Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical compound that is classified as a halocarbon. TCE has been used as a cleaner degreaser for several years with excellent results. In addition to displaying great efficacy for industrial degreasing operations, the compound also has the added benefits of being non-flammable and exhibiting a “sweet smell” that isn’t as offensive to the nose as some other degreasers in the class. Despite these benefits, TCE is highly dangerous to use.
Questions About Using TCE
If your organization uses TCE cleaner degreaser and is looking for a replacement degreaser that has a better safety profile for humans and the environment, you may have some questions about the dangers of TCE and how to go about selecting a proper substitute. To help provide you with information about the use and replacement of TCE, we present a list of questions that are commonly asked about these issues. To receive more information, contact Ecolink today.
Is it true that TCE can cause cancer?
Recent research has determined that TCE cleaner degreaser contains carcinogens that could lead to the development of cancer. The risk is greatest for workers exposed to the compound on a regular basis. Long exposure times can pose a significant risk for the development of cancer.
Does TCE cause other health problems?
Chronic exposure to TCE is associated with the worst health outcomes, especially cancer, but acute exposure to the compound can also create the following, troublesome health problems, among others: upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness, and irritation to the eyes, skin, and throat.
How does TCE negatively impact the environment?
TCE is identified as a contributor to global warming due to substance’s release of toxic emissions into the atmosphere. In addition to causing toxic air pollution, the compound can also cause soil pollution and water pollution that negatively impact fauna, aquatic life, and plant life.
What is the EPA’s stance on the use of TCE?
The EPA recognizes the dangers of TCE. In 2015, the organization issued this news release: “EPA Reaches Agreement with Manufacturer to Stop Use of TCE in Spray Fixative Products Used on Arts and Crafts. EPA also taking regulatory action to reduce exposure to this chemical”.
What measures are recommended for safe use of TCE?
The use of TCE in any capacity is considered unsafe. However, using ventilation systems that trap airborne contaminants in areas where the compound is used, as well as supplying high-level personal protective equipment (PPE) to those who use TCE, can improve safety.
What is the best option for replacing TCE cleaners?
Ecolink provides an excellent replacement cleaner for TCE cleaner degreaser in FluoSolv CX. FluoSolv CX is not identified as a CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, and Reproductive Toxin). In addition, Fluosolv CX can be used in smaller amounts than TCE to achieve the same effect.
Contact Ecolink Today
The dangers of TCE were reported as early as 1932. Since then, the toxicity of the compound has become better understood through scientific analysis and testing. This is why Ecolink offers FluoSolv CX — an industrial degreaser whose safety profile is vastly better than TCE — as an ideal TCE replacement. We also provide custom formulations for replacing TCE. Call us today at (800) 563-1305 to discuss the best replacement option for your TCE cleaner degreaser.
Using a Replacement for TCE to Eliminate Phosgene Gas
/in TCE/by Industrial DegreasersFor decades, companies have used chlorinated solvents such as TCE to perform a variety of industrial cleaning operations. However, like many solvents of its generation, scientific analysis has shown that TCE can produce a variety of negative health effects due to chronic or acute exposure to the substance. In many cases, negative health effects result from the purposeful or inadvertent heating of TCE, which can produce toxic phosgene gas that is easy to inhale.
Why is Phosgene Gas Dangerous?
Phosgene is a toxic, poisonous gas that has a musty odor that smells similar to hay. The gas is considered so hazardous, in fact, that it was used as a chemical weapon in WWI to induce choking. The gas is not found naturally in the environment, and many safety organizations are working hard to keep it that way, as well as to protect workers from phosgene exposure by creating exposure limits that help prevent chronic health issues that result from overexposure.
The current occupational exposure limit for phosgene emissions is 0.1 parts per million during an eight-hour work shift. While the exposure limit helps reduce negative health effects in workers who are exposed to phosgene, the safest practice is to eliminate the source of the gas by finding a replacement for TCE. This is because even low-level, acute exposure to phosgene can produce temporary, negative health effects in workers that hinder productivity, such as:
It should be noted that some negative health effects from phosgene exposure take up to two days to manifest. This is why workers who inhale phosgene gas are recommended to see a doctor before they return to work. A physician who is experienced in recognizing phosgene exposure looks for delayed signs of negative reactions to the gas and advises those who have been exposed to the toxic agent as to whether it is safe to return to the work environment.
