Precision cleaning is a cleaning process in which parts are thoroughly cleaned until all soils are removed, with an emphasis on removing soils with a great degree of accuracy in relation to the design of the parts that are cleaned. Precision cleaning is typically performed on parts called “precision parts” due to the infinitesimal degree of precision with which they are manufactured. Engines and switchgear are common examples of equipment that feature precision parts.
Precision Cleaning Methods
Precision parts cleaning can be performed in several ways, but some methods are more efficacious, efficient, and cost effective than others. Among the most popular methods for precision cleaning are cleaning with wipes, cleaning with spray equipment, cleaning with aerosol, and cleaning with a parts washing system. Below, we take a brief look at the basic benefits and drawbacks of performing precision cleaning using these methods.
1. Wipes
Using hand wipes that are saturated with cleaner is the most rudimentary way to clean precision parts. It is also one of the most efficient ways, requiring very little prep time. However, using industrial grade wipes can get expensive if you consistently have a high volume of parts to clean. In addition, hand wipes are an ineffective option for removing soils from precision parts that feature complex dimensions, not all of which hand wipes can conform to reach.
2. Spray Equipment
Whether it involves using a plastic spray bottle or a commercial power washer, cleaning parts with spray equipment is another much performed method of precision cleaning. The advantage is that, when combined with the pressure from the sprayer, the action of the cleaning agent can power through tough accumulations, leaving parts looking new. On the downside, this method often throws solvent conservation to the wind and quickly fills up the solvent waste trap.
3. Aerosol
Aerosol is an excellent option for precision cleaning for three reasons: The amount of cleaning agent used can be easily controlled, the aerosol container disperses cleaner over the surface of parts uniformly, and the cleaning agent often has a high evaporation rate, making it easy to clean parts without sending a large volume of used solvent into the solvent waste trap. On the downside, aerosol can become time consuming and costly if a large volume of parts must be cleaned.
4. Parts Washing System
Many companies and organizations consider using a parts washing system the gold standard for precision cleaning. There are four reasons why: The system is energy efficient, can make it possible to recycle and reuse cleaner, has an airtight seal that prevents emissions during cleaning, and excels at removing soils from small crevices in precision parts. As long as it can clean parts properly within the desired timeframe, this method essentially has no drawbacks.
Need Precision Parts Cleaner?
If so, don’t waste time and money by resorting to trial and error. Get the best precision cleaning agent the first time around by consulting with the solvent specialists at Ecolink. We will examine your precision cleaning needs and precision cleaning system to propose the best solution for your requirements. If one of our stock solutions isn’t the best option, we can create a custom cleaner that perfectly matches your unique precision parts cleaning requirements.
For questions about our products or to place an order, please call us today at (800) 563-1305, or refer to the contact page on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!
Industrial Cleaning Agents: What is a Vapor Pressure Solvent?
/in Vapor Degreasing/by Industrial DegreasersIndustrial cleaning solvents are applied in different forms. Some are wiped on as liquid, others are sprayed from an aerosol container, and still others are heated until they vaporize, with the vapor serving as a cleaning agent for removing soils from a variety of parts. This last type of solvent is commonly referred to as a vapor pressure solvent for two reasons: It is used in the form of vapor, and the vapor is pressurized to provide the desired cleaning action.
Using a Vapor Cleaning Machine
Investing in vapor pressure solvent before vapor cleaning equipment is in place is putting the cart before the horse. The reason why is simple: On its own, a vapor pressure solvent doesn’t vaporize quickly enough or have enough vapor pressure to deliver maximum cleaning power. Essentially, the machine is needed to release the cleaning action of the solvent in the proper fashion. At its simplest, the vapor cleaning process involves the following essential steps.
Many companies and organizations prefer vapor cleaning over other methods of removing soils from precision parts. In most cases, there at least three reasons why: The machine carries a small electrical load, making it energy efficient; solvent can be collected and reused, making vapor degreasing economical in terms of solvent cost; and equal amounts of vapor and pressure are applied to each part to create a thorough, uniform cleaning process.
