Environmental-Preferred Alternatives to MIL-PRF-680/P-D-680 Cleaner
Before you consider buying Safety Kleen’s QSOL 300, stop and consider your choices. While 1 of 3 approved prodcuts per the attached article recently published there are more alternatives under review. Effective April 15, 2010 Ecolink Inc. is the ONLY approved alternative to MIL PRF 680B with MIL PRF 680C Type V. This option is ideal for areas requiring LOW VOC solvents. Call 800 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com.
March – April HTIS Bulletin
By Hem L. Tripathi, Chemical Engineer, Hazardous Minimization and Green Products, DSCR
Three products are now available that meet the requirements of MIL-PRF-32295 (Cleaner, Non-Aqueous, Low-VOC, HAP-Free). These field tested products are on a Qualified Products List (QPL), and can be used to clean weapon systems across DOD maintenance facilities as alternatives to MIL-PRF-680. Furthermore, they are less hazardous, safer to use and environmentally compliant.
Three National Stock Numbers (6850-01-576-2676 (1GL), 6850-01-576-2765 (5 GL CO) and 6850-01-576-2736 (55 GL DR) are assigned and authorized for use against the Type I requirements of MIL-PRF-32295.
In August 2007, the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR) initiated a program to find chemical alternatives for the MIL-PRF-680/P-D-680 specifications. These specifications contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that affect human health and impact the environment. VOCs are organic chemical compounds that have sufficiently high vapor pressures under normal conditions to significantly vaporize, thereby entering the atmosphere. They are released during cleaning operations and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (photochemical smog), damage vegetation, and potentially harm the lungs, liver and kidneys. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates VOCs in the air, water, and the land.
MIL-PRF-680 and P-D-680 establish the requirements for the hydrocarbon-based solvents used for degreasing and cleaning machine parts of aircraft as well as the support equipment for maintenance. There is no commercial specification available to cover these military applications.
The qualified products for MIL-PRF-680 and P-D-680 have VOC content of more than 750 grams per liter, well above the currently regulated level in certain states. Solvent emissions are regulated locally as well as regionally, and the air pollution control districts in California have the most stringent requirements. Several years ago, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) imposed restrictions limiting the VOC content in solvents to no greater than 25 grams per liter for immersion cleaning processes (unless the solvent is used in an airtight cleaning system). Under this new rule, MIL-PRF-680 could no longer be allowed in solvent degreasing operations in the SJVAPCD. Since MIL-PRF-680 and P-D-680 were the only materials authorized by the applicable maintenance manuals to clean engine parts, an approved alternative was necessary to meet the new environmental regulations.
To identify solvent(s) that were less hazardous, safer to use, and environmentally compliant, DSCR’s Hazardous Material Minimization Program branch initiated a collaborative program with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Materials Engineering Division at Patuxent River, MD. The program effort was divided into three major elements: 1) development of the specification, 2) laboratory testing of potential alternatives on cleaning performance as well as material compatibility, and 3) field testing of alternatives with authentic parts.
NAVAIR developed a new specification, MIL-PRF-32295, titled, “Cleaner, Non-Aqueous, Low-VOC, HAP-Free,” and published it on November 5, 2008, for cleaning aircraft components, ground support equipment, and other general applications. Since the Aerospace National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) states that immersion-cleaning solvents and wipe-cleaning solvents must have vapor pressures less than 7 mm Hg and 45 mm Hg respectively, these limits were used to distinguish between Type I and Type II products. The cleaning effectiveness of the tested candidates led to further describing Type I products as being suitable for cleaning light soils such as oils and hydraulic fluids, and Type II products as being suitable for cleaning heavy soils such as greases and carbon residues. The new specification required that the solvent(s) be free of hazardous air pollutants (HAP), effective on grease and oil, non-toxic, compatible with metals and non-metals, and safe to use. It also could not contain more than 25 grams per liter of VOCs, and also be free of ozone depleting substances.
