Bromopropane Replacements: Switch to FluoSolv®

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Two years ago, the National Toxicology Program (NTC) and a panel of scientific experts voted unanimously to categorize 1-bromopropane (a.k.a n-propyl bromide) as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” No studies have measured the carcinogenic effects of it on humans, but the solution has been observed to produce negative neurological effects in people, such as headaches, profound dizziness, loss of consciousness, slurred speech, and difficulty walking.

To make matters worse, these conditions may not cease when exposure to 1-bromopropane is discontinued. Because chronic exposure the solution can cause permanent neurological damage, those who are chronically exposed to, and suffer permanent disability as a result, often file liability lawsuits against their employers, particularly because the damage has permanently reduced their earning capacity and exposed them to a high level of pain and suffering.

Bromopropane Replacements
The negative neurological effects that 1-Bromopropane produces in humans, as well as its toxic effect on the environment, should make companies that frequently use the solution look for bromopropane replacements. Several products are marketed as bromopropane replacements, but not all of them have an excellent safety profile. FluoSolv® — a line of proprietary solutions from EcoLink — is an example of a Bromopropane replacement that has a great safety profile.

For most large-scale users of 1-bromopropane, the primary goal of finding a replacement is to select one that performs with the same power as 1-bromopropane but is formulated to be safer for humans and the environment. If your company frequently uses 1-bromopropane for any of the following applications, replacing the solution with FluoSolv® is an efficient way to transition a toxic work environment into one that poses fewer health risks and is better for the environment.

  • Vapor immersion operations
  • Degreasing operations
  • Adhesive spray applications
  • Dry cleaning
  • Aircraft maintenance
  • Asphalt production
  • Synthetic fiber manufacturing

FluoSolv® products are formulated to be drop-in solutions for the replacement of brominated solvents, as well as chlorinated solvents, chlorofluorocarbon solvents, and hydrochlorofluorocarbon solvents. Unlike products that contain these ingredients, FluoSolv® solutions are formulated with azeotropic fluorinated fluids and trans-dichloroethylene (t-DCE) that are non-flammable, non-hazardous, non-ozone depleting, and protect workers from the neurotoxic effects that result from incidental or chronic contact with 1-bromopropane.

FluoSolv® products are used in a variety of industries by companies that need bromopropane replacements, including: aerospace and military, metal finishing, electronics manufacturing and maintenance, oil and gas, optics and fiber optics maintenance, semiconductor/SMT/wave maintenance, transportation and transit maintenance, medical tool cleaning, and general industrial cleaning. We will help you choose the right FluoSolv® products for your needs.

Place Your Order Today
If your company needs a drop-in solution for replacing 1-bromopropane products, our line of FluoSolv® solutions make excellent bromopropane replacements. If you need assistance choosing a FluoSolv® product that meets the requirements of 1-bromopropane in the capacity that you use it, call us today at (800) 563-1305, or fill out the contact form on our website. We look forward to providing you with a solution that is safe for your workers and the environment.

Spray Solvents: Curbing The Dangers of Exposure

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Spray solvents are used to dissolve another substance and come in several forms including the common aerosol can. Organic cleaners, in particular, pose significant danger to the environment and overall health when released into the air. The danger is less if the chemical will only be released for a short period of time in a well ventilated area. Extended or significant use increases the risk of solvent exposure with small enclosed spaces having the most potential for danger. In order for spray solvents to be less harmful their usage needs to be controlled by:

  • Using the Right Equipment
  • Having Proper Ventilation
  • Segregating the Work Area
  • Wearing Protective Gear
  • Using Less Toxic, Environmentally Safe Choices

If you are using the wrong equipment then the risk of inhalation or skin exposure to certain spray solvents is high. For example, conventional spraying with compressed air for painting creates excessive overspray, which in turn puts a mist in the air capable of traveling for an extended distance.

Ventilation is equally important because lack of clean air increases the concentration of the compounds evaporating into the surrounding environment. Mechanical ventilation is sometimes needed to properly ventilate work areas and prevent harm. When using spray solvents, it is also important to segregate the work area by keeping people at a distance who do not need to be exposed. Finally, respirators or other breathing apparatuses are sometimes necessary for extreme exposure scenarios to ensure breathed air is not contaminated. There is another option: choose a solvent or alternative that is less toxic and safer for the environment.

