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Vapour degreasing – A guide for production engineers
Vapour degreasing – A guide for production engineers
This guide for production engineers explains why vapour degreasing is the most effective and economical process for cleaning of manufactured components. The start of a new year is always a good time to review your existing cleaning process and ask yourself ‘am I using a safe modern solvent for vapour degreasing?’.
Vapour degreasing is the simplest but most effective degreasing and cleaning process which, until recently, has been subject to little change since it was first invented in the early part of the last century. This is a very mature chemical technology which legislation is now effecting changes so fundamental that the more accurate name for the process “Condensation Cleaning” should be used to reflect the improvements in equipment design, chemistry, reduced emissions, economies in usage of solvents and the subsequent environmental acceptability compared to the open topped tanks so ubiquitous in factories and workshops worldwide. The alternatives in equipment design offer differences in technology, which guarantee the continuing use of this process in the future, need to be considered and understood.
The cleaning tank in the corner of most engineering shops hides a very well researched process using sophisticated chemistry. Its popularity is in its simplicity. The tank sump is heated, fitted with cold coils around the internal surfaces at the top to retain the vapour. Fill to a few centimetres with a non-flammable solvent able to dissolve contaminants, boil to form a vapour 3 to 4 times heavier than air to fill the tank. Hot solvent vapour condenses on the cooler target parts at workplace temperature. The hot liquid solvent dissolves oil and grease and other contaminants. Used solvent returned to the sump revaporises continuing the cycle until parts have achieved the same temperature as the vapour when, with no further condensation, the process is complete. Simple but perfect. Highly productive and economical, parts removed from the cleaning process are clean, warm, and dry in 5 to 10 minutes.
Historically chlorinated hydrocarbons have been the solvents of choice for the “Condensation Cleaning” process. Compatible with most materials of manufacture, stable in constant use, producing a non-flammable saturated vapour heavier than air at a temperature greater than ambient. In Europe, the United States and in other advanced industrialised economies increasingly stringent legislation to control emissions of VOCs, especially solvents, has led to new formulations for paints and other coatings where water replaces most of the solvent. In the early days the quality of water-based paints was not as good as traditional solvent-based coatings, but innovation has driven the development of new polymers with results as good as, if not better than, the solvent-based originals.
As with coatings, cleaning systems have had to change. With increasingly demanding standards of cleaning required for precision engineering, electronics, optics etc solvents are often first choice, for reasons outlined above, but these have been targeted by regulators and alternatives are encouraged by the relevant authorities and law makers often without serious consideration of unintended consequences. For example, water-based cleaning is encouraged as the obvious alternative, but this has many disadvantages compared to condensation cleaning as although the machines are simple and relatively cheap the processes require multiple heated tanks for immersion or spray processing or long programmed cycles in batch machines for cleaning, rinsing, and drying. Water based processes are slow, energy intensive and occupy more floor space than solvent-based condensation cleaning equivalents where only one tank with a small footprint is needed, delivering shorter process times and, most importantly for the environment, using minimal energy.
The ideal cleaning process would be “Condensation Cleaning” using water but due to the physical characteristics of the water vapour/steam and the inability to carry onto the surface of the targeted parts surfactants to remove the oil, grease and soils and the difficulty and expense of rinsing and especially drying this can only ever be a dream.
Historically chlorinated hydrocarbons have been the solvents of choice for the “Condensation Cleaning” process. Compatible with most materials of manufacture, stable in constant use, producing a non-flammable saturated vapour three to four heavier than air at a temperature greater than ambient. The traditional solvents such as trichloroethylene exhibits all these characteristics however concerns about its carcinogenic properties and the danger to operators by exposure, led to a continuing search for a safer alternative. 1,1,1 trichloroethane based solvent formulations became popular in the mid part of the last century as a safer replacement. An excellent solvent, safer for users, it proved to be depleting the protective ozone layer around the Earth and was subsequently banned. With the development of the REACH legislation in Europe, trichloroethylene was again allowed with restrictions and stringent controls for use in authorised machines which control emissions to very low figures close to zero.
High performance vapour degreasing and cleaning
EnviroTech Europe have been supplying vapour degreasing solvent formulations for 40 years constantly responding to increasingly stringent regulatory requirements for environmental and safety laws and the need for improved cleaning standards. ProSolv® 5408e is a new sustainable solvent blend with near zero OPD (Ozone Depletion Potential) and GWP (Global Warming Potential) for high performance degreasing and cleaning which ticks all the boxes with the perfect profile for a vapour degreasing solvent. Soft on the environment and safer for users with high performance, improved cleaning, and lower costs. Lower boiling point, economical with energy with low solvent losses, faster production, reduced costs, easy handling. Exceptionally low surface tension to penetrate micron sized holes and close contact surfaces. Sustainable and secure for future use as your ‘forever solvent’.
