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Why are vapour degreasing solvents so good at cleaning?
Why are vapour degreasing solvents so good at cleaning?
Vapour degreasing solvents are typically chosen for their excellent solvency properties. They have the ability to dissolve and disperse a wide range of contaminants, including dirt, oil, grease, wax, and other contaminants. The cleaning action of solvents is primarily attributed to their unique molecular properties and interactions with the materials they contact. Here’s why solvents are so good at cleaning:
Low Surface Tension:
Vapour degreasing solvents can reduce the surface tension of liquids, making them more effective at penetrating and breaking up dirt and stains. This allows the solvent to reach areas that might otherwise be hard to clean.
Polarity:
The polarity of a solvent plays a significant role in its cleaning ability. Polar solvents have molecules with positive and negative poles, which allows them to interact with polar substances like water-based stains. Nonpolar solvents, on the other hand, are effective at dissolving nonpolar substances like oils and grease. Different cleaning tasks may require the use of polar or nonpolar solvents depending on the nature of the dirt or stain. Most vapour degreasing solvents are nonpolar in nature, meaning they do not have a positive or negative charge. This allows them to interact with a variety of contaminants, regardless of their charge or polarity, making them versatile for different types of cleaning applications.
Heat and Vaporization:
The vapour degreasing process involves heating the solvent to create vapour, which rises and condenses on the surfaces to be cleaned. This condensation releases latent heat, which aids in loosening and lifting contaminants from the surfaces. The vaporization and condensation cycles help dislodge and carry away dirt, oils, and other substances effectively.
No Aqueous Residues:
Unlike water-based cleaning methods, vapour degreasing solvents leave little to no aqueous residue behind. This is especially important for applications where water could cause corrosion or damage, such as cleaning sensitive electronics or precision mechanical components.
Minimal Agitation Required:
Vapour degreasing is a relatively gentle cleaning method that doesn’t require extensive mechanical agitation. This reduces the risk of damaging delicate parts while ensuring effective cleaning.
Consistency:
Vapour degreasing provides consistent and uniform cleaning results because the solvent vapor can reach all surfaces evenly, including intricate and complex geometries.
Environmental Considerations:
While some vapour degreasing solvents in the past were environmentally concerning, modern solvents are designed to be safer and more environmentally friendly. They are engineered to have lower toxicity, reduced volatility, and minimal global warming or ozone-depleting potential.
Dissolving Power:
Solvents have the ability to dissolve a wide range of substances, both organic and inorganic. This is due to their molecular structure, which allows them to interact with different types of molecules. When a solvent comes into contact with a substance, its molecules surround and separate the particles of the substance, breaking down the intermolecular forces holding them together. This leads to the dissolution of the substance into the solvent.
Evaporation:
Vapour degreasing solvents typically have relatively low boiling points, which means they evaporate quickly when exposed to air. This evaporation helps in removing the dissolved dirt and contaminants from surfaces, leaving them clean and dry. It is important to ensure evaporating solvent doesn’t escape to the atmosphere. This is achieved by having cold condensing coils just above the components being cleaned.
Versatility:
Vapour degreasing solvents come in various types and compositions, allowing them to target specific types of contaminants. For example, alcohol-based solvents are effective at cleaning glass surfaces due to their ability to dissolve and evaporate quickly without leaving streaks.
Chemical Interactions:
Vapour degreasing solvents can undergo chemical reactions with certain types of substances, leading to their removal or transformation. This can be especially useful for removing tough stains that might not be easily removed through simple dissolution.
Compatibility:
Vapour degreasing solvents are often formulated to be compatible with specific materials, ensuring that they don’t damage the surfaces being cleaned. This makes them versatile for use on a wide range of surfaces.
Rinsing Action:
Vapour degreasing solvents can also act as rinsing agents, carrying away dissolved dirt and contaminants when they evaporate. This helps prevent redeposition of dirt onto cleaned surfaces.
Overall, the combination of excellent solvency, low surface tension, nonpolar properties, heat assistance, minimal residue, and controlled vaporization make vapor degreasing solvents highly effective for a wide range of cleaning applications.
It’s important to note that while solvents are effective cleaning agents, their use should be handled with care. Some solvents can be toxic, flammable, or harmful to human health and the environment, so proper precautions and guidelines should be followed when using them. Additionally, choosing the right solvent for a specific cleaning task is crucial to achieve optimal results without causing damage to the surfaces being cleaned.
Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and very low Global Warming Potential (GWP) solvent cleaner for high performance vapour degreasing
ProSolv® 5408e has been developed to provide superior critical cleaning performance for manufacturers of electronic and electrical components. High Solvency (KB Value 98) for removal of organic residues, compatible with organic and synthetic oils and most plastics and metals.
ProSolv® 5408e is a high-performance solvent cleaner used for sustainable and future proof vapour degreasing. It has a GWP of less than 1, with a 100 year Integrated Time Horizon (ITH). Soft on the environment and safe for users, it offers improved cleaning at lower costs.
ProSolv® 5408e ticks all the boxes and is the perfect profile for a modern vapour degreasing solvent. Exceptionally low surface tension to penetrate micron sized holes and close contact surfaces. Sustainable and secure for the future. Non-carcinogenic, low boiling point, economical with energy with low solvent losses, faster production, reduced costs, easy handling.
EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL
- Fast precision cleaning with short cycle times.
- Can be used in any vapour degreasing equipment, lower energy consumption and lower maintenance.
- Ideal replacement for Trichloroethylene, n-Propyl Bromide, Perchloroethylene and HCFC based solvents.
- Stable with no additives, no testing required.
- Improved productivity, parts exit the machine cool, dry and spot-free with no drying required.
- Minimal non-volatile residue (>10ppm).
- High density solution, excellent for ultrasonic cleaning.
- Mid-range boiling point (46°C).
- Very low surface tension for penetration into the micron level crevices and holes, efficient cleaning in tight to reach places and complex geometries.
- Easy process monitoring with minimal effort and minimal waste generation, easy reclamation for reuse.
- High Solvency (KB Value 98) for a variety of contaminants.
- Compatible with a broad range of substrates.
SAFE FOR USERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
- Safe for the environment, Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).
- Very low Global Warming Potential (GWP)
- GWP of less than 1, AR4 100yr Integrated Time Horizon (ITH).
- Non-hazardous for transportation.
- Non-flammable (No Flash Point).
- Not classified as a carcinogen
Listed above are some of the benefits from using ProSolv® 5408e, a sustainable vapour degreasing solvent for precision cleaning and an economical and efficient replacement solution for cleaning systems using older legacy solvents, which are now either banned or being phased out. EnviroTech Europe have many years of experience and our experts are available to guide you through your solvent cleaner changeover procedures or to advise on equipment.
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 8942 9177 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 advantages of using fluorinated solvents
The advantages of using fluorinated solvents for your vapour degreasing process
Fluorinated solvents, also known as fluorocarbon solvents, offer several advantages in various industrial and scientific applications, including being highly suited for vapour degreasing. Here are some of the key advantages of using fluorinated solvents:
Environmental Compatibility:
Fluorinated solvents are often chosen as alternatives to more hazardous solvents due to their relatively low impact on the environment. They have low ozone depletion potential (ODP) and negligible global warming potential (GWP). Additionally, they have low toxicity and are not classified as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
Chemical Stability:
Fluorinated solvents exhibit excellent chemical stability, making them highly resistant to degradation and reactions with other chemicals. They are compatible with a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and elastomers. This stability allows for their use in challenging environments and with reactive substances.
Solvency Power:
Fluorinated solvents have strong solvency power, meaning they can dissolve a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds. This property makes them effective in applications such as cleaning, degreasing, and precision cleaning, where the complete removal of contaminants is crucial, such as cleaning to oxygen standard.
Nonflammability:
One of the significant advantages of fluorinated solvents is their non-flammable nature. Under testing to ASTM D 93 they will not flash and therefore do not support combustion, making them safer to use compared to many traditional solvents. This property reduces the risk of fire hazards in various industrial processes and applications.
Dielectric Properties:
Fluorinated solvents have excellent dielectric properties, making them ideal for applications that require electrical insulation and heat transfer. They are commonly used in electronic and electrical industries for tasks such as cleaning electrical components, cooling electronics, and as a dielectric fluid in transformers and capacitors.
Thermal Stability:
Fluorinated solvents can withstand a wide range of temperatures without decomposing or losing their properties. This thermal stability allows them to be used in high-temperature applications, including heat transfer fluids, lubricants, and as coolants in various industrial processes.