What Qualities Are Important for Safer Handling?
Every spray solvent has specific risks when inhaled, entering the eyes, and in other scenarios. There is no completely safe chemical making it important to read labels and follow any stated precautions. Environmentally friendly choices offer a reliable replacement to banned solvents like CFC (chlorofluorocarbon). The best spray solvents for improved safety have these important usage benefits:

  • Non-flammable
  • Fully Evaporative
  • No CFC’s
  • Leaves No Residue
  • Non-Toxic
  • Little to No Odor
  • Fast Drying Time
  • No Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)
  • Meets Environmental Standards

Depending on the application, you may not be able to obtain each of these qualities, but even a non-toxic, non-flammable choice is safer. Spray solvents with little to no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and HAPs ensure that minimal harm is present as the solvent is released into the air during use. These pose specific harm to the environment and consistent exposure is dangerous. The type of application will also contribute to what environmentally friendly options are available as an alternative.

Spray solvent providers formulate their products based on the application, strength, etc. and some will only be suited for certain tasks such as electrical cleaning. At Ecolink, we have formulated many alternative spray solvents for safer handling and reduced environmental harm. They do not contain CFC’s, are non-flammable, have faster drying times, and are less toxic than their traditional counterparts. We are also able to blend a unique formula based on your needs to achieve coating or cleaning objectives in a safer, environmentally conscious manner. Contact us today to learn more.

How is a Water Soluble Degreaser Safer?

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Degreasers have one specific purpose: to dissolve or break down soiling agents on metal, rubber, or plastic surfaces. Water soluble degreasers have been approved for a number of applications and are safer to use. As opposed to alkaline or solvent-based choices, they are more expensive, but far less harmful on the environment. Water soluble degreasers also do not have a long list of disposal requirements, which is costly for most companies. They also do not pose harm to children, elderly individuals, or anyone with respiratory problems when used.

These degreasers do not contaminate local drinking supplies, may be disposed in drains, and meet all environmental protection laws in regards to dumping. Water soluble degreasers are able to remove harsh substances and corrosion on a number of varying surfaces. It is just as easy to eliminate fuel, grease residue, acidic corrosion, or blood when these safer alternatives are used. Water soluble degreasers have become a common application in the automotive, medical, and aviation industries due to their effectiveness as well as environmentally friendly properties.

Choosing the Right Contaminant Remover
Switching to a water soluble degreaser is not as easy as picking the first one you see. It involves careful evaluation of the surface to be cleaned and the contaminants needing to be removed. If the contaminant being removed is harmful to the environment, then washing it down the drain is not the best idea. This also has an adverse effect on local water supplies, which will cause all life forms to be directly exposed to the chemicals or dangerous contaminants. If using alkaline or solvent-based degreasers, they cannot be poured out, but must instead be disposed as toxic waste.

Degreasers are naturally required as part of proper maintenance of equipment as they help breakdown build-up or contamination for better operation and quick fault identification. Water soluble degreasers are considered to be chemically neutral meaning that they can be washed down common sewage drains and do not harm the environment. While an effective choice is necessary, water soluble degreasers are a safer, more environmentally friendly choice. They are still able to penetrate and lift grease from surfaces without extensive effort. These choices have additional noteworthy qualities including:

  • Non-flammable
  • Biodegradable
  • Non-toxic
  • No Acids or Abrasives
  • Non-Corrosive

Not every water soluble degreaser is the same; however, those that come in concentrated forms for stable emulsion during water dilution are a great choice. Additional properties as listed above make the degreaser safer to handle, better for the environment, and do not harm the surface or item to be cleaned. Many water soluble degreasers are suitable for cleaning grease, carbon deposits, fuel oil, or water-based paints.

Do you need heavy duty degreasers or simply desire to decrease the processes currently required by solvent or alkaline-based solutions? At Ecolink, it is our personal goal to help you achieve these objectives with ease and at the lowest possible cost. Besides offering several pre-made choices, we are able to blend unique formulas so you get the right clean without jeopardizing safety. Contact us today to learn more about our current product line or specially formulated water soluble degreasers.

Degreasing Machine: Special Formulated Solvents Have Two Important Benefits

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If you use a degreasing machine to clean parts in a production environment, then the cleaner utilized to remove contaminants is just as important as the machine itself. Degreasing machines come in several forms to offer an effective, efficient range of choices for removing contaminants. Whether using an immersion washer a vapor washer, the chemicals used to do the job pose certain risks, which must be addressed to protect workers and the environment.

Certain solvents are not the best choice as they release harmful compounds during the evaporation process. At the same time, the wrong cleaner will deliver less than desirable results. Any business using a degreasing machine needs the right cleaner to remove unwanted contaminants and a specially formulated option offers the chance to reduce exposure to harmful byproducts of the process.

