Hydrofluorocarbons present may have emissions properties that are not ideal for the environment. Hydrofluoroethers on the other hand have properties that promote eco-friendliness. Keep reading below to learn more about hydrofluorocarbons versus hydrofluoroethers.
\What are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?
Hydrofluorocarbons are a group of artificial compounds, also classified as greenhouse gases, that is composed of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. Most are colorless, odorless, and nonreactive. This group of compounds is commonly used for cooling systems and other applications, including:
- Refrigeration
- Air conditioning
- Insulation building
- Aerosols propellant
What is wrong with HFCs?
Unfortunately, hydrofluorocarbons have a relatively negative reputation as being powerful contributors to global warming, with certain HFCs, such as trifluoromethane, having a significantly higher warming potential than carbon dioxide. Though HFCs replaced chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as a safer alternative to the environment, HFCs still have a very high warming potential and their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is increasing at a rapid rate, specifically at around 10% to 15% percent every year.
What are hydrofluoroethers (HFEs)?
Hydrofluoroethers are a group of organic solvents that were formulated as an alternative to environmentally harmful chemicals, such as HFCs and CFCs. HFEs have multiple applications as industrial chemicals, including:
- Refrigeration
- Degreasing solvent
- Cleaning agent
- Heat transfer fluid
Are HFEs better than HFCs?
In terms of eco-friendliness, yes! HFEs have a significantly lower warming potential than HFCs. Unlike HFCs. HFEs have almost zero contribution to ozone depletion. Though they are still classified as greenhouse gases, HFEs have very short lifetimes in the atmosphere, specifically around only two weeks, as opposed to HFCs’ 15 to 29-year atmospheric lifetime.
Other than being eco-friendly, what are some other benefits of HFEs?
Some of the best properties of HFEs as solvents include:
- Low toxicity
- Non-flammable
- Compatible with most metals and various materials
- Low surface tension
- Low viscosity
Low surface tension and viscosity allow for HFEs to work very well as degreasing products, cleaning solutions, and vapor degreasers, namely because a low surface tension will enable a cleaning fluid to reach into snug spaces because it spreads out further than high surface tension solutions would. Though HFEs typically have low toxicity, it decomposes at high temperatures to give the decomposition products of hydrogen fluoride and fluorocarbons, which can be toxic to humans.
Looking for products made of Hydrofluoroethers?
Looking for an eco-friendly reliable product to satisfy your industrial or business needs? You can begin shopping for products here, or you can contact the specialized staff here to find the best product for you! To learn about sustainable chemicals strategy, click the link here.
What is the Purpose of Chemically Treating Boiler Water
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersOne of the biggest issues that occur with boilers is the hardening of water, which is the main cause of corrosion of metal and scale buildup in the boiler. It is considered essential to chemically treat boiler water for multiple reasons, including:
What happens if boiler water is not chemically treated?
If no chemicals are added to boiler water, corrosive elements, such as calcium and magnesium, can cause a hard scale buildup, which will significantly decrease the efficiency of the boiler by decreasing the flow of water in the boiler pipes, which in turn prevents continuous heat transfer.
What chemicals can aid in the prevention of these issues?
There are many different types of chemicals that can be used to treat boiler water, which can include:
One of the most effective methods to ensure boiler efficiency would be to raise the alkalinity of the boiler water with an alkaline solution, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, which can be used to keep the pH in a range of around 10 to 15. Keeping high alkalinity will create a protective oxide coating on the interior surface of the metal, which will prevent metal corrosion and buildup of scale or sludge. Sodium hydroxide will even be combined with other chemicals, such as diethyl ethanolamine or sodium nitrite, to further ensure the prevention of metal corrosion and that the alkalinity of the water is kept high.
Why is sodium hydroxide a good option?
Sodium hydroxide is a particularly good choice because when combined with a chemical such as diethyl ethanolamine, it will act as an oxygen scavenger, meaning it will bind to free oxygen to inhibit further corrosion and scale buildup. Another factor that must be considered when looking for a chemical to treat boiler water is if it forms carbon dioxide, which can result in other issues, such as the formation of carbonic acid, a corrosive acid. This makes sodium hydroxide the perfect option because it does not result in the formation of carbon dioxide
Looking for Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals?
Looking for a solution to chemically treat boiler water? Our chemical experts at EcoLink are here to assist you in finding the best chemical product for your industrial or business needs. Reach out to our team here today!
What is a B-Corporation?
/in Eco Friendly, Ecolink Community/by Industrial DegreasersImagine a business with purpose and transparency. A business determined to make a positive impact on the environment and communities embedded. That is a B-Corporation.
A B-Corporation, also known as B Corp or Certified B Corporation, is a company that has decided to undergo a verification process through B-Lab (a non-profit) that certifies that the business has committed to its mission, and has willing to exhibit the highest set standards for social and environmental performance.
What is the Purpose of a B-Corporation?
B-Corporations engage and promote adaptation and innovation through positive social and environmental practices. Being a B-Corporation has several benefits internally and externally. Whether you’re a small start-up company or a large, rapidly growing company, you can apply for B-Corporation certification. While the process can be challenging the impact of being a B-Corporation is powerful.
What Can a B-Corporation Do?
How to Become a B-Corporation?
Remember, the process is complex but keeping a few things in mind when trying to become certified will save you a bit of time! In order to become a B-Corporation, one must demonstrate the following:
Your business must demonstrate the highest set standards of business practices.
Make a promise to have a positive influence on the world and follow through!
