Unlike a water based cleaner that contains water as the main ingredient, a solvent based cleaner features one or more chemicals as the main ingredient. Water based cleaners can be just as effective at removing tough accumulations as solvent based cleaners. However, there are some situations in which the latter are more efficacious for certain cleaning operations.
If you need a solvent based cleaner, it’s important to make some key considerations before you place an order. When you choose a solvent cleaner based on the considerations below, you increase the chance that the product will be a long-term solution for your needs and avoid requiring replacement due to safety problems, performance issues, or budgetary concerns.
- Chemical Profile
The chemicals a solvent based cleaner contains impact more than its cleaning power; they also affect the health of those who work in close contact with cleaner. Particularly important is to select a cleaner that emits no EPA listed hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), as these, toxic substances are well-known to cause several types of acute and chronic health problems in workers.
- Range of Application
Some solvent based cleaners are generals cleaners, while others are designed for cleaning a specific substance or a family of substances (e.g. chromium alloys). Using a general cleaner for all cleaning is the most economical choice in terms of solvent cost. However, if you have substances that a general cleaner isn’t designed to clean, using a cleaner that’s designed for them can be the most economical option in terms of preventing rework and productivity lags.
- Flammability
The flammability of the cleaner, as determined by its flashpoint, has a significant impact on how the product can be used and stored. In most cases, solutions that have a high flashpoint or no flashpoint are a better option than ones that have a low flashpoint. Cleaners that have a low-hazard flammability profile are easier to store and apply without creating a fire hazard.
- Supply Cost
On average, how much would it cost to use the cleaner on a monthly basis? This is a question that should be answered at the outset of choosing solvent based cleaners. Otherwise, you could arrive at a point where you must replace the product with a less expensive one — a process that could temporarily disrupt cleaning processes and compromise productivity.
When determining the cost of supplying the product, be sure to consider whether the product’s active ingredients can be recycled and reused, as well as exactly how much of the product will be used based via the method of application (e.g. spray cleaning, tank cleaning, aerosol, etc.).
Need New Solvent Based Cleaners?
If so, Ecolink will help you choose the right solution for your needs based on the considerations above, as well as considerations that apply to your organization’s unique cleaning needs. In addition to supplying stock solvent based cleaners that are ready for immediate shipment, we also supply cleaners whose custom formulation is designed for the user’s unique requirements.
We specialize in supplying powerful, eco friendly, industrial cleaning solutions that are competitively priced. To get started on receiving new solvent based cleaners, call us today at (800) 563-1305, or use the contact page on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!
Safety Recommendations for Solvent Based Cleaners
/in Safer Chemicals/by Industrial DegreasersSolvent based cleaners are solutions whose base is primarily comprised of chemicals, which are largely responsible for delivering the cleaning power of the solutions. Some solvent based cleaners are safer for humans and the environment than others. However, even when a solvent cleaner is considered safer to use than some of its toxic counterparts, in order to be considered truly safe for use, it must often be administered within the context of the safety measures below.
Special Ventilation System
Solvents that emit airborne particles that could cause respiratory distress, upset stomach, dizziness, or other troublesome, acute health conditions should be administered in an environment with a special ventilation system that is designed to efficiently pull the particles from the air instead of letting them hang around and precipitate acute health problems.
Tightly Sealed Cleaner Containers
When solvent based cleaners are not in use, they can still emit vapors that cause acute health issues such as the ones mentioned above, though usually not with the same intensity as open containers from which liquid is dispensed. Tightly sealed containers also help preserve solvent that has a high evaporation rate, as well as prevent accidental spills in the work environment
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is exactly what it sounds like: attire that workers wear to prevent exposure to conditions in the work environment that could cause serious harm, including powerful chemicals that could create a wide array of acute and chronic health conditions. For help selecting PPE, consult this “Selecting PPE” resource from OSHA.
Elimination of Ignition Sources
From open flames in metallurgical heat treating environments to sparks in work areas where welding is performed, there are numerous types of ignition sources that could potentially ignite solvent based cleaners that have a medium to low flash point. When these types of cleaners must be applied, ignition sources should be eliminated before the solvents are administered.
Chemical Waste Disposal System
When solvent based cleaners contain ingredients that could negatively impact workers and the environment, they should be administered in work areas that contain a chemical waste disposal systems that quickly secure the ingredients and store them under safe conditions until in-house or third party waste disposal specialists can safely remove them from the waste trap.