Sealed Tanks
As with all legislation for chemical use regulation and restrictions drive development of associated processes and equipment. Sealed tanks are now standard with many different designs available. The most common are discussed below.
The single tank hermetically sealed machines favoured by some manufacturers uses a process tank to contain the solvent and a separate storage tank/vapour generator. Baskets loaded with parts to be cleaned are introduced from the top or through access points on the side of the tank. Lids or doors hermetically seal the tank. Solvent is pumped into the process tank where agitation, ultrasonics or pumped liquid is circulated through the parts. Used Solvent is removed to the vapour generator, condensing coils controlling the vapour are linked to coils located in the vapour zone which, when the cycle is complete, collapse the vapour. The process tank is emptied. Controlled air introduced to process tank is then recycled through carbon absorption units to remove traces of solvent until the concentration is within regulatory standards when the lid is released for the basket of parts, clean and dry, to be removed and replaced with a further basket. Variations of process within the hermetically sealed tank are possible using sprays of cold or hot condensed solvent, immersion with or without ultrasonics and revolving baskets to cover most of the problems experienced when processing machined and fabricated parts. Continuous external distillation of the contents of the vapour generator is also an option depending on contamination.
The alternative technology is much simpler and uses well tried techniques not requiring the long recovery times of the hermetically vacuum sealed processes. The multilevel system uses a standard vapour degreasing tank design with a sealed loading section above the process tank. Components to be cleaned loaded in work baskets or jigs are fed to the load section by hand or conveyor, an internal platform raises and lowers the baskets in controlled cycles.
Loading complete – the load enclosure is sealed to completely isolate the process. Then seal on the process tank is opened and the basket automatically lowered into the cleaning section which can be simple condensation cleaning or immersion cleaning with or without ultrasonics or power sprays. Revolving baskets can also be added to improve cleaning in blind or through holes or oil ways in castings and fabrications.
On completion the basket rises to the area where the condensation coils are located, and parts allowed to drain and dry, basket raises into the load section when the process tank is sealed. A fan circulates air within the load area which can be recycled through carbon absorption systems if no external exhaust is preferred.
As baskets entering the loading space contain parts drained and dried only very small amounts of solvent are carried in the exhausted air which is monitored to ensure compliance with appropriate legislation. When this is complete the seal opens fully for removal of cleaned components. The loading section can be fitted with top or side seals allowing baskets to flow through on conveyor systems or be removed by hand or hoist. No solvent enters the work area. Both processes will produce parts cleaned to the highest standards but the choice of which offers the best solution needs a little more consideration.
The hermetically sealed vacuum process is complicated with the need to move liquids in the machine. It is relatively slow as the carbon adsorption process has to remove high levels of solvent from the recirculated airstream from the process tank. This is inefficient as adsorption rates for carbon fall rapidly with increasing saturation. Final levels of solvent in the tank when the lid or loading door opens will be dragged into the workshop and the area where the operator is working. Long process cycles reduce throughput.
The simpler multilevel systems where movement of liquids is not required are more efficient and offer much faster process times. Cost of manufacture is also reduced as no liquid movement or vacuum is involved. The extracted loading section ensures no leakage of solvent into the work area giving complete safety for operators and factory staff. Envirotech Europe also offers workplace air monitoring to ensure VOC’s from the solvent are within exposure limits and your machine is operating to specification.
Conclusions
Both designs of process machines discussed above fully comply with the emission regulations of the EU and U.S authorities. Which to choose will depend on many factors which should be discussed with equipment and solvent suppliers who have the experience to advise on which offers the best process for the application. Equipment and solvent must work together, so it is advisable to ensure that the suppliers co-operate to offer a package with high levels of responsible care and product stewardship to ensure the best and safest installation. EnviroTech personnel and distributors are trained to work with equipment suppliers to advise on the use of ProSolv® 5408e vapour degreasing solvent for the most satisfactory outcome.
The “Condensation cleaning” process still gives the highest levels of economical cleaning with minimum energy usage, low footprint on the factory floor, safety for the operator, and high production rates with low solvent usage and environmental impact. With the new generation of sealed cleaning machines its future as the process of choice is assured.
Photograph of Solvac equipment courtesy of C&C Hydrosonics.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Please visit our website https://www.envirotech-europe.com/prosolv5408e for information about other uses and applications for ProSolv 5408e.