After a thorough evaluation of numerous commercially available products, NavAir’s Materials Engineering Division selected five products for laboratory testing by its Industrial and Operational Chemicals, Material Engineering Laboratories. These cleaners then were tested for cleaning efficiency, material compatibility, corrosion, hydrogen-embrittlement, and the other tests as required by the specification. Of the five selected, three products (QSOL 300, Cyclo-147F, and SB32) met the Type 1 requirements of MIL-PRF-32295 .These products have vapor pressures as low as 1 mmHg, zero VOC contents; and meet the most stringent environmental regulatory requirements. Research is in progress to find products that meet the specification’s Type II.
Field testing the cleaners involved determining the cleaning performance of the three candidates at various military sites (Navy, Air Force, US Marine Corps, and US Coast Guard) on authentic dirty parts associated with different weapon systems. Each cleaning solvent was tested side-by-side against the current MIL-PRF-680 Type II solvent for the duration of the test (that involved cleaning identical parts). Based on the specific cleaning application, the candidates were utilized in various cleaning techniques, brush, immersion, and wipe-cleaning. Photographs of the parts were taken before and after cleaning to compare the effectiveness of the tested cleaners to the control. Listed below are the cleaners that provided successful results with positive feedback.
For additional information on these studies, contact:
Dr. Hem L. Tripathi
Hazardous Minimization & Green Products Branch, Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, VA 23297.
PH: 804-279-5727
eMail: hem.tripathi@dla.mil; or,
Dr. El Sayed Arafat
Materials Engineering Division, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)
Patuxent River, MD
PH: 301.342.8054
eMail: elsayed.arafat@navy.mil.
Earth Day Revolution – 5 Minutes of Caring
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersEarth Day Revolution by Sam Davidson
Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
Forty years after Earth Day began, the global consciousness about the state of our planet is definitely raised. However, there is still a lot of work to do before we reverse the effects of climate change and take dedicated action to clean up our home. So, as you go out celebrating at various events today (or whether you decide to stay indoors and rap with Biz Markie instead), think about what long-term commitments you and your family want to make in order to save our planet. There is no day like the 40th Earth Day to get serious about going green.
Source: http://coolpeoplecare.org/home/
What are your sustainability goals or compliance needs? VOC’s, flammability, toxicity? Whatever your goal, Ecolink partners with its customers to first use less chemicals through better performing chemicals and processes and then focus on the environmental profile to improve safety to people and the planet. Every day is Earth Day. Celebrate!
Earth Day Remix Lyrics
Did you even know the Senate was deciding your fate?
Ten years for clean energy they wanted you to wait
Let me tell you a story of our situation
And how we’ll Repower this U.S. nation
Two things are goin’ on — I hate to bust your bubble
But the climate is changin’ and the economy’s in trouble
Walkin’ down the street in Cleveland town
A woman passed by, I said “Why you look so down?”
She said “I lost my job, my only hope’s clean energy
Closed down the auto plant, we need a factory.”
Ready to work, we got the science and skill
And for 2 million jobs, all we need’s a strong bill
You’d think our leaders would jump at the chance
But the lobbyists got them shakin’ in their pants
So I went to the Senate, asked for real change
But when I sprung the question, they acted real strange
All we need is a clean energy law
But all they’re just hearing is “blah blah blah”
Come on, I’m not even going for it
You, you got what I need…
Cause we need clean energy
We need clean energy
AMERICA!
We need clean energy
Cause we need clean energy
Cause we need clean energy…
AMERICA!
We need clean energy
Cause we need energy
Cause we need clean energy…
Please!
US Army Corps of Engineers Dams: d Limonene & NPB Solvents
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial Degreasersd Limonene & NPB Solvents Used to Maintain Hydroelectric Generators
If you are bidding on any Army Corps of Engineers project that have specified the use of Electron solvent or denatured alcohol for wiping the rotor of a large hydro electric generator, please call 800 563-1305 or email info@ecolink.com.
