A cleaning agent is any substance used to remove an unwanted smell, dust, dirt, or stains from surfaces. Whatever the purpose, cleaning agents exist around every corner in the form of liquids, sprays, powers, or granules. Each consists of a different chemical makeup thus making some more hazardous than others. Solvents are a substance capable of dissolving a solute (liquid, solid, or gas) to form a cleaning or degreasing solution. They are used for a number of industrial strength applications including:
- Dry Cleaning
- Nail Polish Removal
- Spot Removers
- Detergents
- Glue Removal
- Grease Elimination
One important quality of solvent cleaners is the boiling point as it determines the speed and temperature of evaporation. Some solvent cleaners evaporate within seconds at normal room temperature. A low boiling point results in the release of potential toxins into the air quickly under normal conditions. If a solvent has a high boiling point, this means it requires increased temperatures in addition to air flow or vacuum application to evaporate faster. This particular characteristic affects workplace safety during application of certain solvents.
What Dangers Exist When Using Solvent Cleaners?
Solvent cleaners are either organic or inorganic in nature with new water-based options becoming available for safer removal. Isopropyl alcohol is an example of a mild organic solvent because most commercial based formulas contain a percentage of water. Acetone, on the other hand, is a strong organic solvent that must be used with caution. Solvent cleaners using acetone are dangerous to inhale for an extended period of time. Hexane, often used in commercial lubricants, is another example of a strong organic solvent. It is typically applied for removal of stains or spills that do not dissolve in water such as vegetable oil or grease. Workers handling stronger organic solvents must be in a well-ventilated area to reduce the dangers of inhalation.
Inhalation is one of the biggest dangers of strong organic solvent cleaners. Handling requires a well-ventilated area, precautionary clothing, and eye protection in many cases. Those with a low-boiling point are more dangerous for both the environment and people because they have a higher vapor pressure. They are referred to as Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs and consist of any organic chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. A good example would be formaldehyde, which is released from certain paints. The largest health risks are respiratory, allergic, and immune system complications due to inhalation or direct exposure.
Safer Options Are Available
Using solvent cleaners containing low or no VOCs is one option for reducing exposure. Stocking only the needed quantity also reduces exposure as these items evaporate even when not in use. Taking measures to find a lower VOC alternative is equally important. Several companies are able to offer solvent cleaners with Low-VOCs or No VOCs, which do not evaporate as quickly and are safer to handle. At Ecolink, we not only offer choices capable of doing the job with lower VOCs, but also are able to formulate a solvent cleaner based on your specific needs. Contact us today to learn how we are able help you get the same clean with a safer, specially formulated solvent cleaner.
Eye Safety: Are Workers Wearing the Right Gear for Chemical Handling?
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersAs eye safety month moves into full swing, it is time to take a minute and assess current workplace safety measures. On average over 2,000 workers experience some type of eye injury on the job each day. Of these, several will lose eyesight due to the injury. Companies often spend millions of dollars as a direct result of medical expenses and loss of work. Due to the extensive number of eye related injuries seen in the workplace each year, March has been designated as eye safety month.
The main objective of eye safety month is to increase awareness of the importance of taking the right precautionary measures while handling chemicals or other potentially dangerous items in the workplace. What measures are being taken to decrease the risk of injury for workers who handle dangerous chemicals? One of the most important safety measures is protective eyewear. It has been proven to drastically reduce the risk of injury as almost every accident could be avoided with this one piece of protective gear.
Choosing Effective Eyewear for Chemical Handling
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one out of five individuals who suffered an injury were not wearing any protection. By taking this one action, you could significantly decrease the risk of injury in the workplace and any costs resulting from harm. Eyewear is only effective if it matches the type of work being done and anyone entering a worksite should be wearing this safety gear to be protected from flying objects, particles, or additional types of hazards. Selection becomes even more important in work environments where hazardous chemicals and cleaning solvents are handled.
Chemicals are simply dangerous and while inhalation is a big concern, eye safety month brings forward another significant danger. Direct contact with solvents or chemicals creates substantial injuries. Safety goggles are a must for protecting sight in the workplace as they shield the eyes from splashing, mists, vapors, and fumes. When choosing safety goggles, make certain they will be able to deliver an effective seal for complete protection. Prescription lenses are also available for workers who require glasses to properly work. These features should be carefully evaluated before selecting eyewear for your workers:
Lenses are naturally designed to resist low to moderate impact for increased safety. They may be removable, support prescription needs, and offer protection from most types of exposure. Frames can be an eyecup or cover design with each having specific protection qualities. Eyecup frames cover the eye sockets completely while cover safety goggles may be worn over the workers glasses without disturbing sight.
