The push for companies to use eco-friendly products has reached manufacturers of industrial cleaning solutions and the businesses that use them, as it has been revealed that many industrial cleaning and degreasing solvents are harmful to both people and to the environment. Carbon footprint-conscious companies, such as Ecolink, are aiding industrial companies practice the art of green chemistry, which involves transitioning to eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions in Green Chemistry
Why is using eco-friendly chemicals part of green chemistry? As it turns out, several of the 12 principles of green chemistry are related to the specific types of chemicals that are utilized to perform chemical reactions. A few of these principles are:
- Designing Safer Chemicals
Designing safer chemicals emphasizes the use of chemical solutions that are as nontoxic as possible while still being efficacious. Nontoxic or low-toxicity chemicals generally do not pose a large threat to wildlife, and thus are eco-friendly.
- Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries
According to this principle, the use of auxiliary chemicals such as solvents should be avoided. However, when they must be used, they should be as safe as possible. This is an important principle because solvents account for 50-80% of the mass of a standard batch chemical process; thus, their potential impact on the environment is significant. Therefore, when a large amount of solvent must be utilized, choosing environmentally friendly options will certainly benefit the planet.
- Use of Renewable Feedstocks
Finally, principle #7 of the 12 principles of green chemistry is the use of renewable feedstocks, which states that renewable feedstocks should be prioritized over non-renewable ones. “Feedstocks” can encompass a number of chemistry aspects, including the type of energy that is used, the material that storage containers are made out of, and- of course- the chemicals themselves. Renewable chemicals reduce the amount of chemical waste, which has the potential to harm the environment depending on how the waste is disposed of. Hence, this is another principle for which using eco-friendly chemicals is vital.
Shop Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions at Ecolink
Why use harmful chemical agents when you do not have to? Allow our team at Ecolink to help your industrial business switch to an eco-friendly cleaning solution that will clean and degrease components better than your current product while being less harmful to the planet.
By completing a comprehensive review of your chemical usage, Ecolink will find ways to improve your cleaner’s performance while saving money and reducing chemical waste. All of these factors contribute to a better work environment for both employees and the planet.
To learn more about how green chemistry practices can benefit your business, contact Ecolink today at 800-563-1305 or email us here!
Common Swaps for More Eco-Friendly Products
/in Eco Friendly/by Industrial DegreasersThe transition from non-eco-friendly products to eco-friendly products can be a smooth process if you know some of the common swaps. These common swaps are ideal because they are safer, have fewer chemicals, and have additional benefits that put harsher chemical products to shame. Honestly, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t made the swap sooner.
When it comes to harsher chemical products, there are options out there that have fewer chemicals but results that are just as great, if not better!
As you know, we love our clean, green chemicals and the variety of uses they offer, including cleaning solutions! Here are some options and considerations for ingredients you can use to be a bit more eco-friendly, including options on a smaller scale as well.
What to look for in Eco-Friendly Products?
Common Swaps for More Eco-Friendly Products
On a small scale, oils can be used to disinfect different surfaces and areas. Here are a few examples.
Tea Tree Oil
Eucalyptus Oil
What Ecolink Offers
We offer SAFE STRIP—Eco-Friendly Paint Remover which replaces the following ingredients that are found in most products used for paint removal: methylene chloride and benzene.
We offer non-hazardous solvents that have multiple uses and replace typical solvents found in vapor degreasing and metal cleaning such as nPB.
How Can We Help?
In need of bulk, sustainable, eco-friendly chemical products? Ecolink offers additional EPA-approved chemicals as well as other cleaning solutions! Check out our Solvent Solutions page to see what additional products replace those chemicals you don’t want. A member of our team is available to assist you with any additional inquiries!
Borehole Water Treatment Chemicals
/in Water Treatment Chemicals/by Industrial DegreasersBoreholes act as a self-sufficient water source for industrial purposes but can be contaminated with various impurities, like bacteria or toxic chemicals. Usually, borehole water treatment must be treated with specific chemicals to prevent various problems, such as scale formation or contamination. Borehole water will sometimes require pH adjustment through neutralization or oxidation, in order to remove certain contaminants, such as iron or manganese.
How are contaminants like iron removed?
An oxidant is added to the water, which oxidizes the iron to convert it from a soluble substance into an insoluble salt, making it much easier to remove through filtration. Some common chemical oxidants used for this process include:
Neutralization, or pH adjustment, can be utilized by adding either an acid (to lower pH) or an alkali (to raise pH), in order to improve the efficiency of the treatment. Some common neutralizing agents include:
How is scale formation prevented?
Scale formation can occur as a result of water hardening, which is caused by calcium and magnesium ions and is prevented by the addition of scale inhibitors. The main goal of scale inhibition is to soften the water, by addition of:
How is borehole water disinfected?
The most common disinfectant added during water treatment is chlorine or hypochlorite, which kills bacteria and pathogens that can be present in the water.
Are these chemicals safe for the environment?
Most of the chemicals used for borehole water treatment present a low concern for environmental harm, but steps still need to be taken to utilize more environmentally preferred treatment chemicals.
Looking for Borehole Water Treatment Chemicals?
Looking for an environmentally preferred product to satisfy your industrial water treatment needs? You can begin shopping for products here, or you can contact our experts here to find the best product for you!
Finding Greener Chemicals: A Practical Guide
/in Green Chemistry/by Industrial DegreasersThe color green is sometimes associated with unflattering qualities, such as envy or greed. However, thanks to the green movement, it is now often related to the environment- specifically, protecting the environment and making it safer for both humans and wildlife. Organizations that work with industrial chemicals can support this outlook by replacing toxic solvents with greener chemicals that are better for the environment.
