Finding a Trichloroethylene Replacement Solvent for Vapor Degreasing

Trichloroethylene (TCE) was widely used in industrial degreasing since the 1920s. However, its inclusion on the EPA’s list of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) led to a sharp decline in its use. Many companies turned to n-propyl bromide (NPB) as an alternative, but NPB has its own health and environmental concerns and is now also under review for inclusion on the EPA’s revised HAP list.

Moving Beyond TCE and NPB

As regulatory pressure increases, it’s essential to move beyond both TCE and NPB and adopt safer, more sustainable cleaning solutions. Choosing a modern solvent with a better safety profile and strong performance is key to maintaining compliance and protecting workers.

Ecolink 4005: A Reliable Replacement

Ecolink 4005 is a highly effective and safer alternative for vapor degreasing applications. It offers excellent cleaning power for removing oils, greases, waxes, and other contaminants from metals, ceramics, glass, and elastomers—without the health and environmental risks associated with older solvents.

Key benefits of Ecolink 4005 include:

• No flash point
• Low toxicity
• Non-ozone depleting
• Low water solubility (<90 ppm)
• High allowable exposure limit (200 ppm)

These properties make Ecolink 4005 a strong candidate for replacing TCE and NPB in many industrial settings, especially where safety and regulatory compliance are top priorities.

Custom Solutions Available

While Ecolink 4005 meets the needs of many users, we understand that some vapor degreasing processes are unique. If your application requires a tailored solution, our team can develop a custom solvent blend to match your specific requirements.

Start the Transition Today

If you’re looking to replace TCE or NPB in your operations, contact Ecolink for a free evaluation. We’ll review your current process and recommend the best solution—whether it’s Ecolink 4005 or a custom formulation.

Call us at (800) 563-1305 or contact us to get started. We’re here to help you make the switch to a safer, more effective degreasing solution.