Understanding Different Approaches
Solvent-based degreasing machines have the highest risk during use because they emit volatile organic compounds; however, they are often the most effective for several applications. These machines typically use a petroleum, chlorine, or alcohol based solvent for dissolving contaminants residing on the part. The solvent is applied to the part either by spraying, brushing or wiping to remove contaminants such as:

  • Oil
  • Grease
  • Dirt
  • Loose Particles
  • Other Contaminants

Degreasing machines are used to keep surfaces clean during the production processes in numerous industries. Spraying is a common cold solvent application on small maintenance jobs or to prepare a part for further cleaning. Immersion into an agitation tank is a suitable choice when mass contaminant removal is needed and common in numerous manufacturing facilities. Degreasing machines simply make it more feasible to remove contaminants from many parts at a time and support the manufacturing process. These methods produce fewer emissions than vapor machines, require less venting, and are generally safer.

Why Have a Cleaner Specially Formulated?
Most facilities require degreasing machines to maintain quality and the agents used for this process are often extremely harmful. Even though environmentally safe options are available, they sometimes do not provide the desired results. Having a unique solvent formulated for use in current degreasing machines ensures that the chemicals utilized during these processes are less harmful and equally effective. Solvent substitution is an option for reducing VOC emissions as well as for finding an alternative to solvents on the verge of being restricted or even banned. A custom solvent can have these among other qualities:

  • Little to No Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  • No Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)
  • Fast Drying Qualities
  • Non-Flammable
  • Non Ozone Depleting

A specially formulated cleaner in many cases also offers better results than the traditional choices. At Ecolink, we offer a large variety of solvent substitutions for degreasing machines that not only help in this conversion but also provide an environmentally conscious option for the same cleaning results. We also are able to create a custom solution to aid in achieving the right balance of performance, cost efficiency, and spec conformance without jeopardizing health or safety. Contact us today to see how we are able to blend, label, and package the solution you need for effective removal without the dangers of traditional degreasing machine formulas.

Industrial Paint Solvents: Safer Choices Are Possible

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Industrial paint solvents are used to dissolve or disperse certain components used during formulation and for removal. They aid in creating the desired application consistency and then evaporate to allow the coat to dry quickly. Industrial paint solvents deliver several benefits including increased durability, decorative coatings, and glossy indoor/outdoor application options. New application methods emerge every day thanks to technology, but many still do not deliver the same results as traditional solvent-based coatings.

Industrial paint solvents are beneficial, but also pose specific health risks in manufacturing environments. For many industries, they are simply necessary to achieve the most effective results. Choosing the right solvent has proven to be difficult because the choice entails several variables and the selection is system-dependent. If the goal is to find an effective environmentally friendly choice, it is not as simple as substituting another solvent. The process requires a detailed assessment of needs before a substitute or newly formulated solvent is possible.

What Makes Industrial Paint Solvents Dangerous?
Industrial paint solvents have a direct impact on the environment, which stems from a combination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and environmental factors such as heat. While not every potential hazard is avoidable, you can choose an industrial paint solvent offering the same results with lower vaporization and evaporation qualities. When VOCs mix with nitrogen oxides in the environment and the right temperatures are present, they react to produce ground-level ozone, which in turn affects the environment.

Industrial paint solvents with lower or no VOCs are simply safer than traditional choices. Cleaners used to remove paints such as thinners or for surface preparation must also be safer to ensure the best results. In order for an industrial paint solvent to less harmful, it must have minimal VOC’s, not deplete the ozone, and evaporate at a slower rate to avoid extensive release into the atmosphere. Many companies are able to formulate unique solvents to meet coating needs that are less harmful for the environment.

Finding a Greener, Healthier Option
Is it possible to have a more environmentally friendly solution in place that provides the same results? Would you like to create a safer environment for your workers at an affordable cost? The answer is yes to both questions as a number of safer industrial paint solvent choices are available for use in industries like automotive, consumer products, and paint production. As your company searches for a better option, it is important to remember that there are no perfect chemicals.

The process of finding the right alternative involves selecting or formulating the least harmful choice while still achieving the removal or application goal. At Ecolink, we place every product on what we call the “hazard ladder” to provide a foundation for evaluating alternative options. Your specific application needs will be a main driver during selection or formulation. For an acceptable alternative, it will involve evaluating the application and finding an option capable of delivering the desired coat without placing abundant hazards into the air during evaporation. If current options are simply not cutting it, we can formulate an industrial paint solvent based on your needs to help you achieve the best results.