Need Safer Solvent Based Cleaners?
In terms of safety, solvent based cleaners range from being highly toxic to humans and the environment to having a commendable safety profile regarding these considerations. Ecolink specializes in supplying the latter type of solvent cleaners. Whether your organization uses a solvent cleaner whose ingredients the EPA is scheduled to regulate, or you simply want a safer cleaner for the sake of your workers and the environment, we can provide the right solution.
Call us today at (800) 563-1305 for assistance determining whether one of our readymade cleaners or a custom cleaning solution is the best option for your needs. Let us provide you with a safer solution that benefits the health of your workers and helps to protect the environment!
World Water Day – Highly Concentrated Aqueous Cleaners for Industry by Ecolink Inc.
/in Aqueous Cleaning Agents/by Industrial DegreasersHighly Concentrated Aqueous Cleaners for Industrial Degreasing
Ecolink was founded in 1991 with an environmental mission to replace ozone depleting solvents and other hazardous chemicals. The international observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. We advocate and promote fewer (first) and safer chemicals for industrial use and encourage all of our employees, suppliers, customers and extended community to make mindful consumer choices that ensure a smaller water footprint, thereby protecting water supplies in other countries. To learn more about World Water Day, visit http://www.worldwaterday.org/.
At Ecolink Inc. we offer a portfolio of highly concentrated aqueous cleaners. We designed our products to work effectively at very high dilution ratios, which reduces solid waste through decreased packaging + reduces transportation and disposal costs. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your critical cleaning requirements for replacing existing aqueous cleaners or converting from solvent-based cleaners and degreasers. 800-563-1305 or info@ecolink.com We are chemist-owned and operated and have more than 30 years of aqueous cleaner formulating experience.
pressure washing
aqueous parts washers
800 886-8240info@ecolink.com
pressure washing
steam cleaning
Spray & wipe
Tank cleaning
Water based paint cleanup
(TCC)
Aqueous parts washers
Selecting a Solvent Based Cleaner: Key Considerations
/in Solvents/by Industrial DegreasersUnlike a water based cleaner that contains water as the main ingredient, a solvent based cleaner features one or more chemicals as the main ingredient. Water based cleaners can be just as effective at removing tough accumulations as solvent based cleaners. However, there are some situations in which the latter are more efficacious for certain cleaning operations.
If you need a solvent based cleaner, it’s important to make some key considerations before you place an order. When you choose a solvent cleaner based on the considerations below, you increase the chance that the product will be a long-term solution for your needs and avoid requiring replacement due to safety problems, performance issues, or budgetary concerns.
The chemicals a solvent based cleaner contains impact more than its cleaning power; they also affect the health of those who work in close contact with cleaner. Particularly important is to select a cleaner that emits no EPA listed hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), as these, toxic substances are well-known to cause several types of acute and chronic health problems in workers.
Some solvent based cleaners are generals cleaners, while others are designed for cleaning a specific substance or a family of substances (e.g. chromium alloys). Using a general cleaner for all cleaning is the most economical choice in terms of solvent cost. However, if you have substances that a general cleaner isn’t designed to clean, using a cleaner that’s designed for them can be the most economical option in terms of preventing rework and productivity lags.
The flammability of the cleaner, as determined by its flashpoint, has a significant impact on how the product can be used and stored. In most cases, solutions that have a high flashpoint or no flashpoint are a better option than ones that have a low flashpoint. Cleaners that have a low-hazard flammability profile are easier to store and apply without creating a fire hazard.
On average, how much would it cost to use the cleaner on a monthly basis? This is a question that should be answered at the outset of choosing solvent based cleaners. Otherwise, you could arrive at a point where you must replace the product with a less expensive one — a process that could temporarily disrupt cleaning processes and compromise productivity.
When determining the cost of supplying the product, be sure to consider whether the product’s active ingredients can be recycled and reused, as well as exactly how much of the product will be used based via the method of application (e.g. spray cleaning, tank cleaning, aerosol, etc.).
Need New Solvent Based Cleaners?
If so, Ecolink will help you choose the right solution for your needs based on the considerations above, as well as considerations that apply to your organization’s unique cleaning needs. In addition to supplying stock solvent based cleaners that are ready for immediate shipment, we also supply cleaners whose custom formulation is designed for the user’s unique requirements.