Electron solvent is approaching its 20th anniversary and was originally approved by Siemens-Westinghouse and General Electric for their turbines and generators. Ecolink Inc. offers denatured alcohol and other commodity chemicals used during the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of hydroelectric generators. However, if you prefer a non-flammable alternative with much more solvency than denatured alcohol or comparable industrial cleaners than we urge you to upgrade to Hypersolve™ as a safe, effective and best-in-class NPB solvent.
When paired with Electron it delivers a 1-2 punch that knocks out even the most baked on, caked on dirt and soils.
Special Offer for US Army Corps of Engineer Dam Employees
Ecolink Inc. offers a 15% discount and FREE shipping for any new cleaner degreasers, degreaser chemicals or industrial solvent manufactured or distributed by Ecolink Inc.
We offer numerous alternatives to:
Call 800 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com to discuss your current use of any of these or other manufacturer’s brand to switch and start saving. With over 200 products to choose from, including several new formulations not yet listed on the website, we feel certain we can expand upon the savings and safety improvements enjoyed for nearly 20 years. Chemist owned and operated, we offer guaranteed FREE samples, including FREE freight, to evaluate for a RISK-FREE evaluation.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Operational Facts and Figures
Source: Wikipedia.org
USBR Dams Maintained with Electron Solvent & Hypersolve
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersUS Bureau of Reclamation: Electron Solvent & Hypersolve™
If you are bidding on any USBR dam projects that specify the use of Electron solvent or denatured alcohol for wiping the rotor of a large hydroelectric generator, please call 800 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com.
Image via Wikipedia
Electron solvent is approaching its 20th anniversary and was originally approved by Siemens-Westinghouse and General Electric for their turbines and generators. We offer denatured alcohol in convenient 5-gal pail container size along with many other commodity chemicals used during the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of hydroelectric generators. However, if you prefer a non-flammable alternative with much more solvency than denatured alcohol or comparable industrial cleaners than we urge you to upgrade to Hypersolve™ as a safe, effective, and best-in-class npb solvent. When paired with Electron it delivers a 1-2 punch that knocks out even the most baked on, caked on dirt and soils.
Electron & Hypersolve™ helped maintain Grand Coulee Dam during Major Overhaul
After more than
10 years of cleaning critical components with Electron at Grand Coulee Dam, the engineers and electrical technicians were seeking a safer and more effective alternative to denatured alcohol. After a series of site visits and product compatibility testing, Hypersolve™ was approved and has been in use for over 3 years.
As recently as August 2009, Electron and Hypersolve™ played a significant role as part of a $2M multi-year contract for Grand Coulee Dam Third Powerplant Unit Overhaul. The six generating units in the Third Power Plant (TPP) have been in service since the mid-1970s. Age-related wear began to create problems, which resulted in increased power outages and reduced reliability.
The overhaul project will ensure continued operation of the power plant and provide a reliable source of hydroelectric power to the region. These efforts, along with Electron and Hypersolve™, will result in improved reliability of equipment; minimizing outage durations, and will reduce the likelihood and magnitude of increases to outage time.
Special Offer for USBR Dam Employees
Ecolink Inc. is offering a 15% discount and FREE shipping for any new cleaner degreasers, degreaser chemicals or industrial solvent manufactured or distributed by Ecolink Inc.
We offer numerous alternatives to:
Grand Coulee Dam Statistics
Source: Wikipedia.org
Ice Harbor Dam Hydroelectric Generator Maintenance
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersIce Harbor Dam Approaches 20th anniversary with Ecolink Inc.
Ecolink Inc. recognizes the engineering, maintenance and environmental, health and safety staff at the Ice Harbor Lock and Dam for their continued support of our maintenance repair and overhaul cleaning compounds used to maintain their (3) three 90-megawatt units and (3) three 111-megawatt units for an installed power generating capacity of 603 megawatts and maximum capacity of 693 megawatts.
