured Ethanol Used
The two types of denatured alcohol that we carry at Ecolink are SDA 40B 200 and SDA 3C 200. The 40B and 3C indicate the type of chemical is mixed within the ethanol and the 200 indicates the proof of the alcohol. 200 shows that the ethanol is pure. The SDA 40B 200 has a composition of 99.9 percent ethanol and 0.1 percent 2-propanol and 2-methyl. 40B Ethanol 200 is the most widely used and popular denatured alcohol. The SDA 3C 200 has a composition of ninety-five percent ethanol and five percent 2-Propanol. Both SDA 3C 200 and SDA 40B 200 require a valid permit for purchasing.
Applications of Denatured Ethanol
Some general uses of denatured ethanol include paint removal, pest control, disinfectant, and window cleaning. Denatured alcohol is also used as a starter fluid for camping stoves, and as an industrial solvent.
The key difference between SDA 3C 200 ethanol and SDA 40B 200 ethanol comes down to what denatures both of them, as mentioned previously. Despite that difference, both denatured ethanol’s are used within cosmetics, as solvents, and as raw materials for processes.
SDA 3C 200 is specifically used in industrial and institutional cleaning, paint and coatings, within pharmaceuticals as a medical disinfectant, and as raw materials for chemical processes.
SDA 40B 200 has a feature of decreasing drying time which allows it to be a key cosmetic additive, cosmetic astringent, and used as a raw material for cosmetic products. Other uses of SDA 40B 200 include it being:
For more information regarding the several uses of the denatured ethanol we offer at Ecolink, please email us at info@ecolink.com, or call at (800)563-1305.
Isopar vs Kerosene
/in Commodity Chemicals/by Industrial DegreasersIsopar vs Kerosene
It is well known that one of the most common solvents that are usually used by most companies and people is kerosene. As most people know, Kerosene is an oil distillate that can boil between 150 C and 275 C. Before electricity was discovered most people used kerosene in oil lamps. However, scientists have found that kerosene can cause several damages to the environment which is why one of the best solvents that are also safer to use is Isopar.
What is Kerosene?
Kerosene is an extremely flammable hydrocarbon liquid that is often used as a fuel. This particular product typically has a yellow color and has an unpleasant odor. This product contains sulfur and is considered to be tremendously toxic for the environment and the human beings.
What is Isopar?
Isopar is a pure synthetic isoparaffin solvent that has a uniform quality and is mostly odorless, which can make easy for workers and clients to control and work. Also, Isopar has a low toxicity range and is considered to be non-carcinogenic, it has an excellent consistency and a high chemical and thermal stability, and an incredible resistance to oxidation when it comes of long periods of storage or shelving.
Advantages of using Isopar solvents
There are several uses of Isopar solvents. Mostly, because of their uniformity, Isopar solvents can eliminate unwanted impurities and are capable of removing adverse reactions in industrial processes. Most sectors where Isopar works excellent are Industrial and Dry cleaning, Decorative coating, Metalworking, Household consumer products, Pesticides, and Paints.
Primarily in the industrial cleaning, Isopar has been replacing common solvents such as kerosene and other solutions, mainly because they possess high cleaning power and the particular product can reach and clean the most difficult sections of the machine’s parts.
Talking about the environment, kerosene is recognized to release black carbon, which are small particles of soot that are released to the atmosphere thanks to kerosene. Scientists have shown that black carbon is tremendously dangerous for human health and especially the environment. They believed that black carbon could absorb sunlight and heat which can warm the air making the environment to have drastic changes. Also, Kerosene is considered a fuel which causes it to be hazardous waste. Compared to Isopar, which is a product wholly reusable and even recycling it. Also, an interesting fact about Isopar is that it will not damage most plastic and elastomer and because Isopar fluids have narrow boiling ranges it is easy for recover the product, and it would not cause harm for humans.
Why Switching From TCE is in Your Company’s Best Interest
/in TCE/by Industrial DegreasersThe chemical Trichloroethylene (TCE) plays a role in the production of various products, from industrial degreasers to pepper spray used for self-defense. As for the latter application, TCE is even better than advertised.