Visit www.envirotech-europe.com/applications-and-case-studies for information about uses and applications for all EnviroTech Europe products.
For more advice, please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our website contact form.
All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
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Related Posts
Video: ProSolv 5408e – Vapour degreasing cycle using hermetically sealed equipment
Vapour degreasing cycle using hermetically sealed equipment.
ProSolv 5408e is a high- performance solvent cleaner used for sustainable and future proof vapour degreasing. Soft on the environment and safe for users, it offers improved cleaning at lower costs. Low boiling point, economical with energy with low solvent losses, faster production.
Innovation driven by legislation
Vapour degreasing, with or with-out ultrasonics, is the oldest, simplest and most effective solvent degreasing and metal cleaning process used today. It has, until recently, been subject to little change since it was first invented in the early part of the last century. In the UK, Europe, United States and other advanced industrialized economies increasingly stringent legislation to control emissions of VOCs, Solvents with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), or a high Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), and those compounds associated with human health concerns has led to Envirotech Europe manufacturing new formulations for precision cleaning solvents with low or near zero potential.
Halogenated hydrocarbons are the solvents of choice for vapour degreasing and cleaning. The process is essentially simple. A tank with a sump to contain the solvent, heaters at the base and condensation coils around the top section to control the height of the vapour is all that is needed. When heated in the sump halogenated solvents produce, in most cases, a saturated vapour between 3 and 4 times heavier than air at a temperature greater than the ambient temperature of the parts to be cleaned. This allows the solvent vapour to condense on the surface of the parts. The condensate dissolves the contaminants such as oil, greases, flux, and soils returning the used solvent into the sump of the machine for recycling into vapour which continuously condenses onto the parts until they have achieved vapour temperature when, with no further condensation, the process is complete. Parts removed from the cleaning machines are very clean, warm and dry.
The most common halogenated solvents, in use for commercial purposes, are non-flammable so present no risk in this process. Perchloroethylene, used mainly for dry cleaning, methylene chloride previously used widely in paint strippers, 1,1,1- trichloroethane and trichloroethylene used for vapour degreasing were the original materials used based on chlorine chemistry. However continuing concern about the environmental impact and danger to operators by exposure to chlorine-based solvents, especially trichloroethylene, has led to a continuing search for safer alternatives, such as ProSolv 5408e , a trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene based solvent mixture that is non-flammable.
The ProSolv 5408e vapour degreasing process gives the highest levels of economical cleaning with minimum energy usage, low footprint on the factory floor, safety for the operator, and high production rates with low solvent usage or environmental impact. With the new generation of sealed cleaning machines its future as the process of choice is assured.
A more detailed version of this article can be viewed here:
https://www.vapour-degreasing.com/solvent-degreasing-and-metal-cleaning/
Animation of Solvac hermetically sealed equipment by kind permission of CC Hydrosonics Ltd. https://www.cchydrosonics.com/
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more advice, please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our website contact form. All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
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The best in vapour degreasing, corrosion protection, metal cleaning and surface treatment
EnviroTech Europe are specialists in metal, plastic and other substrate cleaning, pretreatment and protection.
We offer a range of approved products tailored to your industry, which are cost effective, energy efficient, safe for operators and the environment.
Our products are used in the following industries:
- Electronics and Electrical
- Environmental
- General Cleaning
- Industrial and Manufacturing
- Marine and Maritime
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Device Manufacturing
- Military
- Motorsport
- Power Generation
- Railways and Automotive
PRODUCTS:
EnSolv CC-A Vapour Degreasing Solvents For Precision Metal Cleaning:
A family of environmentally friendly precision vapour degreasing and cleaning solvents for the aerospace, precision engineering, medical, optical and electronic industries.
ProSolv 5408e Environmentally Sustainable High Performance Vapour Degreasing Solvent:
Zero ODP (ozone depletion) and GWP (global warming potential) – Sustainable and secure for the future.
SuperCORR A Advanced lubricant and corrosion protection compound:
Specialist barrier film corrosion protection products, based on synthetic materials to provide safe, effective, environmentally friendly solutions to lubrication and corrosion problems.
Aquus CL-One General Purpose Industrial Cleaning Agent:
A non-toxic, water based surfactant system which exhibits a combination of characteristics not found in any comparable commercially available system.
Clarea Industrial Degreasing Solvents:
Non chlorinated, industrial wipe, brush, dip and immersion cleaning solvents for removing dirt, oil, grease and other contaminants without causing harm or leaving residue.