Contact Us for a Replacement for TCE
If the information above makes it seem that using TCE is not worth the risks associated with deploying the solvent, you are right. Considering that cleaning solutions that have a far better safety profile than TCE are readily available, finding a replacement for TCE is only sensible. If your organization is in the market for a replacement for TCE, Ecolink can provide an industrial cleaner that has the same cleaning power as TCE but does not create phosgene gas emissions.
Depending on the requirements of your industrial cleaning processes, you may be able to use one of our readymade cleaners as a replacement for TCE. If not, we will analyze your needs and produce a custom cleaning solution that is tailored to your unique requirements. To find out which option would work best, contact us today at (800) 563-1305, or complete the contact form on our website. We look forward to providing you with a safe, effective replacement for TCE!
The Use and Safety of Water Soluble Non Flammable Solvent
/in Aqueous Cleaning Agents, Water Soluable/by Industrial DegreasersThe primary qualities of water soluble non flammable solvent are implied by the product’s general classification. It can be supplied in concentrated form that is diluted with water to create a solution that delivers the perfect degree of cleaning power. In addition, the water soluble formulation allows the product to be cleaned away with the proper application of water. These qualities give the product a highly diverse usage profile in terms of how it is applied.
In addition to having a diverse usage profile, water soluble non flammable solvent has an excellent safety profile in terms of preventing fires in the environment where it is used. Cleaning energized electrical equipment, applying the product in environments with obvious ignition sources such as flames, and storing the product in areas that contain combustibles are obvious safety advantages of using non flammable solvent instead of solvent that has a low flashpoint.
Additional Benefits of Water Soluble Non Flammable Solvent
In addition to having a wide range of application and an excellent safety profile regarding fire prevention, water soluble non flammable solvent can deliver additional benefits that you should carefully consider before ordering a solvent that is not water soluble and has a listed flashpoint.
Acquiring the solvent in concentrated form supports a highly efficient method of application. The cleaning power of the concentrated solution can be infinitesimally altered by mixing it with different percentages of water. For a light cleaning solvent, apply lots of water. To create a heavy duty cleaning solution, apply a smaller amount of water. It can be like having several cleaners in one.
The efficient application of the product makes it highly cost effective. Instead of purchasing multiple strengths of a water soluble non flammable solvent, simply purchase it in concentrated form and have your workers create a solution that has the requisite cleaning power. If you are looking to cut down on solvent expense, purchasing this type of solvent is one way to do it.
Water soluble non flammable solvent is highly efficient when it comes to solvent clean up. Simply apply water in the proper capacity to wash any excess solvent into the waste trap. However, before you take this measure, be sure the equipment / material you are cleaning can be cleaned with water. For example, precision electrical parts should not have water applied.
Contact Ecolink to Buy Water Soluble Non Flammable Solvent
If you need industrial grade water soluble non flammable solvent, Ecolink is the place to shop. We offer many readymade solvents that are water soluble and non flammable. We also have the expertise and technology to create custom solvents that have these qualities and are designed to meet your unique cleaning requirements. For assistance choosing the best solution for your needs, call us today at (800) 563-1305, or fill out the contact form on our website.
We look forward to supplying you with a best in class water soluble non flammable solvent!
Choosing a Flux Remover Spray for Treating Chromium Alloys
/in Flux Removal/by Industrial DegreasersChromium alloys are metals that contain at least 10.5 percent chromium by mass. Chromium is a silvery, lustrous chemical compound that gives metal such as stainless steel its characteristic shine. A sufficient amount of chromium also makes metal highly resistant to corrosion under normal conditions. However, when chromium is heat treated in the presence of oxygen, it tends to oxidize rapidly, causing the metal that contains it to have a tarnished, drossy surface quality.