Benefits of a Certification
How is Ecolink Making A Change?
Here at Ecolink, we look forward to servicing your company! We too are committed to making a positive impact on the environment. We provide products you can rely on and guess what? They’re not harmful to the environment! Get in contact with one of our team members today to see how you can integrate quality and promising chemical products into your business!
Hydrofluorocarbons Versus Hydrofluoroethers
/in Sustainable Chemicals Strategy/by Industrial DegreasersHydrofluorocarbons present may have emissions properties that are not ideal for the environment. Hydrofluoroethers on the other hand have properties that promote eco-friendliness. Keep reading below to learn more about hydrofluorocarbons versus hydrofluoroethers.
\What are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?
Hydrofluorocarbons are a group of artificial compounds, also classified as greenhouse gases, that is composed of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. Most are colorless, odorless, and nonreactive. This group of compounds is commonly used for cooling systems and other applications, including:
What is wrong with HFCs?
Unfortunately, hydrofluorocarbons have a relatively negative reputation as being powerful contributors to global warming, with certain HFCs, such as trifluoromethane, having a significantly higher warming potential than carbon dioxide. Though HFCs replaced chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as a safer alternative to the environment, HFCs still have a very high warming potential and their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is increasing at a rapid rate, specifically at around 10% to 15% percent every year.
What are hydrofluoroethers (HFEs)?
Hydrofluoroethers are a group of organic solvents that were formulated as an alternative to environmentally harmful chemicals, such as HFCs and CFCs. HFEs have multiple applications as industrial chemicals, including:
Are HFEs better than HFCs?
In terms of eco-friendliness, yes! HFEs have a significantly lower warming potential than HFCs. Unlike HFCs. HFEs have almost zero contribution to ozone depletion. Though they are still classified as greenhouse gases, HFEs have very short lifetimes in the atmosphere, specifically around only two weeks, as opposed to HFCs’ 15 to 29-year atmospheric lifetime.
Other than being eco-friendly, what are some other benefits of HFEs?
Some of the best properties of HFEs as solvents include:
Low surface tension and viscosity allow for HFEs to work very well as degreasing products, cleaning solutions, and vapor degreasers, namely because a low surface tension will enable a cleaning fluid to reach into snug spaces because it spreads out further than high surface tension solutions would. Though HFEs typically have low toxicity, it decomposes at high temperatures to give the decomposition products of hydrogen fluoride and fluorocarbons, which can be toxic to humans.
Looking for products made of Hydrofluoroethers?
Looking for an eco-friendly reliable product to satisfy your industrial or business needs? You can begin shopping for products here, or you can contact the specialized staff here to find the best product for you! To learn about sustainable chemicals strategy, click the link here.
Green Chemistry – Replace Your Tired and Old Solvent Degreasers
/in Green Chemistry/by Industrial DegreasersGreen chemistry is a branch of chemistry that specially focuses on reducing the use of environmentally hazardous substances. Regarding chemicals themselves, this often means using products that are HAP-free, low-VOC or no-VOC, bio-based, biodegradable or possess other environmentally beneficial characteristics.
With so many viable green chemical options on the market, why would anyone continue to clean and degrease with old, toxic chemical solutions? Here at Ecolink, we provide a large assortment of green chemicals that are perfect for anyone looking to replace these outdated products. Read on to learn about some of our environmentally friendly offerings!
Three Green Solvents and Degreasers Offered by Ecolink
Purchase Green Chemistry from Ecolink Today
The three products described above are just a small selection of Ecolink’s offerings. We have dozens of other industrial chemical solvents and solutions to choose from, many of which are formulated with green chemical ingredients.
If you would like to discuss your current use of older, toxic chemicals and how to make the switch to greener solutions, our team would be happy to help you. Contact Ecolink today by calling 800-563-1305 or emailing info@ecolink.com!
How are HFEs better for the environment?
/in Sustainable Chemicals Strategy/by Industrial DegreasersHydrofluoroethers (HFEs) don’t cause ozone depletion, have an extremely low potential for global warming and do not have a long atmospheric lifetime. Other chemicals that perform the same function emit greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming. Read on to find out just how beneficial to the environment switching to HFEs can be!
HFEs Key Environmental Factors
HFEs are an environmentally smart substitute. Compared to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), HFEs have almost no effect on the environment. With zero ozone depletion, a short atmospheric lifetime, and low global warming potential, HFEs have a simplified product waste stream, reducing operational and regulatory concerns.
Why are CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs so bad?
84% of ozone depletion is caused by humans from sources such as CFCs and HCFCs. A decreased ozone concentration allows for harmful UV rays to reach the earth’s surface. Some side effects of a decrease in the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere are:
Global warming can be attributed to the three chemicals trapping heat in the lower atmosphere causing the earth to warm.
By replacing CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs with HFEs in industrial and commercial processes, fewer CFCs and HFCs are emitted into the atmosphere causing environmental harm.
Affected Industries
By substituting greenhouse gas-emitting chemicals from processes, companies can prevent contributing to the destruction of the environment. Industries that would benefit from switching to HFEs include:
As industries make the switch to a cleaner substance, there is less stress to staying within EPA emission regulations since there are little to no emissions when using HFEs as opposed to CFCs, HCFCs, or HFCs.
Looking for products with HFEs?
Ecolink wants to help you maintain the quality of your products and services while substituting HFEs for other chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Contact us for any questions or concerns on how we can help you switch to more environmentally friendly chemicals. To learn more about sustainable chemicals strategy, click here.