Ventilation choices determine if particles are passed through the goggles and those offering direct ventilation allow large particles to pass into the goggle, while indirect or non-ventilated goggles prevent splash entry. As part of eye safety month, companies are encouraged to evaluate the effectiveness of current protective gear as well as the practices of handling harmful chemicals. At Ecolink, we want you to not only have the best cleaning solvents, but also a safe workplace environment. Remember to handle all chemicals with care during cleaning and promote eye safety month with the right protective wear!
Non Flammable Solvents Offer a Reduced Fire Hazard
/in Non Flammable/by Industrial DegreasersA solvent is any substance capable of dissolving another substance to form a solution and may be non flammable or flammable in nature. On our planet, water is the most common form of solvent due to its ability to dissolve numerous substances. It is also capable of emulsifying other substances if combined with surfactants. Common flammable solvents include: acetone, alcohol, benzene, toluene and xylene.
The degree of flammability is determined by their volatility, which is the amount of time it takes for them to evaporate. Organic, carbon-based solvents are highly volatile; however, chlorinated solvents are the exception, as they have little to no flash point. The flash point is the lowest possible temperature at which the vapor is capable of igniting under certain conditions.
As opposed to petroleum-based organic solvents, chlorinated options are a minimal fire hazard. They are often used for surface cleaning and product formulations due to being extremely ignition resistant. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has listed them as an acceptable alternative for ozone depleting substances in regards to this quality.
Difference Between Flammable and Non Flammable Solvents
Flammable solvents are able to burn or ignite under certain conditions and create a significant risk of fire or combustion. The two most important characteristics for determining flammability are flash point and vapor pressure. Flash point is how easily the vapor from the substance ignites when released into the atmosphere by evaporation. Lower flash points are an indication of increased flammability while higher flash points are less dangerous. Any substance with a flash point below 100 degrees Fahrenheit is considered to be a potential workplace hazard.
Vapor pressure is directly related to temperature and is a measurement of how the liquids vapor is concentrated in the surrounding atmosphere during evaporation. Solvents with higher vapor pressures naturally have a lower flash point making it important to understand these measurements. A non flammable solvent will have a high flash point and a low vapor pressure.
Careful Selection is Imperative
Regulatory agencies use a rating system ranging from 0 to 4 to assess the danger of ignition. For example, water has a rating of zero because it cannot burn. Propane is rated as a 4 since it rapidly vaporizes under normal pressure and temperatures. Diesel fuel is rated as a 2 as it must be moderately heated to high ambient temperatures in order to ignite. It is important to understand these characteristics as you evaluate solvents. A solvent with a high flash point and low vapor pressure is the best choice when it is a viable option for accomplishing the required cleaning or degreasing.
Non flammable solvents are safer to use, but still have specific health risks when inhaled or handled improperly. At Ecolink we know how important it is to get the right formula while maintaining a minimal impact on the environment and worker health. If current solvent options are not providing what you need or a less harmful substitute is desired, we are able to formulate a solvent to deliver the right qualities for better results. Contact us today to learn more about current options and how we can tailor a solution to meet your needs.
Can Solvent Recycling Save your Business Money?
/in Recycling/by Industrial DegreasersIt is a common misconception that a solvent is waste once it has been used, but is it really? Solvent recycling is the process of using innovative technology to remove unwanted materials from already used solvents. Approximately eighty percent of the waste currently discarded by your company is recyclable. The process simply takes out what cannot be used to deliver a pure quality solvent for reuse. Solvent recycling makes it possible for companies to limit disposal and better manage liabilities.
So can it save your business money? The answer is yes and the process provides an environmentally safer option. Every time a solvent-based cleaner or degreaser is purchased or disposed, money is basically thrown out the window. Solvent recycling provides a significant expense reduction for restocking and waste management. By using this process, your company will be able to decrease waste generation by as much as 80%.
How Does It Work?
Solvent recycling may be performed in more than one way; however, the most effective approach is distillation technology. Providers are able to handle the process for you or in many cases can deliver onsite solutions. In reality, there are no perfect chemicals and every cleaner has at least one risk factor for the environment, health, or safety. Solvent recycling decreases costs and allows your company to takes steps for lessening environmental impact by reducing the amount of produced waste.
The distillation process requires minimal intervention because these systems are automatically aware of the chemicals or combination to be recycled and can adjust time, temperature, or power to meet those needs. One side pumps in the waste through the machine. The machine then removes unwanted materials by performing distillation and pumps clean solvent into another containment location for reuse. This process takes only a few minutes a day to deliver substantial waste disposal and labor cost decreases. These systems typically require minimal power to recover almost all of the solvent. They use procedures such as vapor management to ensure that the product does not enter the atmosphere as well.