The Role of Green Chemistry
Helping the environment by using greener chemicals is made possible by green chemistry, a relatively new branch of the centuries-old science. Green chemistry is defined as the use of chemicals and chemistry practices that diminish the usage and disposal of environmentally hazardous substances.
Green chemicals have flooded the industrial chemical market with products that are safer than the solutions they are designed to replace. But some of these green solvents offer more safety- or are more efficacious- than others. Therefore, companies should carefully choose green chemicals that meet both their productivity and safety needs.
Finding Greener Chemicals
For organizations interested in finding greener chemicals, step one is shopping at a chemical manufacturer that specializes in green chemistry and offers a wide selection of products. Once the manufacturer has been chosen, chemical replacements can be selected. Some valuable factors to look for in green chemicals are:
These are just a few of the characteristics that environmentally safe chemicals may possess. While they are sometimes present in-stock solutions, custom solutions can also be formulated to provide these excellent safety features as well as high efficacy.
Looking for Greener Chemicals?
Whether you’re committed to finding greener chemicals because the EPA is regulating a solvent you use or because you simply want to increase workplace safety, we’re here to help! At Ecolink, we emphasize the use of green chemicals to decrease the environmental impact of industrial solvent operations. Our goal is to supply the safest products possible without sacrificing strength and efficiency.
In addition to stock solutions, we offer toll blending for customers who are looking for unique green chemical products. We will work with you to create the perfect solvent for your needs.
To learn more about finding greener chemicals, please call us at 800-563-1305 or send us a message through our contact form. We look forward to providing you with an array of effective green chemical options that are safer than the toxic solvents they replace!
Process of Chemical Treatment of Wastewater
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersWastewater chemical treatment is a necessary process that is done to remove contaminants and solids from the water, in order to ensure purification so that it is deemed safe for humans and the environment.
Though there are different types of treatments for wastewater, chemical treatment is usually an additional process involving addition of specific chemicals for various purposes, including:
Neutralization:
This step involves the addition of either an acid (for lowering pH) or an alkali (for raising pH), depending on the pH of the wastewater. Sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid are chemicals that are commonly utilized for this step.
Precipitation (Coagulation and Flocculation):
This part of the treatment is extremely important and involves adding coagulants and flocculants to create a floc, or large clusters of solid particles, that can later be removed from the water by filtration. Coagulation is the process of destabilizing negatively charged particles by introducing positively charged chemicals, which will allow for the solid particles to form into large groups. After this step, flocculation is performed in order to further ensure the growth and accumulation of the floc. Commonly used coagulants are iron (III) sulfate and aluminum sulfate, which can also simultaneously act as a flocculant.
Oxidation:
This step involves the addition of an oxidizing agent to reduce the chemical oxygen demand levels of the water and remove organic and oxidizable inorganic particles. Hydrogen peroxide and ozone are commonly used oxidizing agents.
Ion Exchange:
This important step is done to soften hard water, which can result in scale formation or residue. Positively charged sodium ions, usually from sodium chloride, are added to the water to exchange spots with calcium and magnesium, which are the ions responsible for water hardening.
Disinfection:
This step is meant to purify the water by killing any bacteria or pathogens. Chlorine is commonly added to kill bacteria and viruses, ensuring complete disinfection of the water.
Looking for Wastewater Chemical Treatment Solutions?
Looking for an environmentally preferred water treatment product to satisfy your industrial or business needs? You can begin shopping for products here, or you can contact our experts here to find the best product for you!
Practicing Green Chemistry – Eco Friendly Cleaning Solutions
/in Green Chemistry/by Industrial DegreasersThe push for companies to use eco-friendly products has reached manufacturers of industrial cleaning solutions and the businesses that use them, as it has been revealed that many industrial cleaning and degreasing solvents are harmful to both people and to the environment. Carbon footprint-conscious companies, such as Ecolink, are aiding industrial companies practice the art of green chemistry, which involves transitioning to eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions in Green Chemistry
Why is using eco-friendly chemicals part of green chemistry? As it turns out, several of the 12 principles of green chemistry are related to the specific types of chemicals that are utilized to perform chemical reactions. A few of these principles are:
Designing safer chemicals emphasizes the use of chemical solutions that are as nontoxic as possible while still being efficacious. Nontoxic or low-toxicity chemicals generally do not pose a large threat to wildlife, and thus are eco-friendly.
According to this principle, the use of auxiliary chemicals such as solvents should be avoided. However, when they must be used, they should be as safe as possible. This is an important principle because solvents account for 50-80% of the mass of a standard batch chemical process; thus, their potential impact on the environment is significant. Therefore, when a large amount of solvent must be utilized, choosing environmentally friendly options will certainly benefit the planet.
Finally, principle #7 of the 12 principles of green chemistry is the use of renewable feedstocks, which states that renewable feedstocks should be prioritized over non-renewable ones. “Feedstocks” can encompass a number of chemistry aspects, including the type of energy that is used, the material that storage containers are made out of, and- of course- the chemicals themselves. Renewable chemicals reduce the amount of chemical waste, which has the potential to harm the environment depending on how the waste is disposed of. Hence, this is another principle for which using eco-friendly chemicals is vital.
Shop Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions at Ecolink
Why use harmful chemical agents when you do not have to? Allow our team at Ecolink to help your industrial business switch to an eco-friendly cleaning solution that will clean and degrease components better than your current product while being less harmful to the planet.
By completing a comprehensive review of your chemical usage, Ecolink will find ways to improve your cleaner’s performance while saving money and reducing chemical waste. All of these factors contribute to a better work environment for both employees and the planet.
To learn more about how green chemistry practices can benefit your business, contact Ecolink today at 800-563-1305 or email us here!