VOC Exposure Monitoring:
We have portable test equipment that logs the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC’s) content in the air from various strategic positions around your degreasing equipment, including the operator position
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more advice, please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our website contact form. All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
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Latest News
Trichloroethylene a known human carcinogen
CONTENT ON THIS PAGE IS RETAINED FOR INFORMATION ONLY
DUE TO n-Propyl bromide now being included in Annex 14 of REACH
EnviroTech Europe Ltd (ETE) continue to publish it as historical information and to record changes occurring in legislation which have affected decisions on formulations and equipment used in vapour degreasing - the most effective, quickest, flexible and cheapest cleaning system used in industry.
EnSolv® invented and patented by EnviroTech has been a market leader all over the world for vapour degreasing. It is based on n-bromopropane (nPB) which now cannot be used as a vapour degreaser within the UK or EU without authorisation.
Archived information about EnSolv® can be found using the Discontinued Products & Resources navigation menu on this page.
Using experience accumulated over 40 years supplying and supporting users of the vapour degreasing process ETE specialists have developed “drop in” alternatives:
ProSolv®, ProSolv5408e® and EnSolv CC-A® give the same or improved level of performance and economy as the original EnSolv® products.
Please contact our advisers who are available to discuss your needs and propose the best replacement product.
Or please click here to return to our vapour degreasing products homepage for information about our current products.
Trichloroethylene formally listed as a “Known Human Carcinogen”.
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After many years of being listed as a possible or probable human carcinogen, the widely used solvent trichloroethylene (TCE) has now been listed by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a “known human carcinogen.” Ref; NTP’s 14th Report on Carcinogens (November 3, 2016).
Trichloroethylene is widely used in manufacturing industries as a vapour degreasing solvent but its principal uses are as an intermediate raw material in hydrofluorocarbon chemical manufacture. In the light of a number of human studies showing a causal connection between TCE exposure and an increased risk of kidney cancer, NTP re-evaluated and ultimately reclassified TCE. In addition to cancer risk, other problems that have been attributed to TCE exposure include immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity and developmental toxicity, such as potential fetal cardiac defects.
As a known carcinogen exposure to TCE is highly regulated already in the European Union. From April 2016 its use has required authorisation for specified applications.
The ban on the use of TCE for vapour degreasing, a very widely used cleaning process, causes many problems in the engineering and manufacturing industries where oil and soils need to be removed between stages in the production processes and on finished products. The use of alternative water based cleaners are inconvenient and increase process times and costs.
A safer alternative, EnSolv is available as an established “drop in” replacement for TCE often using existing vapour degreasing equipment. For more information on conversion, help or advice from EnviroTech Europe Specialist team go to www.vapour-degreasing.com.
We can provide you with a Material Safety Data Sheets, independent laboratory reports, product samples and technical assistance.
For more information or advice please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our contact form.
All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
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Lubricant And Corrosion Inhibitors
How SuperCORR A protective lubricant prevents seizures of automatic handling systems in the harsh conditions of Industrial cleaning systems.
Specialist cleaning equipment manufacturer C&C Hydrosonics a division of U.S giant Crest Ultrasonics have solved a problem with seizures occurring the on x-y axis linear tracks on their automatic handling systems fitted to multi tank cleaning systems both aqueous and solvent based.
The automatic handling systems are programmed to process baskets or jigs through a cleaning cycle transferring between tanks, lowering and raising work from the liquids. The motorised carriages use nylon wheels running on case hardened mild steel tracks (stainless steel is not available) which corrode in the chemical atmospheres in the machine canopies.
The corrosion prevents smooth running with wheels seizing and binding on the tracks. The vibration can cause components to be shaken from jigs or in extreme cases the carriage will stall requiring intervention by service engineers to remove corrosion and re-lubricate tracks with oil. This is a temporary measure as the oil is quickly removed by the solvents and water based cleaning solutions with corrosion recurring in a short time.
SuperCORR A from EnviroTech Europe is an innovative dry lubricant formulation with protective properties which forms a self-healing film applied from an aerosol. The inorganic lubricant is unaffected by water and acts a barrier against rusting and corrosion. Extensive Trials by C&C Hydrosonics over a six month period with both solvent and water based systems demonstrated that SuperCORR A offered a simple solution to the problem with no seizures during the trial period. Previously maintenance every six weeks was needed, now an aerosol spray of SuperCORR A is used only during service visits as a routine lubrication and applied during production of the handling system.