We specialize in supplying powerful, eco friendly, industrial cleaning solutions that are competitively priced. To get started on receiving new solvent based cleaners, call us today at (800) 563-1305, or use the contact page on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!
Sanitizing Food Preparation Surfaces with Sanitizers
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersPrepping Surfaces for Food Preparation
With the constant news stories of food-borne illness rising each and every year, there is a need for more effective cleaning and sanitation procedures and materials in the food manufacturing industry. To ensure the lowest possible chance of illness resulting from unclean surfaces, detergent-based cleaners are not potent enough to remove pathogens. In a study performed by J Barker, results showed that detergents failed to decontaminate tested surfaces in all but one trial. Consequently, when developing a surface preparation procedure, it is critical to use a detergent-based cleaner and a sanitizer once the cleaner has been used to ensure the lowest chance of organic food contamination!
Disinfectants vs Sanitizers
Similarities
Differences
It is important to remember that sanitizers are used to reduce bacterial count by 99.999% on food preparation surfaces within 30 seconds while disinfectants are used to kill all targeted organisms within 10 minutes. Therefore, utilizing both in a cleaning procedure will allow you to reduce chances of illness as much as possible.
Overview of a General Cleaning and Sanitizing Process for Food Contact Surfaces and Equipment
A usual method for cleaning and sanitizing food contact surfaces and equipment utilizes liquids and is in three steps: clean, rinse, sanitize.
Clean
Rinse
Sanitize
Allowed Cleaners, Detergents, and Soaps
The only requirement for cleaners, detergents, and soaps in the food surface cleaning process is that they must be prevented from coming in contact with organic food. Thus, cleaning agents are required to be rinsed from the food contact surface prior to use. The USDA organic regulations do not specifically list any approved cleaners since the guidelines require the removal of any cleaner form food contact surfaces and equipment. Therefore, the proper removal of the cleaner will ensure that no residue will be in contact with organic foods.
Approved Sanitizers
Approved Sanitizers (Requires intervening step to ensure zero contamination
How can Ecolink help?
To purchase and find technical support on sanitizers, like isopropyl alcohol, contact us today! We will work with you to find a suitable product for your needs. We also offer samples so that you can determine if our product is right for you! Call us today at 800-563-1305 or check out our shop!
What are the six Common Air Pollutants?
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersAmong the many different kinds of air pollutants negatively affecting the air all of us breathe, there are six very common, and harmful air pollutants to which we need to pay significant attention. In fact, the Clean Air Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for the six most prevalent, and dangerous, air pollutants. The six commonly found air pollutants, which are also known as “criteria pollutants,” are found all over the United States, which is one of many aspects of why they are so hazardous. The six common air pollutants are:
These pollutants can have a terrible impact on the health of anyone who is exposed, which means every single person in the entire country. The pollutants can also protract a horrible affectation on the environment, and can cause property damage.
Of the six pollutants named in the previous paragraph, particle pollution and ground-level ozone are the most widespread health threats. The Environmental Protection Agency calls these two pollutants “criteria” air pollutants, because the EPA regulates these prevailing pollutants by creating human health based and/or environmentally based criteria (science-based guidelines) for setting permissible levels. The set of limits deemed permissible for exposure, based on securing optimal human health, is called the primary standard. The name for another set of limits intended to prevent environmental and property damage, which is mostly used for the other for most common air pollutants, as well as other moderately worrisome air pollutants, is known as the secondary standard.
To remain cognizant of the affects of each of these six common air pollutants, the EPA tracks two kinds of air pollution trends. The first trend involves the air concentration, which is based on actual measurements of pollutant concentrations in the ambient, or outside air at selected monitoring sites throughout the country.
The second involves the emissions of the air pollutants, which is based on engineering estimates of the total tons of pollutants released into the air each year. Despite the progress made in the last few decades, millions of people continue to live in counties throughout the United States with monitor data showing unhealthy air for one or more of the six common air pollutants. This is alarming for two reasons: the first being that not enough information is in circulation concerning these health hazards, or not enough of it has been made public knowledge. The second concern, which is possibly graver, is that people simply do not concern themselves enough with how potentially devastating these air pollutants can be to themselves, and to the environment.
For the EPA’s most recent evaluation of air pollution trends for these six most common pollutants, you can consult with a professional from Ecolink, who can provide further information.