Any substance capable of dissolving and dispersing another substance is considered to be a solvent. Cleaners or degreasers containing carbon as part of their molecular structure are referred to as organic solvents. These substances can be found in countless products including varnishes, adhesives, paints, cleaning agents, and glues. They are also used in the production of items such as dyes, textiles, and plastics. Numerous organic solvents are labeled as carcinogens, reproductive hazards, or neurotoxins because of the harmful materials included as part of their chemical makeup. A number of chemical compounds may be used to create organic solvents such as: 
- Amines
- Esters
- Ethers
- Ketones
- Hydrocarbons
Any gas, liquid, or solid chemical compound containing carbon is considered to be organic. Classifications vary based on a number of factors; however, the easiest to recognize distinction is between natural and synthetic compounds. A natural organic solvent is derived from plants or animals and is extracted from a natural source because it is cheaper than attempting to develop it artificially. Synthetic compounds are created through the reaction of other substances, which can come from nature or be artificial. Organic solvents consisting of no artificial compounds deliver the safest option for cleaning, degreasing, or other processes.
Choosing an Eco-Friendly Solution
Various alternatives to powerful, carcinogenic substances have been created to provide eco-friendly, effective solvents. One of the largest misconceptions in the area of cleaning agents is that potent chemicals are required to do the trick. While in some cases this is true, countless industrial processes may be performed with a natural organic solvent. Cleaning agents applied for degreasing, general dirt removal, or surface preparation are frequently petroleum-based meaning they release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and emit Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) at normal temperatures. This means these items are released as the product is being used well as during storage. Traditional organic solvents entering soil or water sources continue to remain present for an extended amount of time thus causing pollution. Individuals exposed to these agents continuously or in large doses are also likely to suffer from severe health problems.
An environmentally friendly organic solvent releases minimum to no VOC’s or HAP’s into the surrounding atmosphere. Eco-friendly cleaners provide the same results but do not contain hazardous materials, offer a high flash point, have minimal to no odor, and are not aqueous based. These alternatives provide the safest option when water-based solutions will simply not work for industrial processes. It is also important to note the difference between a natural organic solvent and environmentally preferred products. Natural cleaning agents consist of all plant or animal derived ingredients whereas an environmentally preferred solvent simply meets all standards lined out by the Environmental Protection Agency. In some instances an “all natural” organic solvent may not have enough strength to provide the required cleaning results; however, several more powerful choices are available through manufacturers to ensure industrial needs can be fulfilled without posing significant harm to the environment.
Organic solvents are necessary in a number of industries and play a pivotal safety role in the workplace. For more information about environmentally friendly, low VOC products, please call (800) 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com.
Eco Friendly Options to Replace NPB Bromide
/in N-Propyl Bromide/by Industrial DegreasersAn abundant source of information has recently come out about the negative and serious side effects of using n-Propyl Bromide, or n-PB. Recently, The New York Times published an eye-opening piece describing how hazardous the NPB Bromide chemical agent is to the environment and to people exposed to, and coming into contact with, the chemical compound – which can lead to fatality. The publication also took umbrage with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Organization), which is a federal regulatory agency that is usually known for its strict guidelines and serious penalties for businesses that negligently place their workers in harms way. According to the article, OSHA has been perplexingly ineffective and irresolute in eliminating, even reducing the use of NPB Bromide, especially when the word is out about the dire effects of long term exposure to the chemical compound.
Whatever the reason for the inability of OSHA to prevent, or even significantly reduce the use of NPB Bromide, the fact remains that the word is out, and industrial organizations that claim ignorance to understanding the negative effects of this chemical agent is no longer an excuse. Fortunately, eco friendly options to NPB Bromide exist, and these eco friendly options are industrial strength, and have proven to be as reliable, if not more reliable, than n-Propyl Bromide. Any industrial business can make the change to a green alternative parts cleaning solvent, and still receive the same, likely better outcome cleaned and degreased finished product. The following statement is fact: There are eco friendly options to NPB Bromide that clean and degrease parts, metals, and materials better than the former cleaning agent could ever hope to.
An excellent source of information for transitioning to a better and more eco friendly part cleaning solution is Ecolink. Ecolink knows that the use of NPB Bromide must be stopped, and their professionals can help you discover eco friendly options to NPB Bromide that will clean and degrease any part, metal or material you have.
Industrial Cleaners That are Eco-friendly
/in Ecolink News, Industrial Cleaning Solutions, Industrial Degreasers/by Industrial DegreasersCleaning agents in the forms of liquids, sprays, powders, or granules simplify the removal of contaminants on surfaces during many industrial processes. It has been common for companies to rely on organic solvents with carbon as part of their chemical solution to eliminate undesirable contaminants; however, these chemicals have raised much concern about worker and environmental safety. The development of eco-friendly industrial cleaners has increased as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations buckle down on the use of dangerous solvents and consumers demand companies to utilize safer solutions. Companies desiring to “go green” have the option of selecting environmentally preferred or natural agents with little to no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP’s).