Safety and Environmental Protection at Ice Harbor Lock and Dam
With large hydroelectric generators almost 50 years old, our products Electron and Heavyweight have been ‘on the job’ for nearly 20 years. We greatly appreciate the loyalty and applaud the commitment of the US Army Corp of Engineers to the safety and protection of their employees, the Snake River and Lake Sacajawea.
Special Offer for Ice Harbor Lock and Dam Employees
Ecolink Inc. is offering a 15% discount and FREE shipping for any new cleaner degreasers, degreaser chemicals or industrial solvent manufactured or distributed by Ecolink Inc.
We offer numerous alternatives to:
Call 800 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com to discuss your current use of any of these or other manufacturer’s brand to switch and start saving. With over 200 products to choose from, including several new formulations not yet listed on the website, we feel certain we can expand upon the savings and safety improvements enjoyed for nearly 20 years. Chemist owned and operated, we offer guaranteed FREE samples, including FREE freight, to evaluate for a RISK-FREE evaluation.
About Ice Harbor Lock and Dam
Source: Wikipedia.org
Ice Harbor Lock and Dam is a hydroelectric, concrete, gravity dam on the Snake River in Walla Walla and Franklin counties in the U.S. state of Washington. The dam is located 8 miles (13 km) northeast of the town of Burbank and 12 miles (20 km) east of Pasco, river mile 9.2. Its name comes from a tiny bay in the river where boats once tied up to wait for upstream ice-jams to break up.[2]
Construction began in June 1955. The main structure and three generators were completed in 1961, with an additional three generators finished in 1976. Generating capacity is 603 megawatts, with an overload capacity of 693 MW. The spillway has ten gates and is 590 feet (180 m) long.
Ice Harbor Dam is part of the Columbia River Basin system of dams.
Inside the Dam on the South side of the river is a large visitor center that has been recently updated to include a new film “The Snake – River of Life” and a new modern interactive touch screen kiosk with information on the dam and recreational opportunities in the area. The visitor center also offers an excellent fish ladder viewing room where you can sit and observe the migration of Salmon, Steelhead, and Shad. Due to security, visitors must pass through the security gate to gain access.
Lake Sacajawea, named for Sacajawea, is formed behind the dam. The lake stretches to the base of Lower Monumental Dam, 32 miles (50 km) upstream. The Wallula Channel, formed from the backup of Snake River entering the Columbia River just southeast of Pasco, runs 10 miles (16 km) downstream from the base of the dam.
MIL PRF 680, PD 680 alternatives – Low VOC Solvents
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersEnvironmental-Preferred Alternatives to MIL-PRF-680/P-D-680 Cleaner
Before you consider buying Safety Kleen’s QSOL 300, stop and consider your choices. While 1 of 3 approved prodcuts per the attached article recently published there are more alternatives under review. Effective April 15, 2010 Ecolink Inc. is the ONLY approved alternative to MIL PRF 680B with MIL PRF 680C Type V. This option is ideal for areas requiring LOW VOC solvents. Call 800 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com.
March – April HTIS Bulletin
By Hem L. Tripathi, Chemical Engineer, Hazardous Minimization and Green Products, DSCR
Three products are now available that meet the requirements of MIL-PRF-32295 (Cleaner, Non-Aqueous, Low-VOC, HAP-Free). These field tested products are on a Qualified Products List (QPL), and can be used to clean weapon systems across DOD maintenance facilities as alternatives to MIL-PRF-680. Furthermore, they are less hazardous, safer to use and environmentally compliant.
Three National Stock Numbers (6850-01-576-2676 (1GL), 6850-01-576-2765 (5 GL CO) and 6850-01-576-2736 (55 GL DR) are assigned and authorized for use against the Type I requirements of MIL-PRF-32295.
In August 2007, the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR) initiated a program to find chemical alternatives for the MIL-PRF-680/P-D-680 specifications. These specifications contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that affect human health and impact the environment. VOCs are organic chemical compounds that have sufficiently high vapor pressures under normal conditions to significantly vaporize, thereby entering the atmosphere. They are released during cleaning operations and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (photochemical smog), damage vegetation, and potentially harm the lungs, liver and kidneys. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates VOCs in the air, water, and the land.
