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.
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.
Electrical Contact Cleaners: Why Use Electron Dielectric Aerosol?
/in Electrical Contact Cleaning Solutions/by Industrial DegreasersThe term dielectric refers to an electrical insulator that can be polarized and subjected to an electrical field without electricity from the field transmitting through the insulator and back to the source that emits the substance that contains the dielectric. This crucial safety factor is one reason why we recommend ELECTRON dielectric aerosol over other cleaners for electrical contact cleaning. Additional reasons why we promote the solution for contact cleaning are:
High Flash Point
ELECTRON has a TCC flash point above 145°F, which classifies the cleaner as a non-flammable liquid. This aspect of ELECTRON is highly important when it is used to clean contacts in equipment that must remain energized during the cleaning process. Using a flammable aerosol cleaner that has a low flash point for this application could result in a fire that destroys the equipment that is cleaned and injures the worker who applies the cleaner.
Fully Evaporative / No Residue
Electrical contact cleaners should be fully evaporative to avoid leaving residue on contacts that causes dirt and grime to collect. Because these substances can inhibit the flow of electricity when they come between electrical contacts and their contact points, proper procedure dictates that contacts must be residue-free only a short time after dielectric contact cleaners are applied. ELECTRON is applied in two rounds: one to break up grime, and another to wash it away.
Water-Free Formulation
Because most electrical contacts are made of metal that can oxidize in the presence of water-based moisture, electrical contact cleaners should ideally have a water-free formulation. ELECTRON exhibits this important characteristic. When you apply the cleaner to electrical contacts, you can rest assured that the metal will not experience water-induced oxidation.
No Hazardous Ingredients
ELECTRON Contains no OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV listed ingredients. Nor does it contain SARA or RCRA listed ingredients. When choosing an electrical contact cleaner, the last thing you want is to select a product whose hazardous ingredients could result in it being regulated to the point that you could no longer use it to perform crucial contact cleaning operations on the schedule on which they must be performed. ELECTRON dielectric solvent prevents this issue.
Precision Contact Cleaning
ELECTRON in aerosol form is an excellent solution for precision cleaning electrical contacts that are difficult or impossible to reach with hand wipes. Why not use trigger spray form instead of aerosol? Aerosol emits particles evenly over the surface of contacts and produces little if any excess solvent that makes its way into the waste trap. You may invest slightly more to get the aerosol form of electrical contact cleaners, but they could help reduce waste disposal costs.
Order Electron Today
If your organization is in the market for electrical contact cleaners, consider the many benefits that come with using ELECTRON in aerosol form. For additional information about the solution, check out the cleaner’s data sheet located on our website, or call us today at (800) 563-1305. We look forward to supplying you with the best electrical contact cleaner for your operations!