In addition to helping pepper spray irritate eyes and skin, TCE also delivers a toxic shot of carcinogenicity to the unfortunate person who receives the spray. But would-be assailants aren’t the only ones whose health TCE jeopardizes. People exposed to the chemical in the workplace are also affected, their risk being the highest due to repeated exposure.
Why TCE Replacement is the Best Response
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both consider TCE to be a “known” human carcinogen, as opposed to “reasonably anticipated to be” a human carcinogen — a less severe designation the EPA applies to other dangerous chemicals.
Because such designations can have a major impact on the economics of the solvent industry, the EPA doesn’t dole them out them lightly. Once a chemical officially gets a bad rap, it’s because years of anecdotal evidence and scientific research support the conclusion. This brings us to the fact that TCE is indeed dangerous, and that switching from TCE instead of attempting to reduce exposure is the best option.
How to Approach Switching From TCE
Most companies that use TCE don’t specialize in identifying chemical replacement solutions. So, for most end users, step one is to contact a supplier of eco friendly solvents, such as Ecolink, that can offer guidance for choosing an effective replacement.
Step two is working with the supplier to identify viable replacement solutions in terms of chemical efficacy and workplace safety. For example, we often recommend replacing a TCE-based solvent with FluoSolv CX, which delivers the power of TCE without the well-known health risks of chlorinated solvents.
Step three is testing the prospective replacement solution to see how it performs. The best way to do this is to request a free sample of the solution to use as a drop-in substitute for your TCE solvent. You want to see how well a solution performs before you purchase it. We make it easy by providing free product samples.
Step four is ordering the product after it tests successfully. If the product doesn’t test successfully, this is the time to discuss receiving a custom solvent that’s tailored to your needs. If it turns out that a custom solvent is your best option, we can supply it in bulk or as-needed.
Lookinf for a TCE Equivalent?
If so, going for the switch can save your company headaches in the future, such as settling chemical injury lawsuits, investing in expensive solutions for mitigating TCE exposure, and having to replace a TCE solvent on short notice after TCE becomes more heavily regulated or banned by the EPA.
To get started on switching from TCE, call us today at (800) 563-1305, or send us an email through our contact form. We look forward to helping you select the best TCE replacement for your solvent needs.
Glycol Ethers: What are they and what are their uses?
/in Commodity Chemicals/by Industrial DegreasersGlycol Ethers: What are they and What are their uses?
Glycol ethers are a group of solvents based on alkyl ethers which can be from ethylene glycol or propylene glycol (these are commonly used in paints and cleaners). Typically, these solvents have a higher boiling point. They are categorized as two types which are “e-series” and “p-series” depending on whether they are made from ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, respectively. Mostly, p-series glycol ethers are used in degreasers, cleaners, aerosol paints and adhesives. On the other hand, e-series glycol ethers are found in pharmaceuticals, sunscreens, cosmetics, inks, dyes and water based paints.
Uses of Glycol Ethers:
Glycol Ethers Background
Glycol Ethers have been used since the 1960’s as solvents and stabilizers in a variety of personal, household, and industrial products. The use of glycol ethers has changed significantly over the past 30 years. Low molecular weight E-series have been phased-out and progressively replaced by low molecular weight P-series whenever possible. These substances are industrial chemicals, not expected to occur naturally in the environment.
Significant changes that have influenced the entire glycol ether market during the last decade:
The growth of water-based surface coatings as replacements for solvent-based coatings: It seems that water-based coatings that mainly use glycol ethers as coalescing agents have been the major factor behind the growth of the entire glycol ether market.
Propylene oxide-based glycol ethers (P-series): This growth has been due primarily to increased concern about the toxicological effects of some ethylene oxide-based glycol ethers.
Continuing changes in E-series glycol ether products: In the major regions of the world, growth has been primarily for the butyl products (and some smaller-volume specialty glycol ethers); the methyl and ethyl products groups have been in decline.