MIL-PRF-680 and P-D-680 establish the requirements for the hydrocarbon-based solvents used for degreasing and cleaning machine parts of aircraft as well as the support equipment for maintenance. There is no commercial specification available to cover these military applications.
The qualified products for MIL-PRF-680 and P-D-680 have VOC content of more than 750 grams per liter, well above the currently regulated level in certain states. Solvent emissions are regulated locally as well as regionally, and the air pollution control districts in California have the most stringent requirements. Several years ago, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) imposed restrictions limiting the VOC content in solvents to no greater than 25 grams per liter for immersion cleaning processes (unless the solvent is used in an airtight cleaning system). Under this new rule, MIL-PRF-680 could no longer be allowed in solvent degreasing operations in the SJVAPCD. Since MIL-PRF-680 and P-D-680 were the only materials authorized by the applicable maintenance manuals to clean engine parts, an approved alternative was necessary to meet the new environmental regulations.
To identify solvent(s) that were less hazardous, safer to use, and environmentally compliant, DSCR’s Hazardous Material Minimization Program branch initiated a collaborative program with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Materials Engineering Division at Patuxent River, MD. The program effort was divided into three major elements: 1) development of the specification, 2) laboratory testing of potential alternatives on cleaning performance as well as material compatibility, and 3) field testing of alternatives with authentic parts.
NAVAIR developed a new specification, MIL-PRF-32295, titled, “Cleaner, Non-Aqueous, Low-VOC, HAP-Free,” and published it on November 5, 2008, for cleaning aircraft components, ground support equipment, and other general applications. Since the Aerospace National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) states that immersion-cleaning solvents and wipe-cleaning solvents must have vapor pressures less than 7 mm Hg and 45 mm Hg respectively, these limits were used to distinguish between Type I and Type II products. The cleaning effectiveness of the tested candidates led to further describing Type I products as being suitable for cleaning light soils such as oils and hydraulic fluids, and Type II products as being suitable for cleaning heavy soils such as greases and carbon residues. The new specification required that the solvent(s) be free of hazardous air pollutants (HAP), effective on grease and oil, non-toxic, compatible with metals and non-metals, and safe to use. It also could not contain more than 25 grams per liter of VOCs, and also be free of ozone depleting substances.
After a thorough evaluation of numerous commercially available products, NavAir’s Materials Engineering Division selected five products for laboratory testing by its Industrial and Operational Chemicals, Material Engineering Laboratories. These cleaners then were tested for cleaning efficiency, material compatibility, corrosion, hydrogen-embrittlement, and the other tests as required by the specification. Of the five selected, three products (QSOL 300, Cyclo-147F, and SB32) met the Type 1 requirements of MIL-PRF-32295 .These products have vapor pressures as low as 1 mmHg, zero VOC contents; and meet the most stringent environmental regulatory requirements. Research is in progress to find products that meet the specification’s Type II.
Field testing the cleaners involved determining the cleaning performance of the three candidates at various military sites (Navy, Air Force, US Marine Corps, and US Coast Guard) on authentic dirty parts associated with different weapon systems. Each cleaning solvent was tested side-by-side against the current MIL-PRF-680 Type II solvent for the duration of the test (that involved cleaning identical parts). Based on the specific cleaning application, the candidates were utilized in various cleaning techniques, brush, immersion, and wipe-cleaning. Photographs of the parts were taken before and after cleaning to compare the effectiveness of the tested cleaners to the control. Listed below are the cleaners that provided successful results with positive feedback.
For additional information on these studies, contact:
Dr. Hem L. Tripathi
Hazardous Minimization & Green Products Branch, Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, VA 23297.
PH: 804-279-5727
eMail: hem.tripathi@dla.mil; or,
Dr. El Sayed Arafat
Materials Engineering Division, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)
Patuxent River, MD
PH: 301.342.8054
eMail: elsayed.arafat@navy.mil.