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Vapour degreasing engineering fluid for precision cleaning applications
Vapour degreasing engineering fluid for precision cleaning applications
A fluorocarbon vapour degreasing engineering fluid for precision cleaning applications that has been developed by EnviroTech Europe Ltd for parts cleaning or cleaning automated machinery at strip down.
ProSolv® 5408e offers future-proof cleaning and can offer savings without compromising quality. Substitution is simple with little or no changes to equipment or control settings needed. Friendly to the environment it has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and a very low impact on Global Warming (GWP). 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® 5408e is extremely effective for precision cleaning in high-tech industries such as aerospace, aviation, electronics and medical device cleaning due to the use of an additive trans 1,2-dichloroethylene. This produces a powerful cleaning solvent with a very low surfaces tension that cleans blind holes and the smallest gaps more effectively at a lower cost. With these wide range of properties ProSolv® 5408e is particularly effective when used with ultrasonics.
ProSolv® 5408e can usually be used in existing degreasers or dip tanks. The fluorinated solvents are ideal for the cost-conscious user for precision cleaning and degreasing of electronics, metals and glass. It can be used to remove adhesives, fluxes, pastes, buffing compounds, greases, silicone oils, particulates, resins, waxes and other oils and soils.
Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and very low Global Warming Potential (GWP) solvent blend for high performance vapour degreasing
ProSolv® 5408e ticks all the boxes with the perfect profile for a vapour degreasing solvent, developed by EnviroTech Europe Ltd for precision parts cleaning or cleaning automated machinery at strip down.
ProSolv® 5408e offers improved cleaning at a lower cost, without compromising quality. Substitution is simple with little or no changes to equipment or control settings needed. A non-flammable stable azeotrope needing no testing for acid acceptance or stabilising additives, easy to use and maintain and safer for the workplace.
ProSolv® 5408e is extremely effective for precision cleaning in high-tech industries such as aerospace, aviation, electronics and medical device cleaning. It can be used in most solvent cleaning systems, one tank vapour degreasing or multi tank immersion / vapour tank systems using ultrasonics or flush cleaning for complex mechanical and electronic components with blind holes and channels and close mounted electronics or for removing grinding and buffing soils on surfaces. Exceptionally low surface tension to penetrate micron sized holes and close contact surfaces.
ProSolv® 5408e is highly effective when used with ultrasonics and can usually be used in existing degreasers or dip tanks. Ideal for precision cleaning and degreasing of electronics, metals and glass. It can be used to remove adhesives, fluxes, pastes, buffing compounds, greases, silicone oils, particulates, resins, waxes and other oils and soils. Soft on the environment, low solvent losses, reduced costs, sustainable and secure for the future.
BENEFITS
EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL
- Fast precision cleaning, short cycle times. Stable with no additives, no testing required
- Alternative to Methylene Chloride, Perchloroethylene and High ODP/GWP Fluorocarbons
- Excellent choice to replace flammable solvents such as MEK, Acetone, Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) or Hydrocarbons
- Established replacement for Trichloroethylene, n-Propyl Bromide (nPB) and other now banned solvents
- Can be used in any vapour degreasing equipment, lower energy consumption and lower maintenance. Compatible with a broad range of substrates
- Improved productivity, parts exit the machine cool, dry, spot-free with no drying required
- High density solution, excellent for ultrasonic cleaning
- Mid-range temperature operation, easier handling, mid-range boiling point, processed components easily handled (48°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
- Minimal non-volatile residue
- High Solvency (KB Value 98) for a variety of contaminants
SAFE FOR USERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
- Safe for the environment, zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
- Very low impact on Global Warming (GWP)
- Non-hazardous for transportation
- Non-flammable (No Flash Point)
- Not classified as a carcinogen
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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Vapour Degreasing Solvents – Innovation driven by legislation
Vapour degreasing Solvents – Innovation driven by legislation
Chlorinated hydrocarbons have historically been the solvents of choice for vapour degreasing – compatible with most materials, stable in use, producing a non-flammable saturated vapour heavier than air at a temperature greater than ambient. Traditional solvents such as trichloroethylene exhibited all these characteristics but 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 formulations became popular in the last century as a safer replacement. Although safer for users, it proved to be depleting the Ozone Layer and was subsequently banned. N-Propyl bromide (nPB) based formulations became popular in the last part of the century as a safer replacement, but this was later put in Annex 14 of REACH by the EU and can no longer be used as a vapour degreasing solvent in Europe. Countries around the world are now setting increasingly stringent environmental legislation to control emissions of Ozone Depleting and Global Warming industrial cleaning solvents. This has led to new chemical formulations being developed for industry.