What Are the Cost Benefits of “Going Green”?
Eco-friendly industrial cleaners deliver several benefits to businesses using these products for meeting cleaning or degreasing requirements. Cost savings is one of the biggest advantages and a safer cleaning agent can help your bottom line in these expense areas:
A safe alternative to traditionally applied hazardous materials allows purchasing, shipping, and storage costs to be reduced as the agent can be bulk purchased in its concentrated form. Additionally, the choice to switch to green chemicals decreases the amount of hazardous materials residing in the workplace and limits worker exposure to harsh chemicals. Insurance costs are also reduced because the switch prevents workers from developing serious health conditions caused by chemical exposure.
Tips for Selecting the Right Cleaning Agent
Eco-friendly cleaners can be found just about anywhere these days as regulations and consumer awareness of the dangers of toxic chemicals have increased. A number of characteristics contribute to the eco-friendliness of a product; however, the industrial process to be performed, type of contaminant, and involved equipment will be major decision factors when making the switch to green cleaners. Here are a few things to consider before choosing a safe alternative for your business:
It is easy for companies to say their product is eco-friendly, but your keen eye will be required to ensure the safest option is being selected. Some cleaners fall in the environmentally preferred category meaning the ingredients meet the defined standards of the EPA, but are not completely natural. An environmentally preferred choice is a great secondary option when an “All Natural” cleaner does not meet specific industrial needs. Make certain you read the list of ingredients before choosing an alternative for your business. Several eco-friendly industrial cleaners have been made available for degreasing, equipment maintenance, general cleaning, and production processes. Contact an industrial cleaner manufacturer today to learn more about what eco-friendly products are available for meeting your specific business needs.
Industrial Cleaners with eco-friendly qualities decrease costs and play a pivotal safety role in the workplace. For additional information about environmentally friendly, low VOC products, please call (800) 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com.
Organic Solvents – Safe & Effective Cleaning Agents
/in Ecolink News, Organic Cleaning Solvent, Solvents/by Industrial DegreasersAny substance capable of dissolving and dispersing another substance is considered to be a solvent. Cleaners or degreasers containing carbon as part of their molecular structure are referred to as organic solvents. These substances can be found in countless products including varnishes, adhesives, paints, cleaning agents, and glues. They are also used in the production of items such as dyes, textiles, and plastics. Numerous organic solvents are labeled as carcinogens, reproductive hazards, or neurotoxins because of the harmful materials included as part of their chemical makeup. A number of chemical compounds may be used to create organic solvents such as:
Any gas, liquid, or solid chemical compound containing carbon is considered to be organic. Classifications vary based on a number of factors; however, the easiest to recognize distinction is between natural and synthetic compounds. A natural organic solvent is derived from plants or animals and is extracted from a natural source because it is cheaper than attempting to develop it artificially. Synthetic compounds are created through the reaction of other substances, which can come from nature or be artificial. Organic solvents consisting of no artificial compounds deliver the safest option for cleaning, degreasing, or other processes.
Choosing an Eco-Friendly Solution
Various alternatives to powerful, carcinogenic substances have been created to provide eco-friendly, effective solvents. One of the largest misconceptions in the area of cleaning agents is that potent chemicals are required to do the trick. While in some cases this is true, countless industrial processes may be performed with a natural organic solvent. Cleaning agents applied for degreasing, general dirt removal, or surface preparation are frequently petroleum-based meaning they release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and emit Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) at normal temperatures. This means these items are released as the product is being used well as during storage. Traditional organic solvents entering soil or water sources continue to remain present for an extended amount of time thus causing pollution. Individuals exposed to these agents continuously or in large doses are also likely to suffer from severe health problems.
An environmentally friendly organic solvent releases minimum to no VOC’s or HAP’s into the surrounding atmosphere. Eco-friendly cleaners provide the same results but do not contain hazardous materials, offer a high flash point, have minimal to no odor, and are not aqueous based. These alternatives provide the safest option when water-based solutions will simply not work for industrial processes. It is also important to note the difference between a natural organic solvent and environmentally preferred products. Natural cleaning agents consist of all plant or animal derived ingredients whereas an environmentally preferred solvent simply meets all standards lined out by the Environmental Protection Agency. In some instances an “all natural” organic solvent may not have enough strength to provide the required cleaning results; however, several more powerful choices are available through manufacturers to ensure industrial needs can be fulfilled without posing significant harm to the environment.