Lee Casey Managing Director of C&C is delighted with the cost savings on reduced service and maintenance calls using SuperCORR A but is even more pleased that the inconvenience to customers has been eliminated. Use of SuperCORR A has now been extended worldwide on Crest automated handling systems.
SuperCORR A is available from EnviroTech Europe Ltd and distributors worldwide.
We can provide you with a Material Safety Data Sheets, independent laboratory reports, product samples and technical assistance.
For more information or advice please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our contact form.
All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
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The only realistic “drop in” replacement for TRIKE.
CONTENT ON THIS PAGE IS RETAINED FOR INFORMATION ONLY
DUE TO n-Propyl bromide now being included in Annex 14 of REACH
EnviroTech Europe Ltd (ETE) continue to publish it as historical information and to record changes occurring in legislation which have affected decisions on formulations and equipment used in vapour degreasing - the most effective, quickest, flexible and cheapest cleaning system used in industry.
EnSolv® invented and patented by EnviroTech has been a market leader all over the world for vapour degreasing. It is based on n-bromopropane (nPB) which now cannot be used as a vapour degreaser within the UK or EU without authorisation.
Archived information about EnSolv® can be found using the Discontinued Products & Resources navigation menu on this page.
Using experience accumulated over 40 years supplying and supporting users of the vapour degreasing process ETE specialists have developed “drop in” alternatives:
ProSolv®, ProSolv5408e® and EnSolv CC-A® give the same or improved level of performance and economy as the original EnSolv® products.
Please contact our advisers who are available to discuss your needs and propose the best replacement product.
Or please click here to return to our vapour degreasing products homepage for information about our current products.
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Why EnSolv is the only realistic “drop in” replacement for TRIKE as a Vapour Degreasing Solvent.
Syd Treacher, a Surface Cleaning Consultant discusses the current controversy regarding replacements for trichloroethylene, the most commonly used vapour degreasing solvent, which was to be phased out of use in industrial applications in April 2016.
This article was prompted while reading an article where the author claimed that a grade of fluorocarbon solvent was a “drop in” replacement for TRIKE (trichloroethylene) and n- propyl bromide. This statement is not true for the majority of applications for which trichloroethylene is used – vapour degreasing or more correctly condensation cleaning.
As a consultant in surface cleaning technology I have studied the options available and come to the conclusion that the stabilised n-propyl bromide (nPB) sold in the UK under the brand name EnSolv® is the ONLY realistic “drop in” replacement for trichloroethylene when used for vapour degreasing. It is on average up to 50% cheaper than fluorocarbon formulations being proposed as alternatives.
From my evaluation it is clear current users of EnSolv® can continue to use the solvent and equipment or if still if using TRIKE you can make the change to EnSolv® in a day. A decision has to be made quickly as the “sunset date” after which TRIKE will not be available for industrial use without authorisation in the EU was April 2016 but you can substitute with only minor changes to control settings on equipment. The legislation regarding the use of nPB may change in the future but if this happens you will have at least 3 years to decide on the alternative so the savings in solvent costs over this period will be considerable compared to alternative materials. Read the full article here.
We can provide you with a Material Safety Data Sheets, independent laboratory reports, product samples and technical assistance.
For more information or advice please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our contact form.
All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
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Degreasing And Cleaning – Key Questions To Ask
There can be no doubt that manufacturers of metal components have remained keenly interested in the advantages to be found in process cleaning, while being confused by the amount of misinformation that seems presented to them.
There can only be two reasons for this. These is an intention to mislead or simply a lack of understanding of the subject.
In any event, the user needs to take time to match what is said to what is fact. Too often companies generalise on the basis that they are not keen for users to look deeply at the subject, yet this is vital if good decisions are to be made.
In the end, the final judgement of the user is what matters but how many people express frustration at some of the suppliers they have met who spent more time criticising a proven product rather than validating their own.
Too often, suppliers are advising what not to do rather than dealing with what really works. This is negative selling and appears on the increase as the market shrinks, regulation gets tighter and independent specialists are more limited in numbers.
Recent history suggests that larger suppliers rely on their size to justify their competence when in fact the really satisfied customers are saying smaller companies with real specialists provided the best solutions.
No one can argue against the fact that the popular choice for metal cleaning and degreasing is still vapour degreasing. This is confirmed by the companies involved in making machinery for degreasing. The order books are heavily stacked in favour of vapour degreasing. If there is one slight disadvantage currently, lead times are often 20 weeks to delivery of machines.
It is clear though that these highly cost-effective systems, which use very little solvent, are likely to remain the first choice for some considerable time.
