Choosing a Replacement Solvent Based Degreaser: Four Considerations

A solvent base cleaner is a cleaning agent that uses a chemical base to achieve efficacy, as opposed to water based cleaners, which predominantly uses a base of water to perform cleaning. However, as effective as a water based cleaners can be, they are often insufficient for a certain cleaning operations. If you need to choose a replacement, solvent-based degreaser, making the following, crucial considerations can help you select the right product for your needs.

1. List of Reportable Chemicals

Since 2015, nPB has been on the list of toxic chemicals subject to reporting under section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 and section 6607 of the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA) of 1990. Many in the solvent industry see this legislation as preceding the inclusion of nPB n the EPA’s list of lists, which identifies chemicals that are demonstrated to produce airborne pollutants that harm human health.

However, chemicals don’t instantly appear one the EPA’s toxic inventory list. Rather, the EPA generally communicates upcoming chemical regulations to companies and organizations well ahead of time to give them the time to phase-out solvents such as nPB and identify safer solvents that offer better safety profile, while delivering just as much cleaning power.

2. Method of Degreaser Use

Will you wipe the degreaser on surfaces that need cleaning, or will you use a spray application to coat the surface? In the latter case, it’s often ideal to use a highly evaporative, dielectric cleaner in aerosol. Once parts are thoroughly sprayed, the grease and grime fall away from parts like water from a duck’s back. An order of aerosol containers may cost more than an order of wipe containers, but simplified cleaning can have a major impact on solvent expense.

3. Opportunity to Receive Custom Orders

Many replacement solvent based degreaser suppliers supply stock solutions that are formulated to cover a wide range of options. However, many companies and organizations need to upgrade the options that a solvent based degreaser offer. This is where working with a provider of custom cleaning solutions can help dramatically. The manufacturer can formulate solvent based degreaser that is specifically designed for your organization’s type of cleaning purposes.

4. Compatible With Parts Washing Systems

Last but certainly not least, if you use an industrial parts washing systems, as many large organizations do, it’s essential to identify a solvent that synchronizes with your parts washing system. Furthermore, when the system is used for vapor degreasing, a solvent may be chosen that can be recycled by being purged and condensed in a cooling unit in the parts washing system unit.

Replace Your Solvent Based Degreaser Today

Contact Ecolink for choose from a variety of eco friendly cleaning solutions that are environmentally preferred or environmentally safe, without jeopardizing your well-established cleaning operations. To find out about healthier solutions for your workers, which have the same cleaning power as the original solutions, call us today at (800) 563-1305, or fill out the contact form on our website.

Industrial Cleaning Agents: What is a Vapor Pressure Solvent?

Industrial 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.

  • Soiled parts are placed on a rack in the machine.
  • Solvent is placed in a special basin.
  • The basin is heated to vaporize the solvent.
  • The vapor is pressurized to clean parts.
  • The vapor condenses into liquid and can be reused.
  • Clean parts are removed from the machine.

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

NEW II Solvent Degreaser: Cheaper, Faster

How 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?

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!

Custom Chemical Blending: Situations That Justify Custom Solvents

Most 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.