Organic solvents are necessary in a number of industries and play a pivotal safety role in the workplace. For more information about environmentally friendly, low VOC products, please call (800) 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com.
Aqueous Cleaners: Low-VOC Alternatives
/in Aqueous Cleaning Agents/by Industrial DegreasersPetroleum-based chemicals such as mineral spirits are frequently used to dissolve dirt, oil, burnt-on carbon, and grease quickly from the surfaces of parts or machinery. These traditional cleaners are a risky application because they pose significant harm to any individual handling them. Certain factors make petroleum-based organic solvents more dangerous than aqueous cleaners including:
Cleaners with harmful chemicals make exposure to hazards difficult to control thus resulting in increased costs. Petroleum-based cleaners create a large amount hazardous waste that must be disposed of properly to prevent environmental harm. Proper disposal is costly to any industrial facility frequently using organic solvents during product creation or cleaning processes. Considered as carcinogens, petroleum-based solvents or cleaners have been determined as contributors to several long-term, debilitating health conditions as a result of quick evaporation and emitted fumes. Aqueous cleaners offer an environmentally safe alternative to using cleaning agents containing an increased amount of VOC’s for completing essential industrial processes.
Water-Based Solutions Are an Effective Choice
An aqueous cleaner does not always meet cleaning or degreasing needs, but is capable of removing grease, oil, grime, or dirt in many scenarios. Unlike solvents, aqueous cleaners rely on heat and agitation to break contaminants down into smaller particles. The cleaning process is indeed different; however, agents consisting of water as a base perform just as well as petroleum-based solvents. Equipment used for processes involving aqueous cleaners is critical to the success of contaminant removal as it must apply the right amount of heat and force. It is important to remember that a selected cleaner should match the equipment being used. Processes such as filtering, oil skimming, proper maintenance, and the use of microfiltration for recycling purposes will also maximize the life of any aqueous cleaner. Water-based solutions offer companies several advantages over traditional cleaning choices including:
Aqueous cleaners do not contain the hazards often found in petroleum-based solutions and this makes them safer to handle. Additionally, deciding to make the switch to using these products ensures workers are minimally exposed to dangerous chemicals, thus limiting resulting health conditions, time off work, and insurance costs. Aqueous cleaners are a high performance alternative to solvents containing a large amount of VOC’s. This decision will be more rewarding if an understanding of what products work best for larger volumes, heavy soil concentrations, and light cleaning requirements exists prior to purchasing. Contaminant removal needs must be matched with current or newly purchased equipment to obtain the best results. With the plethora of choices offered today, any company can switch to aqueous cleaners or another low VOC alternative to decrease costs and create a safer working environment.
Aqueous cleaners offer a safer alternative to using dangerous organic solvents for industrial cleaning processes and play a pivotal safety role in the workplace. For more information about environmentally friendly, low VOC products, please call (800) 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com.
Industrial Parts Washer Solvents – Why Use Environmentally Preferred or All Natural Solutions?
/in Parts Washer/by Industrial DegreasersDecrease Costs and Pollution by Eliminating Waste
Non-hazardous waste generated from aqueous solutions or organic solvents consisting of all natural materials can be discharged into the local sewer system as these by-products do not remain in the soil or water for an extended period of time. You must check the handling instructions on a product to make certain it is biodegradable prior to disposal. It is not always possible to use a completely non-hazardous solution in a washer; however, you can select the least harmful industrial parts washer solvents for facility use. The easiest way to determine the best option is to check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before purchasing, choose a higher flash point solution, and substitute aqueous or low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) cleaners when possible. An abundance of products are available to decrease generated waste, reduce emitted fumes, and create a safer working environment. Depending on the type of application, a non-flammable, low VOC aerosol or hand wipe solvent could be enough to do the trick.
Industrial parts washer solvents are purchasable for vapor degreasing or precision cleaning of surfaces with effective, less harmful materials. Specific products are designed for application to substrates such as metal, plastic, or electronic components. It is essential to make certain the selected product meets the precise removal needs of your company. Environmentally preferred solvents have low VOCs, excellent solvency, meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, have little to no odor, do not leave residue, and offer less harmful evaporative qualities. If you have been seeking a greener alternative to harsh chemicals used for cleaning or degreasing, a variety of products have been made available to work with parts washers. Contact a manufacturer to learn more about what options best suit your specific industrial parts washer solvent needs and then make a choice based on what will provide desired results with the least harm to the environment or workers. Harsh chemicals are not the only answer to your cleaning needs as many alternatives are just as effective and do not generate harmful wastes.
Industrial parts washer solvents are necessary in a number of industries for contaminant removal processes. For more information about environmentally friendly, low VOC products, please call (800) 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com.