Arguments related to the Solvent Emissions Directive carry little weight with modern machines as they are so well engineered that they are compliant with regulatory requirements. If there is one common request made by users it remains that they wish there was a single company capable of offering the total solution, e.g. both their own product and machinery together. This would shorten the circle and place more pressure on the supplier to be responsible for promises made.
Most machinery companies work with a multitude of chemistry suppliers, since they want the maximum sale of machines, but should disputes arise this can be a protracted problem as it’s easy to blame someone else for the issues involved.
Much is said about vacuum and hermetically sealed systems being the best solution. They are certainly the most expensive. Speak to an independent specialist to ensure you know the limits of these machines and the cost benefits of alternative designs.
Suppliers who claim aqueous systems are superior need to ensure they advise the user that more energy, more space, longer cleaning cycles more risk of residues and waste disposal issues should be taken into account. Global warming is an issue for all of us so factor in the amount of energy required for heating and drying. To accept that water is safer or better, needs to be well argued. Never forget that water-based cleaning solutions need changing regularly and the oils and metals produced by these processes are waste and needs correct and very expensive disposal.
When considering vapour degreasing it will often be suggested that product transfer systems attached to the existing open-topped machine bring a number of benefits. For handling benefits it is true but never doubt they will not contribute to reducing your consumption, so will do nothing for emission targets.
The best way forward is to make a supplier talk to you about their own product. Beware of those who distract you from this. If a claim is made that seems suspect, ask for the claims to be made in writing. Transparency is a vital ingredient in any relationship with your supplier.
The target audience for most suppliers are those using the carcinogen Trichloroethylene. This is now banned for general use and requires specific authorisation for use in cleaning applications. Do your research, set the questions and insist on the evidence for the arguments put forward. Protecting your business, your staff and the community around you gives a sound basis to ensure a real assessment.
For more information about Vapour Degreasing Solutions please visit our website:
www.vapour-degreasing.com
We can provide you with a Material Safety Data Sheets, independent laboratory reports, product samples and technical assistance.
For more information or advice please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our contact form.
All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
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Replace Banned Trichloroethylene
CONTENT ON THIS PAGE IS RETAINED FOR INFORMATION ONLY
DUE TO n-Propyl bromide now being included in Annex 14 of REACH
EnviroTech Europe Ltd (ETE) continue to publish it as historical information and to record changes occurring in legislation which have affected decisions on formulations and equipment used in vapour degreasing - the most effective, quickest, flexible and cheapest cleaning system used in industry.
EnSolv® invented and patented by EnviroTech has been a market leader all over the world for vapour degreasing. It is based on n-bromopropane (nPB) which now cannot be used as a vapour degreaser within the UK or EU without authorisation.
Archived information about EnSolv® can be found using the Discontinued Products & Resources navigation menu on this page.
Using experience accumulated over 40 years supplying and supporting users of the vapour degreasing process ETE specialists have developed “drop in” alternatives:
ProSolv®, ProSolv5408e® and EnSolv CC-A® give the same or improved level of performance and economy as the original EnSolv® products.
Please contact our advisers who are available to discuss your needs and propose the best replacement product.
Or please click here to return to our vapour degreasing products homepage for information about our current products.
Trichloroethylene is banned by the EU and will not be available after 21 April 2016.
Still using trichloroethylene for vapour degreasing?
The final EU “Sunset Date” is on 21 April 2016 when use of this solvent will be illegal without specific authorisation and unless very expensive fully enclosed vacuum equipment is installed. Exemptions are unlikely if an alternative is available.
Replace Trike now with EnSolv – the simple “drop in” replacement for Trichloroethylene.
EnSolv is stable, economical, a superb vapour degreaser operating at 70˚C which means less energy, easier handling, faster throughput and lower usage. Very safe for operators, EnSolv is a simple replacement using existing equipment which needs no new skills – resetting the thermostats is all that’s necessary.
Alternative solvents based on fluorocarbons are available but are not “drop in” replacements and are very expensive. The equipment needed to use these materials is not available off the shelf with equipment manufacturers quoting months for delivery.
EnSolv is supplied and serviced by an experienced, expert group of distributors, fully trained to carry out inspections of your equipment and processes and advise and support the changeover which can be done in hours.
A visit to your works by a member of our Trichloroethylene Substitution Team to survey, report and process samples to validate cleaning and compatibility with soils, oils and metals of construction is completely free and without obligation. You are also welcome to personally visit our Technical Centre, close to Stansted Airport, to test samples yourself and discuss your needs with our experts.