Over 20 years of innovation for industry
EnviroTech Europe Ltd have been supplying vapour degreasing solvent formulations for over 20 years, constantly responding to regulatory requirements for environmental and safety laws and the need for improved standards. Staff and distributors are highly trained to work with customers to advise on the use of industrial cleaning solvents, helping them to navigate through legislative changes and ensure their vapour degreasing and cleaning solutions remain within regulatory boundaries.
Customers may have recently read in the industry press about another major industrial supplier ceasing production of their range of fluorocarbon containing metal degreasing and vapour degreasing solvents. They may be concerned that other major suppliers will follow suit.
Envirotech Europe would like to assure the industry of its intention to continue the manufacture of its ProSolv® range of metal cleaning and vapour degreasing solvents for the foreseeable future.
Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and very low Global Warming Potential (GWP) solvent blend for high performance vapour degreasing
ProSolv® 5408e ticks all the boxes with the perfect profile for a vapour degreasing solvent, developed by EnviroTech Europe Ltd for precision parts cleaning or cleaning automated machinery at strip down.
ProSolv® 5408e offers improved cleaning at a lower cost, without compromising quality. Substitution is simple with little or no changes to equipment or control settings needed. A non-flammable stable azeotrope needing no testing for acid acceptance or stabilising additives, easy to use and maintain and safer for the workplace.
ProSolv® 5408e is extremely effective for precision cleaning in high-tech industries such as aerospace, aviation, electronics and medical device cleaning. It can be used in most solvent cleaning systems, one tank vapour degreasing or multi tank immersion / vapour tank systems using ultrasonics or flush cleaning for complex mechanical and electronic components with blind holes and channels and close mounted electronics or for removing grinding and buffing soils on surfaces. Exceptionally low surface tension to penetrate micron sized holes and close contact surfaces.
ProSolv® 5408e is highly effective when used with ultrasonics and can usually be used in existing degreasers or dip tanks. Ideal for precision cleaning and degreasing of electronics, metals and glass. It can be used to remove adhesives, fluxes, pastes, buffing compounds, greases, silicone oils, particulates, resins, waxes and other oils and soils. Soft on the environment, low solvent losses, reduced costs, sustainable and secure for the future.
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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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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Aquus CL-One Concentrated all-purpose cleaner
Aquus® CL-One concentrated all-purpose cleaner – Water based cleaning and protection of metal surfaces prior to powder coating or painting.
Aquus CL-One is an excellent all-purpose cleaning system for the cleaning and protection of mild steel and ferrous metal parts which need powder coating or painting immediately or when it is necessary to store unpainted for limited periods. Any cleaning system can be used – hand wiping, dip tanks, ultrasonics or pressure washing.
Uncleaned metal components or fabrications before cleaning are protected by process oils and grease on the metal guarding the surfaces from changes in humidity. Once removed using conventional water-based cleaners flash rusting can occur very quickly during drying.
The unique Aquus CL-One formulation however leaves an invisible barrier on the metal surfaces, after the cleaning process, providing extended corrosion protection during storage, fabrication, or assembly before finishing. The barrier film can be powder coated or painted over without additional rinsing and without affecting adhesion of the coatings.
General purpose cleaning
Aquus CL-One is also an excellent general-purpose concentrated surfactant system containing no solvents which exhibits a unique combination of characteristics that are not found in other commercially available cleaning processes biodegradable, non-flammable, non-toxic at used concentrations and, unlike almost all other surfactant systems, is both hydrophilic (water attracting) and oleophobic (oil-repelling).
Aquus CL-One offers exceptional emulsion-breaking capability in addition to its unusual combination of properties that makes it so attractive for a wide range of industrial applications. In addition to the general cleaner Aquus CL-One, other concentrated cleaners within the range are formulated to offer cleaning solutions for industry specific applications.