This is why chromium alloys are typically heat treated in atmosphere-controlled furnaces that maintain a pure hydrogen or nitrogen atmosphere, such as vacuum furnaces and bell annealers. However, when a workpiece is too large to fit inside one of these furnaces, the piece is typically heat treated in open air using a high-powered torch. In this situation, flux would be applied to the metal to prevent it from oxidizing as it is heated in the presence of oxygen.
Choosing a Flux Remover Spray
There are several things to consider when choosing a flux remover spray for chromium alloys. Below, we look at four considerations that apply to practically every type of user. If you need additional information for choosing a flux remover, don’t hesitate to call us at (800) 563-1305.
The top priority is to choose a flux remover whose formulation won’t damage the chromium alloy that you need to deflux. If you apply a remover that tarnishes the alloy, the only way to restore the surface quality is through finishing measures that strip away the stable layer of oxide that develops. If you aren’t sure what type of formulation you need, always ask the manufacturer.
For small workpieces, flux remover is often sprayed on in aerosol form; while for unusually large workpieces, the remover may even be sprayed on using a power washer. The goal is to deflux the alloy as efficiently as possible, especially if heat treating metal is one of your organization’s core practices. Determine the most efficient method of application before you place an order.
Because environments where metal is heat treated often contain ignition sources — particularly torches and furnace flames — workplace safety dictates that you should choose a flux remover spray that has a high flashpoint or no flashpoint. In addition to seriously injuring workers, flux remover that combusts easily could make the alloy catch fire and damage its surface quality.
Because the goal of applying flux remover spray is to remove flux residue that is left behind after the heat treating process concludes, it makes no sense to apply a flux remover that leaves a coating of residue on the metal. Chromium alloys are often polished after having flux residue removed, but the cleaning process should not entail the removal of flux remover residue.
Looking for Flux Remover Spray?
Whether you need flux remover spray for a chromium alloy or another type of alloy, Ecolink can provide you with a readymade solution or a custom solution that meets your requirements. We can also supply the solution in different forms, including aerosol, sprayable liquid, and saturated wipes. If you need flux remover spray, the product probably plays a crucial role in your heat treating process. That’s why you should choose the best, and call us today at (800) 563-1305.
Potential Cost Benefits of Using Water Based Cleaners
/in Aqueous Cleaning Agents/by Industrial DegreasersUnlike solvent based cleaners, which have a base that is comprised of mostly chemicals, water based cleaners have a base that is made of mostly water. Solvent based cleaners are commonly thought to be more powerful than water based cleaners, but this is not necessarily the case. A water based cleaner can be highly efficacious when it is administered at high temperatures and water in the solution is ionized or infused with an additional oxygen atom.
Potential Cost Benefits
In addition to being used for their excellent cleaning power, water based cleaners are also administered for their potential cost saving benefits, especially by companies that use a large volume of cleaner on a regular basis. Below, we take a look at some of the cost saving opportunities companies realize when they use a water based cleaner that is considered safe for humans and the environment according to scientific analysis that the EPA validates.
Reduced Waste Disposal Costs
Waste disposal cost is determined largely by two factors: the amount of solvent that must be removed from the waste trap, and the measures disposal specialists must take to remove the solvent. Removing solvent that contains a high percentage of chemicals that could cause health problems and/or environmental contamination often entails the most complex removal process.
Fewer Employee Sick Days Taken
Cleaners that contain a high percentage of chemicals that cause acute health conditions such as upset stomach, dizziness, respiratory distress, etc., are well-known for taking workers out the work environment and sending them home sick, as they deal with the negative health effects. Water based cleaners that contain few chemicals can be less prone to cause such reactions.
Reduced Need for Protective Equipment
From a safety perspective, it may not be feasible to eliminate all forms of personal protective equipment (PPE), but investing in a lower level of PPE that offers less comprehensive protection against chemicals in the work environment, and thus costs less, may indeed be an option. Reducing the level of PPE should always be done on the advice of a chemical safety consultant.