Surface Tension Control:
Fluorinated solvents have the ability to modify the surface tension of liquids, enabling them to spread evenly and improve wetting. This property makes them useful in applications such as coatings, adhesives, and printing, where uniform and controlled wetting is required.
Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and very low Global Warming Potential (GWP) solvent cleaner for high performance vapour degreasing
ProSolv® 5408e has been developed to provide superior critical cleaning performance for manufacturers of electronic and electrical components. High Solvency (KB Value 98) for removal of organic residues, compatible with organic and synthetic oils and most plastics and metals.
ProSolv® 5408e is a high-performance solvent cleaner used for sustainable and future proof vapour degreasing. It has a GWP of less than 1, with a 100 year Integrated Time Horizon (ITH). Soft on the environment and safe for users, it offers improved cleaning at lower costs.
ProSolv® 5408e ticks all the boxes and is the perfect profile for a modern vapour degreasing solvent. Exceptionally low surface tension to penetrate micron sized holes and close contact surfaces. Sustainable and secure for the future. Non-carcinogenic, low boiling point, economical with energy with low solvent losses, faster production, reduced costs, easy handling.
EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL
- Fast precision cleaning with short cycle times.
- Can be used in any vapour degreasing equipment, lower energy consumption and lower maintenance.
- Ideal replacement for Trichloroethylene, n-Propyl Bromide, Perchloroethylene and HCFC based solvents.
- Stable with no additives, no testing required.
- Improved productivity, parts exit the machine cool, dry and spot-free with no drying required.
- Minimal non-volatile residue (>10ppm).
- High density solution, excellent for ultrasonic cleaning.
- Mid-range boiling point (46°C).
- Very low surface tension for penetration into the micron level crevices and holes, efficient cleaning in tight to reach places and complex geometries.
- Easy process monitoring with minimal effort and minimal waste generation, easy reclamation for reuse.
- High Solvency (KB Value 98) for a variety of contaminants.
- Compatible with a broad range of substrates.
SAFE FOR USERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
- Safe for the environment, Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).
- Very low Global Warming Potential (GWP)
- GWP of less than 1, AR4 100yr Integrated Time Horizon (ITH).
- Non-hazardous for transportation.
- Non-flammable (No Flash Point).
- Not classified as a carcinogen
Listed above are some of the benefits from using ProSolv® 5408e, a sustainable degreasing solvent for precision cleaning and an economical and efficient replacement solution for cleaning systems using older legacy solvents, which are now either banned or being phased out. EnviroTech Europe have many years of experience and our experts are available to guide you through your solvent cleaner changeover procedures or to advise on equipment.
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 8942 9177 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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General purpose industrial cleaning solvents
Clarea® general purpose industrial cleaning solvents for safe removal of dirt, oil, grease and other contaminants
Hand or bath cleaning solvents are used in many industries to remove dirt, oil, grease, or other contaminants from machined and fabricated metal, plastic and composite surfaces. Due considerationmust be given to the effects on users and the environment. Cleaning solvents must be highly refined and leave no residues on drying. They have to be very effective in removal of oils and soils without causing damage or corrosion of the parts or components being cleaned.
Pre-used parts or assemblies from the transportation, aerospace or manufacturing equipment sectors are often very heavily contaminated when removed from service but must be free of all contaminants before handling to disassemble prior to refurbishing and rebuilding. Much of this work will be manual and the considerations for the safety of operators is paramount.
Growing concerns regarding environmental and health hazards of the commonly used chlorinated solvents for industrial degreasing and cleaning has led to the formulation of the Clarea® range of industrial cleaning solvents by EnviroTech Europe.
An environmentally safe range of hand and bath solvent cleaners
Clarea® industrial solvent cleaners are compatible with all metals, composites and most plastics used to remove dirt, oil, grease, or other contaminants from surfaces without causing harm or leavingresidue. They are used as immersion cleaners for component cleaning in manufacturing andengineering industries and as wipe cleaners for large surface areas prior to painting or powder coating. Clarea® cleaning solvents are aliphatic hydrocarbon-based degreasing solvents with specified flash points. They are non-carcinogenic, low odour, fast drying and cause no ozone depletion. They leave minimal residues on drying surfaces and contain no halogens such as chlorine or fluorine.