One cleaner for all applications
One cleaner for all applications reduces costs by removing the need for multiple cleaning products usually needed to deal with a wide range of soils or contaminants. Safe for the environment and users, containing no solvents is biodegradable within 30 days. Typical with only one product for all cleaning applications incorrect selection or dangerous uses can be avoided.
Please visit our website https://www.envirotech-europe.com/aquus-cl-one for information about other uses and applications.
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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Corrosion protection for unpainted metal in highly corrosive environments
Tests demonstrate the amazing properties of SuperCORR A corrosion protection spray to protect unpainted metal surfaces from corrosion
These are photographs of 3 unpainted copper components that were exposed for a month next to the “digester” at a Pulp and Paper Mill. The part marked #1 was the control and not sprayed with SuperCORR A corrosion protection spray. Half of part marked #2 was sprayed with SuperCORR A and half left uncoated. Component #3 was completely treated with SuperCORR A. The main atmospheric corrosion was from hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas, produced during the cellulose digestion process, which combines with the atmospheric humidity to form a mild acid. Any unpainted or untreated metal surface, copper, brass, mild steel or alloys of zinc and manganese or magnesium will be corroded by this acid when it condenses on the metal surfaces.
This is especially important in electrical motors and power control systems where these metals are used as conductors or switch contacts on printed circuit tracks and all types of connectors which although sealed in control panels will be exposed whenever the boxes are opened or contactors operated and connectors plugged and unplugged. In most cases it is not possible to paint these conductive surfaces or apply other forms of protection without loss of conductivity leading to arcing or supply failures.
These tests demonstrate the amazing properties of SuperCORR A to protect unpainted surfaces from acidic corrosion. As an example, copper and aluminium condensers on water coolers usually last about a month in the acidic environment of pulp production facilities because the corrosive atmosphere around the plant corrodes the metal surfaces on fins and connections.
A trial was set up by the works engineering department at the plant who sprayed a new condenser with an aerosol of SuperCORR A corrosion protection spray. This applies a very thin protective film of a proprietary formulation containing extremely long-lasting anticorrosion inhibitors, which also give superior lubrication coefficients and protect components against moisture. This unique, water displacing lubricant, with synthetic corrosion prevention compounds is tested and proven non-flammable and environmentally friendly without sulphates, chlorides, or other halogens
After a few months the treated condenser showed so little signs of corrosion that further controlled trials were set up to test for long term protection of untreated metal in this extremely corrosive environment experienced in paper and pulp mills, water processing plants and oil drilling rigs.
The improvement is clear and demonstrates the savings in costs of parts and labour for maintenance and replacement untreated metal components exposed to these corrosive conditions.
For more information please visit www.envirotech-europe.com/supercorr-a
To discuss the use of SuperCORR A to solve your problems please use the website contact form or phone us, we look forward to hearing from you.
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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Cleaning solvent for vapour degreasing in the aerospace industries
ProSolv® 5408 sustainable, economical cleaning solvent for vapour degreasing in the aerospace industries
The aircraft and aerospace component manufacturing industries face many critical cleaning applications during manufacturing processes and for finishing where surfaces need to be completely degreased leaving no residues. Although aqueous cleaning would seem to be the method of choice for environmental reasons with new advancements in cleaning solvent chemistry this is often not the case. Vapour degreasing is the most effective process, economical in use with lower energy uses, one tank needing less floor space than multi tank water-based systems and safe for users.
ProSolv 5408e has been developed to be used in place of the traditional chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents, trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene and those based on n-propyl bromide (nPb) which have been phased out for use as vapour degreasing solvents in the EU. The ProSolv 5408e advanced formulation, based on sustainable solvents, has been extensively tested with oils, soils greases and other contaminants from the manufacturing process and with is high KB value all these materials are easily removed to comply with aircraft standards for cleaning and degreasing to the highest levels. No titanium surface cracking or deleterious effects on other metals or composites commonly used for aircraft and aerospace component manufacture have been identified.