Lower Cleaner Purchase Price
Some cleaning solvents are quite inexpensive to make, but they are generally not as affordable as water. Furthermore, the chemical formulation process often involves more steps and equipment than the water ionization or infusion process. Sales targets and number of units produced also impact price. However, if you need a water based cleaner that has a lower price point than the chemical based cleaner you currently use, we can certainly help you find one.
Reduced Need for Special Ventilation
Special ventilation systems that are designed to remove specific airborne contaminants typically contain technology that makes them more expensive than conventional ventilation systems. Because water based cleaners are formulated primarily with water and not chemicals, choosing a water based cleaner that has an excellent safety profile may prevent the need to install a special ventilation system in the work area where the solution is routinely administered.
Need to Replace Solvent Based Cleaners?
If so, replacing them with water based cleaners is an excellent options. Not only can water based cleaners be formulated to clean as efficaciously as solutions that are primarily comprised of chemicals, but they can also offer several cost saving benefits, depending on the specific solutions you choose. For assistance identifying the best water based replacement cleaners for your solvent based cleaners, call us today at (800) 563-1305 to receive a free consultation.
Using TCE Cleaner Degreaser: Frequently Asked Questions
/in TCE/by Industrial DegreasersTrichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical compound that is classified as a halocarbon. TCE has been used as a cleaner degreaser for several years with excellent results. In addition to displaying great efficacy for industrial degreasing operations, the compound also has the added benefits of being non-flammable and exhibiting a “sweet smell” that isn’t as offensive to the nose as some other degreasers in the class. Despite these benefits, TCE is highly dangerous to use.
Questions About Using TCE
If your organization uses TCE cleaner degreaser and is looking for a replacement degreaser that has a better safety profile for humans and the environment, you may have some questions about the dangers of TCE and how to go about selecting a proper substitute. To help provide you with information about the use and replacement of TCE, we present a list of questions that are commonly asked about these issues. To receive more information, contact Ecolink today.
Is it true that TCE can cause cancer?
Recent research has determined that TCE cleaner degreaser contains carcinogens that could lead to the development of cancer. The risk is greatest for workers exposed to the compound on a regular basis. Long exposure times can pose a significant risk for the development of cancer.
Does TCE cause other health problems?
Chronic exposure to TCE is associated with the worst health outcomes, especially cancer, but acute exposure to the compound can also create the following, troublesome health problems, among others: upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness, and irritation to the eyes, skin, and throat.
How does TCE negatively impact the environment?
TCE is identified as a contributor to global warming due to substance’s release of toxic emissions into the atmosphere. In addition to causing toxic air pollution, the compound can also cause soil pollution and water pollution that negatively impact fauna, aquatic life, and plant life.
What is the EPA’s stance on the use of TCE?
The EPA recognizes the dangers of TCE. In 2015, the organization issued this news release: “EPA Reaches Agreement with Manufacturer to Stop Use of TCE in Spray Fixative Products Used on Arts and Crafts. EPA also taking regulatory action to reduce exposure to this chemical”.
What measures are recommended for safe use of TCE?
The use of TCE in any capacity is considered unsafe. However, using ventilation systems that trap airborne contaminants in areas where the compound is used, as well as supplying high-level personal protective equipment (PPE) to those who use TCE, can improve safety.
What is the best option for replacing TCE cleaners?
Ecolink provides an excellent replacement cleaner for TCE cleaner degreaser in FluoSolv CX. FluoSolv CX is not identified as a CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, and Reproductive Toxin). In addition, Fluosolv CX can be used in smaller amounts than TCE to achieve the same effect.
Contact Ecolink Today
The dangers of TCE were reported as early as 1932. Since then, the toxicity of the compound has become better understood through scientific analysis and testing. This is why Ecolink offers FluoSolv CX — an industrial degreaser whose safety profile is vastly better than TCE — as an ideal TCE replacement. We also provide custom formulations for replacing TCE. Call us today at (800) 563-1305 to discuss the best replacement option for your TCE cleaner degreaser.