Simple, Safe, and Cost Effective
Solvent recycling helps businesses save an extensive amount of money and is a great way for reducing liabilities. It also eliminates an extensive amount of the floor space currently dedicated to waste storage or disposal. If disposal is too costly or you simply need a way to limit your footprint, solvent recycling is the best bet for improving management of harmful chemicals. Here are a few of the benefits:
If you have not considered how this process may be used to save money, then take a few minutes to review current disposal, storage, and purchasing costs. How much do you spend to manage waste? What is your current impact on the environment? For most businesses, solvents are necessary to make it all happen. Recycling provides an option for responsible management of the amount of waste your company produces. At Ecolink, we no only offer several solvent choices, but are also able to aid in recycling to keep disposal costs low. Contact us today to learn more!
Aircraft Coating Removers – Eco Friendly HYBRID-STRIP
/in Paint Strippers/by Industrial DegreasersAirplanes require the right surface coating removers to avoid damage to the material. When you remove a coat, it takes a little finesse to select the most fitting product for any corporate, commercial, or military grade airplane. Additional concerns such as the use of environmentally friendly products also come into play before choosing an aerospace coating remover.
Available agents consist of many different organic base compounds and the wrong choices will simply not work or harm the structure of a plane. Corrosion is a large concern since the metal base naturally oxidizes as it is exposed to water, the wrong chemicals, or other harmful elements. Protective elements are introduced to the base metal to generate a corrosion resistant alloy, which must be safeguarded during cleaning or removal.
Make Certain the Product Will Not Create Problems
Corrosion frequently occurs during exposure to normal environmental factors, but may also be a direct consequence of applying the wrong chemicals or from water-related exposure. During removal, corrosion often develops when the process is not done correctly or if a plane is exposed to caustic cleaning solutions. The best bet for effectively removing a coating is an agent that is noncorrosive, environmentally friendly, and does not harm important exterior qualities of the plane.
Advanced Performance Coatings (APC’s), as an example, have different removal requirements than alternative types of exterior coverings. Consider the answers to the following questions before choosing a product for these purposes:
Once these questions have been fully evaluated, you will be able to choose the best aircraft coating remover for your unique usage needs.
Have You Checked Out HYBRID-STRIP?
HYBRID-STRIP offers a great choice for achieving great performance without harming the environment or the long-term health of individuals. It has been developed to meet the unique needs of application areas such as military plane and commercial airline care and features the following:
This product options offer a number of benefits for preventing corrosion and protecting aircraft exteriors. At Ecolink, we are proud to sponsor this option. Our team can help you find the best product for your specific aircraft care needs. Call today 800-563-1305 to learn more!
What is a Solvent Cleaner?
/in Solvents/by Industrial DegreasersA cleaning agent is any substance used to remove an unwanted smell, dust, dirt, or stains from surfaces. Whatever the purpose, cleaning agents exist around every corner in the form of liquids, sprays, powers, or granules. Each consists of a different chemical makeup thus making some more hazardous than others. Solvents are a substance capable of dissolving a solute (liquid, solid, or gas) to form a cleaning or degreasing solution. They are used for a number of industrial strength applications including:
One important quality of solvent cleaners is the boiling point as it determines the speed and temperature of evaporation. Some solvent cleaners evaporate within seconds at normal room temperature. A low boiling point results in the release of potential toxins into the air quickly under normal conditions. If a solvent has a high boiling point, this means it requires increased temperatures in addition to air flow or vacuum application to evaporate faster. This particular characteristic affects workplace safety during application of certain solvents.
What Dangers Exist When Using Solvent Cleaners?
Solvent cleaners are either organic or inorganic in nature with new water-based options becoming available for safer removal. Isopropyl alcohol is an example of a mild organic solvent because most commercial based formulas contain a percentage of water. Acetone, on the other hand, is a strong organic solvent that must be used with caution. Solvent cleaners using acetone are dangerous to inhale for an extended period of time. Hexane, often used in commercial lubricants, is another example of a strong organic solvent. It is typically applied for removal of stains or spills that do not dissolve in water such as vegetable oil or grease. Workers handling stronger organic solvents must be in a well-ventilated area to reduce the dangers of inhalation.
Inhalation is one of the biggest dangers of strong organic solvent cleaners. Handling requires a well-ventilated area, precautionary clothing, and eye protection in many cases. Those with a low-boiling point are more dangerous for both the environment and people because they have a higher vapor pressure. They are referred to as Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs and consist of any organic chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. A good example would be formaldehyde, which is released from certain paints. The largest health risks are respiratory, allergic, and immune system complications due to inhalation or direct exposure.
Safer Options Are Available
Using solvent cleaners containing low or no VOCs is one option for reducing exposure. Stocking only the needed quantity also reduces exposure as these items evaporate even when not in use. Taking measures to find a lower VOC alternative is equally important. Several companies are able to offer solvent cleaners with Low-VOCs or No VOCs, which do not evaporate as quickly and are safer to handle. At Ecolink, we not only offer choices capable of doing the job with lower VOCs, but also are able to formulate a solvent cleaner based on your specific needs. Contact us today to learn how we are able help you get the same clean with a safer, specially formulated solvent cleaner.