There are also several additional benefits associated with using vapor pressure solvent, particularly: reduced solvent waste disposal cost, minimal chemical exposure due to the vapor cleaning machine’s airtight seal while cleaning is performed, ability to automate the vapor cleaning process to improve productivity, ability to clean parts that have complex configurations, and the ease of operating and maintaining vapor cleaning equipment.
Should You Use Vapor Cleaning?
At the outset, implementing an industrial grade parts cleaning system that relies on vapor cleaning solvent can require a considerable amount of time and money. The workflow of the parts cleaning system must be established to ensure that parts are cleaned and ready to use on schedule; and, of course, the vapor cleaning machine must be purchased and installed.
However, for companies and organizations that clean a high volume of parts, implementing a vapor cleaning system can deliver an excellent return on investment (ROI) due to the financial benefits listed above. If you need help determining whether vapor cleaning is a good solution for your parts cleaning requirements, the solvent specialists at Ecolink are here to help.
In addition to helping you decide whether vapor cleaning would be a profitable operation for your company or organization, we can also supply environmentally preferred vapor pressure solvent in the form of a stock cleaner or a custom formulated cleaner that’s tailored to your needs. For more information, please call us today at (800) 563-1305, or refer to the contact page on our website. We look forward to supporting your industrial cleaning needs!
NEW II: A Cheaper, Qualified Alternative to AK-070-II Solvent from Alfakleen
/in Industrial Cleaning Solutions/by Industrial DegreasersHow Ecolink’s MIL-PRF-680 TYPE II products stack up against Alfakleen’s
A product that is qualified to the MIL-PRF-680 Type II specification is just that, a product that qualifies. Our NEW II solvent cleaner, as listed in the QPD (Qualified Product Database), is qualified to the performance specification while Alfakleen’s is not. If your T.O. (Technical Order) does not specify that a qualified product is needed, then you may be wondering, why choose Ecolink over other suppliers?
Price: NEW II Can Be Purchased at a Lower Cost Than Alfakleen’s Degreasing Solvent
We don’t seek to be the cheapest option on the market, but our fair pricing makes low cost a reality. When purchased in volume, Ecolink’s NEW II product is cheaper per drum, which saves you hundreds over Alfakleen’s degreasing solvent cleaner. Two similar products, two different price points – we like making decisions easy.
If you’re working with an older specification such as PD 680 or A-A-59601, our product Parts Kleen II can save you additional money. Stay tuned to the blog for more on Parts Kleen II.
If you would like to learn more about pricing, call (800) 563-1305 to speak with a representative or email us at new2@ecolink.com.
Speed: Receiving Your Green Cleaning Products Faster with Ecolink
For some customers, responsiveness is key, which is why we are fully committed to providing a level of customer service that exceeds expectations. NEW II is a stocked item that can be shipped same day. We are flexible with demand and able to compensate for customers who use JIT (Just in time) inventory management. Compared to Alfakleen’s 1-7 day window for processing orders, our product can realistically be in your possession before theirs has shipped.
Safety: Cleaner for You, Cleaner for the Environment
NEW II has a high-grade hydrocarbon base which gives it the strength to remove grease, fuel oil, carbon, and organic resins. This non-chlorinated degreaser is also safe for use on most plastic and rubber surfaces. NEW II contains no Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) as defined by the EPA and is a non Ozone-Depleting Substance. The solvent is odorless and evaporates completely leaving no resin, evaporation can be accelerated with compressed air. Additional safety benefits of this environmentally preferred parts cleaner include a low VOC count and high flash point. See links to product shopping pages below:
? 4 x 1 Gallon Case ? 5 Gallon Pail ? 15 Gallon Drum ? 55 Gallon Drum
To request a sample call (800) 563-1305 or email us at new2@ecolink.com. To view other solvents offered by Ecolink and their MIL-SPEC approvals, click HERE
Parts Cleaning Processes: What is Precision Cleaning?