An alternative to vapour degreasing is water based cleaning systems. EnviroTech Surface Technologies can supply suitable materials for appropriate needs where the next part of the process, anodising or electroplating are water based or where use of solvent is not compatible with the materials used in manufacturing of components. But the installation costs, use of multi tanks taking up space which could be used for more productive and profitable uses, disposal of water and energy costs for drying are not economical when compared to simple substitution, by EnSolv using existing equipment.
We have the all facts for you to consider before you make the commitment. Call on the number below or go to our product website www.vapour-degreasing.com and book a free visit by one of the experts from our Trichloroethylene Substitution Team.
We can provide you with a Material Safety Data Sheets, independent laboratory reports, product samples and technical assistance.
For more information or advice please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our contact form.
All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
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Don’t Miss The Trichloroethylene Deadline
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Trichloroethylene due to be phased out in April 2016.
ProSolv is a new, less expensive fluorinated solvent formulation for all precision cleaning applications.
ProSolv the new critical cleaning solvent has been developed by EnviroTech Surface Technologies as a “drop in” cost effective alternative which is less expensive than the current fluorocarbon formulations you may be using.
ProSolv offers future proof cleaning systems giving long term savings without compromising quality. Substitution is simple with no changes to equipment or control settings needed.
Users of trichloroethylene, which is due to be phased out as a cleaning solvent in April 2016, only 3 months away, may be able to use ProSolv as a cost effective replacement in many applications.
ProSolv is friendly to the environment it has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and a very low impact on global warming. In addition, it is a non-flammable stable azeotrope needing no testing for acid acceptance or stabilising additives, easy to use and maintain and safer for employees and the workplace.
ProSolv like many other fluorinated solvent azeotropes is extremely effective for precision cleaning in hightech industries such as aerospace, aviation, electronics and medical due to the use of an additive trans 1,2-dichloroethylene.
This produces a powerful fluorinated cleaning solvent with a very low surfaces tension which cleans blind holes and the smallest gaps more effectively at a lower cost. With these wide range of properties ProSolv is particularly effective used with ultrasonics.
ProSolv can usually be used in existing degreasers or sprayed from an aerosol container. Our fluorinated solvents are ideal for the cost-conscious user for precision cleaning and degreasing of electronics, metals and glass.
ProSolv can be used to remove adhesives, fluxes, pastes, buffing compounds, greases, silicone oils, particulates, resins, waxes and other oils and soils.
ProSolv is only one of a wide range of cleaning solvents and solutions produced by engineering cleaning specialists EnviroTech Surface Technologies. Our Technical Centre in Essex is available for you to visit to test clean your components with ProSolv or compare results with the other products such as EnSolv or Clarea solvents we supply. Our technical team have extensive knowledge of equipment and systems to help you find the most effective, budget-friendly, future proof and environmentally conscious solution for your business. EnviroTech Surface Technologies have distributors located across the E.U. and Middle Eastern countries all of whom can offer technical advice and support.
We can provide you with a Material Safety Data Sheets, independent laboratory reports, product samples and technical assistance.
For more information or advice please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our contact form.
All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
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Replace Trichloroethylene with ProSolv
Are you still using Trichloroethylene for Vapour Degreasing?
High performance cleaning at a lower cost than other fluorinated solvent cleaners
Trichloroethylene will not be obtainable for metal cleaning or other uses without authorisation after April 2016.
ProSolv® enables high performance cleaning at a lower cost than other fluorinated solvent cleaners. A proprietary tertiary azeotropic formulation based on a fluorinated solvent which provides a direct replacement for trichloroethylene and other chlorinated solvents.
ProSolv® is extremely stable and simple to use meeting all the increasingly stringent legislative demands for safer, non flammable solvents with a low environmental impact in the precision engineering industries.
ProSolv® can be used in most existing vapour degreasing equipment and can be used safely for immersion cleaning using ultrasonics, where it has been optimised with a high specific gravity and very low surface tension.
Unlike other chlorinated solvents ProSolv® can be used for manual cleaning in a suitably ventilated area. Typical applications are where high performance critical cleaning is required at lower cost than other fluorinated solvent cleaners. Vapour degreasing for medical, aerospace, optics, oxygen equipment service, high vacuum components and electronics.
ProSolv® is an excellent choice to replace flammable solvents such as MEK, Acetone, Iso propyl alcohol (IPA) or hydrocarbons where manual wiping or brush cleaning is the preferred cleaning method.
ProSolv® is a stable azeotrope which can be recycled by distillation for reuse through many cycles. It is a very stable mixture with no need for monitoring or the need for additives or stabilisers.