Clarea HC40 is a degreasing solvent with a flash point of 40°C. It is suitable for brush and hand wiping processes.
Clarea HC62 is a degreasing solvent with a flash point over 60°C. It is suitable for spray or immersion cleaning, or hand wipe applications when used externally.
Clarea HC96 is a degreasing solvent with a flash point of 96°C. It is suitable for spray or immersion cleaning.
Product Benefits
● Versatile and cost-effective solutions for all your industrial cleaning.
● Minimal odour and low toxicity for operators.
● Multipurpose uses can reduce the inventory of cleaning fluids.
● Flexible uses – evaporation rates suitable for hand wipe, spray, or immersion tank cleaning.
● Contains no chlorine, other halogens or stabilisers.
● Compatible with all metals and composites and most plastics.
● Excellent pre-cleaner for paint or powder coatings.
● Safe, reliable, environmentally friendly cleaning.
Solvent Properties
Packaging
Clarea® HC40 and Clarea® HC62 is available in the following container sizes and weights:
205 litre drums, 25 litre cans, 5 litre cans. Clarea® HC96 is available in 15kg cans and 165kg drums.
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 8942 9177 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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Latest News
Preventing hydrogen sulphide corrosion in electrical and electronic equipment
A Cost Effective and Proven Corrosion Preventative Solution.
By Larry Clark, EnviroTech Europe Ltd
Electrical and electronic equipment and components that are used in adverse work environments, e.g. the oil and gas industry, waste water treatment plants, and the pulp and paper industry, where corrosive gases such as hydrogen sulphide are found cause severe corrosion and the rapid deterioration of the electronic components and equipment including connectors and switches used in these and other work environments. One economical way to prevent or inhibit corrosion from destroying electronics and electrical components is to use SuperCORR A, Ultra Thin Film, Water Displacing, Lubricant and Corrosion Inhibiting Compound.
If you or your company aren’t worried about costs then by default you aren’t concerned about corrosion or it’s associated costs in lost productivity and lost revenue caused by plant and equipment down time then this a paper that you should just skip. But if you and your company are concerned about costs including the amount money and man hours to repair or replace components to keep an electrical system or electronics operating, an aircraft flying, or a machine running because of failures caused by corrosion then this paper is for you!
Corrosion, in its many forms, is costing both private and public sector hundreds of billions of Euros a year! While all metals corrode due to a number of different factors there is no simple or single solution to the overall corrosion problem. However there are some very cost effective and proven ways to prevent corrosion and failures caused by corrosion and thereby reducing or eliminating associated costs and increasing safety which should be foremost in the mind set of any Preventative Maintenance Programme manager.
One proven and cost effective solution to the corrosion problem is SuperCORR A, a water displacing, ultra thin film lubricant with corrosion preventative properties. SuperCORR A was designed specifically to lubricate and prevent corrosion in electrical fittings and connectors; electrical and avionic harness assemblies and connectors; electrical and electronic switches; close tolerance and dissimilar metal components; lighting connectors and sockets; and the list goes on and on.
SuperCORR A is a unique non-flammable “self healing” ultra thin film lubricant with a proprietary corrosion preventive compound that will not harden or crack. SuperCORR A is not a wax or oil based product and is formulated without sulphates, chlorides or halogens.
SuperCORR A inhibits corrosion caused by exposure to both fresh and salt water moisture as well as the corrosive vapours from Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S), Ammonia (NH3), and Chlorine (CL12) based gases found in waste water and sewer treatment plants, pulp and paper mills and plants, chemical and petroleum plants, maritime industry, aircraft/airline industry, military equipment including ships, aircraft, and rolling stock, auto industry, farming and agriculture industry, and the list goes on. Extending the working life of electrical components and systems and other critical items by preventing the deterioration and/or failure caused by corrosion can significantly reduce downtime and operating and maintenance costs as well as enhance safety.
The question for you is: What is the cost of NOT using SuperCORR A in your Preventative Maintenance Programme?
SuperCORR A is available from EnviroTech Europe Ltd and our 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 8942 9177 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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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 8942 9177 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 8942 9177 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 8942 9177 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 8942 9177 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 8942 9177 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 8942 9177 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 8942 9177 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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