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.
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.
Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether
/in Commodity Chemicals/by Industrial DegreasersWhat is Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether?
This product is created when ethylene oxide and n-butanol are combined. It is a clear liquid with a very low odor and high boiling point.
Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Uses:
This product is used primarily in the manufacturing of lacquers based on nitrocellulose, cellulose ethers and chlorinated rubber. A small quantity is also used in combination lacquers. Glycol DB works as an inert ingredient and also as a deactivator for formulation before the crops emerges from the soil and as stabilizer. Other applications of Glycol DB are as a dispersant for vinyl chloride resins in organosols, a diluent for hydraulic brake fluids, and a mutual solvent for soap, oil, and water in household cleaners. Also, textile industries use Glycol DB as a wetting-out solution. Also, it is used as a coupling solvent in liquid cleaners, cutting fluids, and textile auxiliaries. In the printing industry, Glycol DB application include: solvent in lacquers, paints, and printing inks; high boiling point solvent to improve gloss and flow properties; and used as a solubilizer in mineral oil products.
How to be safe while using Glycol DB
For commercial workers and other consumers that are constantly exposed to this product should be very careful every time that they are in contact with the product. Essentially, when coating is applied to surfaces or when liquid products containing Glycol DB try to avoid inhalation or dermal contact.
2-Butoxyethanol
/in Commodity Chemicals/by Industrial DegreasersWhat is 2-Butoxyethanol?
Also known as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, Glycol EB, and butoxyethanol. This product is a colorless liquid and possess a sweet and ether-like odor. It is nonvolatile and is an inexpensive solvent of low toxicity. One of the best characteristics of this product is that it has not been identified as a major environmental contaminant. An interesting fact about 2-butoxyethanol is that glycol ethers are produced annually around 200-500 kilotons.
2-Butoxyethanol Uses
2-butoxyethanol has been used since the 1930’s. It can be used as a mutual solvent since it has surfactant properties. Also it has been used in different industries such as: business, petroleum and more.
2-Butoxyethanol Commercial Uses
2-butoxyethanol has been used as a solvent for paints and surface coatings, as well as cleaning products and inks. Also, it has been used as a main ingredient for acrylic resin formulations, firefighting foam, leather protectors, oil spill dispersants, degreaser applications, photographic strip solutions, whiteboard cleaners, liquid soaps, cosmetics, dry cleaning solutions, lacquers, varnishes, herbicides, latex paints, enamels, printing paste, and varnish removers, and silicone caulk. This product is an essential compound for construction sites, automobile repair shops, print shops and facilities that produce sterilizing and cleaning products. Since this chemical has both non-polar and polar ends, this product is good for removing and cleaning grease and oils. Also, 2-butoxyethanol can be used as indirect and direct food additives (antimicrobial agents, defoamers, stabilizers, and adhesives).
2-Butoxyethanol Petroleum Uses
This product is an essential component of fracturing fluids, drilling stabilizers, and oil slick dispersants for water-based and oil-based hydraulic fracturing. Because this product can work as a surfactant, it is able to absorbs at the oil-water interface of the fracture. Also, it is used as cure oil-water coupling solvent for more general oil well workovers.
2-Butoxyethanol and the Environment
As it mentioned before, because this product contains low acute toxicity, it can be disposed of incineration. 2-butoxyethanol comes from some industrial activities. It is usually produced by a reaction of ethylene oxide with butyl alcohol, but it may also be made by the reaction of ethylene glycol with dibutyl sulfate. 2-butoxyethanol is widely used as a solvent in protective surface coatings such as spray lacquers, quick-dry lacquers, enamels, varnishes, and latex paints. Also, this product can pass into air from water and soil. In the atmosphere, 2-butoxyethanol probably exists almost entirely as a vapor.
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