ProSolv® offers a cost effective replacement in formulations for dip, spray or aerosol applications and as a fast drying carrier solvent for oil, silicones and other lubricants.
We can provide you with a Material Safety Data Sheets, independent laboratory reports, product samples and technical assistance.
For more information or advice please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our contact form.
All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
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SuperCORR A Keeps Flight MH370 search planes flying
ABOVE:
1. The Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion is equipped with radar and infrared sensors as well as observation posts to help detect any debris on the surface of the ocean. It also has three cameras beneath the landing gear capable of zooming in for a closer look.
2. The four-engine turboprop plane is designed to fly low and slow to aid surveillance. Once it has reached the search location, one or two outer engines can be turned off to preserve fuel and extend the surveillance time.
3. The plane is also fitted with a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) – used for detecting submarines underwater. The aircraft also has acoustic detectors, which are able to detect sound 1,000ft (304.8m) below the surface of the ocean.
SuperCORR A lubricant keeps Flight MH370 search planes flying
SuperCORR A the lubricant and anti-corrosion formulation from the CORR-EX division of EnviroTech Surface Technologies is helping in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 passenger jet.
Lockheed Martin AP-3C Orion’s aircraft of the Royal Australian, Korean and Japanese Air Forces used for anti-submarine and maritime surveillance are still searching for debris in a vast area of ocean, bigger than the land area of Europe, southwest of Perth. The maintenance schedules specify SuperCORR A to lubricate and protect the flap tracks and screw jacks in the wings of the aircraft.
SuperCORR A lubricant and protective coating is widely used by the military, electronics and aerospace industries for critical applications to give the protection needed in extreme conditions. SuperCORR Adeposits a dry protective film with excellent corrosion protection and lubricant properties plus the added advantage of a hydrophobic surface rejecting water that ensures the easiest and best connections for very close spaced connectors, contacts, wiring and moving parts.
The U.S. Navy selected SuperCORR A after exhaustive testing using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard B117- Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray Apparatus. SuperCORR A, a Type I, Grade B Corrosion Preventative lubricant out-performed 11 other products in comparative testing to identify a better product to protect and lubricate the flap tracks and screw jacks on the aircraft.
The flap tracks, located in the aircrafts wings, are what the flaps slide on when they move up or down to lower or increase speed. The screw jacks engage and retract the wing flaps. Corrosion on any of the surfaces can lead to snatching or vibration which can affect the pilots control.
Due to constant operation in salty and corrosive atmospheres which need post-flight rinses and monthly washing down of the aircraft re-lubrication and corrosion treatment for the flap tracks and screw jacks is required each time, with conventional lubricants, to prevent rusting. SuperCORR A was evaluated against competitive products under the Federal Test Method Standard #791B, using a five percent Salt Spray Corrosion Test.
SuperCORR A far exceeded the other products evaluated. After over 200 hours of continuous exposure to salt spray corrosion, SuperCORR A’s protection actually increased over time where the other similar products failed early or contributed to an increase in corrosion.
The accelerated salt fog corrosion testing demonstrated that the application of SuperCORR A which complies with MIL-L-87177A also increased electrical operation to 1400 hours versus 100 hours for the control product used at that time. Technical manuals were updated to include the application for electrical and mechanical parts for civilian and military operations.
The most important conclusion from the historical data and prototype testing is the availability of this excellent corrosion preventive compound that has dry film lubricant properties. The application of SuperCORR A on aircraft components can reduce maintenance man hours, reduce part replacement costs, increase life of aircraft, increase safety, and increase readiness.
Estimates for the maintenance cost for the US Air Force F-16 fleet can reach $500 million per year, the use at all military branches could reach billions of dollars per year. Applications at locations tested by the U.S. Air Force are not normally treated with corrosion prevention and control lubricants (CPC’s) These are the electrical connectors that are susceptible to subtle and not so subtle forms of corrosion that could interfere with the electrical operation of the F-16.
Testing by the U.S. Navy at NADEP Jacksonville incorporates not only electrical connectors, but mechanical and structural components as well. Future uses will also include ground support equipment. The properties of SuperCORR A are such that it can be used on a wide variety of applications and any materials, metal or plastic. Properties of the SuperCORR A far exceed the requirements defined by the MIL-L-87177A specification. Many beneficial properties of the product are not required in the MIL specification.
We can provide you with a Material Safety Data Sheets, independent laboratory reports, product samples and technical assistance.
For more information or advice please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our contact form.
All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
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