The innovative ProSolv 5408e formulation produced by Envirotech Europe ticks all the boxes with the perfect profile for vapour degreasing Soft on the environment with near zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and very low global warming potential (GWP) its lower boiling point at 48C minimises energy requirements giving reduced process times for greater throughput and comfortably handled critically cleaned parts. The incredibly low surface tension guarantees penetration into micron sized through and blind holes and between close contact surfaces.
Stable in use ProSolv 5408eis safe for users with a high 8hr occupational exposure level of 220ppm. The solvent needs no additives or stabilisers and requires no testing. Sustainable, safe and secure for future use as your forever solvent.
CRITICAL CLEANING FOR THE AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY
A few examples of the many uses are discussed below, our technical service engineers can offer information and advice on critical cleaning in the multitude of other applications experienced in the precision engineering industries.
BONDING OF HONEYCOMB SECTIONS FOR COMPOSITES
An instance of critical cleaning is removal of all contamination from aluminium honeycomb prior to epoxy resin bonding of the formed aluminium skin to produce lightweight high tensile structures for applications such as leading edges on aircraft wings and wind turbine blades. This is an extremely demanding application, as any residues will prevent the adhesion of the adhesives leading to delamination with potentially disastrous effects.
Due to the high standards of cleaning which are required this process is usually carried out by vapour/liquid degreasing with the traditional chlorinated solvents however due to the increasingly stringent controls on these materials ProSolv 5408e which is fully tested to aircraft industry standards and with its greatly improved environmental and user profile is now increasingly used as the sustainable and safer replacement.
CLEANING FOR CRACK AND FAULT TESTING OF WELDS AND CASTINGS
Another common use in the aircraft industry is in the cleaning of castings and metal fabrications before the use of NDT crack detection fluids. Removal of all surface contamination from manufacturing processes is vital to expose faults. Vapour degreasing and vapour liquid cleaning with ultrasonics is a favoured method due to the excellent solubility of oils and greases and other soils using one tank with very fast processing and parts emerging completely clean and dry. Crack and fault detection in casting and welds is also important in other industries such as railways, automotive engines, and turbines where castings or critical welded fabrications are used. This is particularly relevant as part of the maintenance procedure for refurbishment of aircraft landing gear where surfaces can be heavily contaminated by hard to remove hydraulic oils, rubber and cement dust and grease.
Because this application needs completely degreased, residue free and dry surfaces, the use of slow drying cleaners such as hydrocarbons or water-based cleaners may cause problems as the cracks need to be dry to allow penetration of the detection fluids. Vapour degreasing is the most effective cleaning system for all NDT applications as parts emerge dry from the cleaning process. ProSolv 5408e conforms to SaE-AMS2664 and E1417 99-1/7-1-1 solvent precleaning standard for Penetrant testing in aerospace applications.
CRITICAL CLEANING OF OXYGEN AND GAS SYSTEMS
Critical cleaning of oxygen lines and tanks where no organic residues can be tolerated is another ideal use for this new sustainable cleaning solution. ProSolv 5408e conforms to CGA, ELIGA and Compressed Gas Association standards for this application. We have a series of guides to using ProSolv 5408e for component cleaning to Oxygen standards and recommended cleaning methods involved, available on request.
ProSolv 5408e is produced to consistent quality standards worldwide and is available through a network of experienced and qualified suppliers.
For full product information please visit www.vapour-degreasing.com/prosolv5408e
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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Corrosion protection for electrical control systems in Wastewater Treatment Plants
SuperCORR A protects electrical control systems against corrosive environments
Wastewater treatment plants are subject to corrosion and rust from a variety of causes, one of which is Hydrogen Sulphide gas, (H2S). Corrosion is an insidious and costly problem that causes just about every metal and metal alloy to fail over time. Metals in electrical and electronic control systems, components, connectors, and switches are of most concern.
Corrosion is found in almost all process industries including wastewater treatment plants, pulp and paper mills, fertilizer plants, and numerous other industries and is not going away. Establishing a ‘Preventative Maintenance Program’ that includes corrosion prevention makes it a problem that can be cost effectively dealt with.
One proven and positive way to reduce, if not prevent, corrosion altogether from causing electrical, electronic systems and component failures is by using an ultra-thin film water displacing lubricant material with corrosion inhibiting compound, SuperCORR A has all these properties.