/in Vapor Degreasing/by Industrial DegreasersPrecision cleaning is a cleaning process in which parts are thoroughly cleaned until all soils are removed, with an emphasis on removing soils with a great degree of accuracy in relation to the design of the parts that are cleaned. Precision cleaning is typically performed on parts called “precision parts” due to the infinitesimal degree of precision with which they are manufactured. Engines and switchgear are common examples of equipment that feature precision parts.
Precision Cleaning Methods
Precision parts cleaning can be performed in several ways, but some methods are more efficacious, efficient, and cost effective than others. Among the most popular methods for precision cleaning are cleaning with wipes, cleaning with spray equipment, cleaning with aerosol, and cleaning with a parts washing system. Below, we take a brief look at the basic benefits and drawbacks of performing precision cleaning using these methods.
1. Wipes
Using hand wipes that are saturated with cleaner is the most rudimentary way to clean precision parts. It is also one of the most efficient ways, requiring very little prep time. However, using industrial grade wipes can get expensive if you consistently have a high volume of parts to clean. In addition, hand wipes are an ineffective option for removing soils from precision parts that feature complex dimensions, not all of which hand wipes can conform to reach.
2. Spray Equipment
Whether it involves using a plastic spray bottle or a commercial power washer, cleaning parts with spray equipment is another much performed method of precision cleaning. The advantage is that, when combined with the pressure from the sprayer, the action of the cleaning agent can power through tough accumulations, leaving parts looking new. On the downside, this method often throws solvent conservation to the wind and quickly fills up the solvent waste trap.
3. Aerosol
Aerosol is an excellent option for precision cleaning for three reasons: The amount of cleaning agent used can be easily controlled, the aerosol container disperses cleaner over the surface of parts uniformly, and the cleaning agent often has a high evaporation rate, making it easy to clean parts without sending a large volume of used solvent into the solvent waste trap. On the downside, aerosol can become time consuming and costly if a large volume of parts must be cleaned.
4. Parts Washing System
Many companies and organizations consider using a parts washing system the gold standard for precision cleaning. There are four reasons why: The system is energy efficient, can make it possible to recycle and reuse cleaner, has an airtight seal that prevents emissions during cleaning, and excels at removing soils from small crevices in precision parts. As long as it can clean parts properly within the desired timeframe, this method essentially has no drawbacks.
Need Precision Parts Cleaner?
If so, don’t waste time and money by resorting to trial and error. Get the best precision cleaning agent the first time around by consulting with the solvent specialists at Ecolink. We will examine your precision cleaning needs and precision cleaning system to propose the best solution for your requirements. If one of our stock solutions isn’t the best option, we can create a custom cleaner that perfectly matches your unique precision parts cleaning requirements.
For questions about our products or to place an order, please call us today at (800) 563-1305, or refer to the contact page on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!
Custom Chemical Blending: Situations That Justify Custom Solvents
/in Custom Blended Industrial Cleaners/by Industrial DegreasersMost solvent purchases are made to acquire stock solvents, which are solvents that are formulated based on ubiquitous solvent applications that are present in numerous industries. In most cases, stock solutions offer all the efficacy the end user needs. However, it isn’t uncommon for companies and organizations to require custom chemical blending, which is the process of blending chemicals into a single solution to achieve a powerful, synergistic effect.
Situations That Justify Custom Solvents
To list every situation in which custom chemical blending may be needed would require writing a long book, but there are certain situations that justify the use of custom solvents more than others. Four examples of situations where custom blended chemical solvents are commonly needed are: the cleaning of unusual materials, reducing the exposure of workers to harmful chemicals, and implementing eco friendly solvents. Below, we take look at each situation.
