As minimizing global warming becomes a greater and greater priority, efforts toward reducing contributions are at an all-time high. The chemical industry is no exception, with many chemicals and chemical processes having less-than-great effects on the environment.   

Naturally, quite a bit of work and research is being done toward reducing these effects and finding alternatives with a smaller footprint. One hot topic in this field is that of low global warming potential (GWP) solvents.  

What Are Low-GWP Solvents?  

 To understand low-GWP solvents, we must first understand GWP. This potential is a measure of how much energy a greenhouse gas can hold in our atmosphere, which is directly related to its contribution to global warming.   

The baseline for GWP is carbon dioxide (CO2), with every other gas being assigned a numerical value based on how its contribution compares to CO2. A value between 0 and 1 means it holds less energy than carbon dioxide, while a value greater than 1 means it holds more.  

Low-GWP solvents are simply solvents with relatively smaller numbers. This does not necessarily mean the number is less than one. Instead, it means that its GWP is low compared to the other solvents that can be used for the same applications.  

While a GWP of 50 might sound high, it is not uncommon for solvents to get into the thousands or even tens of thousands. As such, being able to replace a high-GWP solvent with a lower-GWP one on an industrial scale could yield massive benefits over time.  

Using Low-GWP Solvents in Industry  

The bulk of the current research in this area is identifying various low-GWP substitutes for a wide range of uses. No two chemicals are made equal, so while one solvent might be usable in two different processes, a substitute for one process might now work in the other. As such, having a variety of low-GWP alternatives for every compound and process would be the ideal end goal of this research.  

In addition to determining if a substitute can work in each process, one must also consider the differences in qualities that the new chemical brings. This means that switching to low-GWP solvents will not happen overnight but will instead be a gradual change.  

Nevertheless, we here at Ecolink are doing our part with our Ecolink 4005 Non-Flammable Solvent. This product has been designed to emit low GWP as well as other eco-conscious components. It is versatile in composition and effects, being able to be applied to a multitude of surfaces.   

Looking For Solvents?  

We here at Ecolink can guide you through this and more! Our company has been providing industries such as yours with diverse and high-quality chemicals for over three decades. Try our Ecolink 4005 Non-Flammable as its versatility and applications are abundant! However, if you are interested or in need of other solvents, our products can be found here. Contact us today, we are just a click away! 

As safety and sustainability become more prioritized in the chemical industry, many are looking to replace their more harmful chemicals with safer and cleaner alternatives. Two chemicals that have become a bit of a hot topic in this area are trichloroethylene (TCE) and n-propyl bromide (nPB). Although they are effective in their applications, they are also extremely toxic. Inside this blog, we will explain their toxicities as well as what can replace them!  

The Problems with TCE and nPB  

 TCE and nPB are industrial cleaners and degreasers that have become popular due to their high effectiveness, and versatility in many different uses. However, as mentioned above, both are highly toxic. This toxicity greatly compromises both the health of humans and local ecosystems.   

For workers handling these chemicals, brief exposure can cause minor symptoms like dizziness and nausea. Continuous exposure, on the other hand, can lead to more fatal conditions such as cancer and reproductive damage.   

There is a large incentive to find a safe replacement for these chemicals to ensure the safety of workers who have to handle them daily. However, due to their wide range of uses, the solution is not necessarily as simple as finding a “one size fits all” replacement.  

Replacing TCE and nPB  

 Identifying the best replacement will depend on the application. What might work best in electronics cleaning might not also be the best for cleaning metal parts. Choosing the right solvent will involve identifying the surface you want to cleanse and the elements you want to wash away.  

Nevertheless, there are some general trends that most replacements follow. While these are by no means universally true, most replacement solvents have the following properties: 

• Lower boiling points than TCE and nPB, meaning savings on energy costs  
• Higher recyclability, meaning savings on material costs  
• Lower toxicity and/or volatility, meaning savings on ventilation and filtration costs 

In addition to those, these chemicals also typically exhibit greater environmental friendliness and have a lower impact on local ecosystems.  

All in all, although replacements for TCE and nPB might cost more pound-per-pound, they typically save more in the long run by reducing costs in other areas. A safe replacement for these substances that we highly recommend is Ecolink 4005 Non-Flammable Solvent. This product is designed as a specific replacement for these chemicals, but it is also compatible with a multitude of surfaces!   

Want To Learn More?  

Then look no further than us here at Ecolink! In addition to our 4005-non-flammable solvent, we provide a variety of eco-conscious and high-quality products for your industrial needs! If you are interested in this solvent or any others you might need, you can look through our chemicals here. Contact us today for more information, we are here for you!