Cleaning Unusual Materials
From unique types of rubber to complex metallic alloys, there are any number of unusual materials that are cleaned most effectively when a unique solvent is blended for the cleaning operation. In all cases, the goal is to perfectly clean a material on the first try — and this is what custom solvents can help you do. In addition, using a custom solution can help you avoid degrading the material that is cleaned and thus help extend the material’s lifespan.
Reduced Exposure to Chemicals
Reducing the exposure of workers to harmful chemicals is another reason why some companies and organizations turn to custom chemical blending. When toxic solvents are used in high volume on a regular basis, workers who apply with them can receive acute and/or chronic chemical injuries that take them off the work floor and, sometimes, take them out of the workforce. Workers compensation claims and chemical injury lawsuits often result.
Using Eco Friendly Solvents
A third situation that commonly justifies the use of custom blended solvents is the need to implement eco friendly solutions. A custom, eco friendly solvent could be needed for several different reasons, particularly: the need to reduce harmful emissions in low emission zones (LEZs), the need to replace a solvent that contains banned or heavily regulated chemicals, and the need to support a company or an organization’s emerging, “green” business model.
Need Custom Chemical Blending?
If your current line of solvents aren’t perfectly suited for your solvent-based operations, custom chemical blending could be the simplest solution to the problem. Whether you need custom solvents for cleaning unusual materials, reducing the exposure of workers to harmful chemicals, using eco friendly solvents, or another important reason, the experienced chemists at Ecolink can create a solvent that perfectly meets your unique cleaning requirements.
To get started on assessing whether custom chemical blending is a good solution for your solvent-based business operations, give us a call today at (800) 563-1305, or use the contact form on our website, to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to helping you address your unique solvent needs by performing custom chemical blending.
Four Considerations For Implementing an Industrial Parts Degreaser
/in Industrial Degreasers/by Industrial DegreasersAn industrial parts degreaser can be defined in one of two ways: as a singular cleaning agent that delivers degreasing power for various materials, and as a degreasing solution for industrial parts washers, where parts are arranged on racks that are reminiscent of the racks found in dishwashers. With these options things in mind, we list four essential considerations for the industrial parts degreaser that you apply manually, or place in an industrial parts washer system.
Testing an industrial parts degreaser after the you receive a full order of the solution puts you at a disadvantage. You may not be able to return opened container — and, in some cases, you may lack the opportunity to return the whole order — because the provider can’t risk reselling products that are potentially tampered with, the best way to circumnavigate this prospective problem is to use free test samples from the seller before you place an order.
Since the Clean Air Act of 1990, the EPA and other regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA) have steadily move to outlaw the use of some chemicals and significantly regulate the use of others, whether they are used in open air or in a sealed, industrial parts degreaser. If you use a solvent whose use is “reportable” and seems to be on its way to being banned or severely regulated by the EPA, look for a replacement solvent before the changeover happens, and it’s too late.
What parts do you need to clean? If you’re cleaning energized parts, a aerosol dielectric cleaner that impedes flow of electricity is optimal for worker safety, equipment safety, and the safety of the facility in general. If you don’t need a solvent for cleaning energized equipment or cleaning precision parts, your best option may be to purchase an industrial parts cleaner in the form of wipes, or acquire an aqueous industrial cleaner in a barrel and use rags for surface application.
Otherwise known as the “list of lists”, since the Clean Air Act of 1990, the EPA has added to a list of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) that have adverse health effects due to short-term and long-term exposure. Short-term exposure typically results in temporary health ailments, such as watery eyes, dizziness, and breathing difficulty. Chronic exposure has been shown to cause brain damage, cancer, permanent paresthesia, and difficulty walking, among others.
Need Additional Advice?
For many industrial operations that have depended on a particular solvent for years — and the solvent is about to be banned or severely regulated by the EPA, now is the time to contact Ecolink about replacing your industrial parts degreaser with one that has the same or better efficacy and is safer for workers and the environment. Call us at today at (800) 563-1305, or use the contact form to place an order. We look forward to providing you with the best industrial parts degreaser for all applications, including part washers and otherwise.