A proprietary formulation packaged in aerosol cans it uses a non-flammable fast drying carrier solvent. The aerosol is supplied with a flexible tube applicator which allows the protective coating to be applied accurately even in difficult to get to components.
Removal of surface contamination from the metallic contact surfaces on switches and circuit breakers is essential to ensure fault free operation. The aerosol uses the unique
SuperCORR A formulation to lift and remove dust and soils from the metal contact surfaces. An inert compound that neither reduces nor increases the electrical conductivity. SuperCORR A also provides long term protection from corrosion and electrical arcing that can lead to shorts and subsequent circuit failures.
Testing SuperCORR A in corrosive environments
SuperCORR A (MIL-DTL-87177B (Revised MIL-L-87177A) Type 1 Grade B lubricant was subjected to extensive and vigorous Mixed Flowing Gas (MFG) testing at Battelle Laboratories under a U.S. Government contract.
Specifications ASTM B827 and ASTM B845 Class III MFG testing protocol were used. This included gases with high corrosion potentials including Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S), Nitrous Oxide(NO2), and Chlorine (Cl2).
ASTM B845 refers to techniques for mixed flowing gas (MFG) tests containing gases that are applied to evaluate devices containing electrical contacts such as slip rings, separable connectors, electromechanical relays or switch contacts. The MFG tests accelerate corrosive degradation processes. Connectors and contacts within closed electronic cabinets may be affected by an environment of different severity than the outside of these cabinets. ASTM B827 outlines procedures for conducting environmental tests involving exposures to controlled quantities of corrosive gas mixtures. Equipment and methods for gas, temperature, and humidity control for tests to be conducted in a reproducible manner are described.
Reproducibility is measured using control coupons whose corrosion films are evaluated by mass gain, coulometry, or by various electron and X-ray beam analysis techniques. Reproducibility can also be measured by in situ corrosion rate monitors using electrical resistance or mass/frequency change methods. Full copies of these tests can be made available on request.
Industrial applications
SuperCORR A has a proven performance record in protecting electrical components, systems, connectors and electronics. The coating will also prevent the ingress of moisture and other contaminants onto the connector surfaces. These initiate corrosions and cause intermittent component failure or a premature degradation of component performance.
The Battelle Laboratories studies provided data and related processing information validating the benefits of using SuperCORR A. to protect the electrical connectors of line replacement units (LRUs) used in military aircraft avionic applications.
The results of the laboratory and field-testing activities conducted in these studies confirm that SuperCORR A is an extremely effective coating to protect electronics, electrical components and systems including switches and connectors with no compromise of the integrity of the electrical component/system even in very corrosive environments.
As a result of testing on site at a number of private and public companies with the confirmatory work at Battelle Laboratories SuperCORR A is being used to reduce maintenance and repair costs in a range of different industrial applications – wastewater treatment plants, pulp and paper mills, automotive and heavy equipment industries and in the power production sector oil and gas and renewable energy and in both the aviation and maritime industries.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Please visit our website www.envirotech-europe.com/supercorr-a for information about other uses and applications. 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.
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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Critical cleaning of electronics and electrical components
ProSolv® 5408 new sustainable solvent for critical cleaning of electronics and electrical components
Solvents are used throughout industries where extremely high performance and safety critical cleaning levels are required including aerospace, military and defence, electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, optics, and industrial machining.
ProSolv 5408e is an innovative contemporary highly effective, versatile defluxer developed to not only remove rosin flux, no-clean flux, oil, grease and wax contaminants, but also to eliminate residual halide salts, ions and other polar and non-polar soils and contaminants that often cause component failures with tracking and other issues impacting performance.
Solvents based on conventional chlorinated hydrocarbons have delivered the high standards required for critical cleaning in the past. These chemicals had desirable properties which when combined gave a profile which was perfect for vapour/vapour liquid degreasing when combined with suitable equipment as industrial cleaning systems.
Non-flammable, consistent azeotropes, low viscosity, high liquid density, very low surface tension, and effective wetting enabling them to penetrate tight spaces for optimum cleaning performance. High KB values allows for cleaning a variety of light and heavy soils including particulates, ionic soils, oils, waxes, and greases these are no longer acceptable.
Evolving legislation for ecodevelopment demanded by governments worldwide demand inventive and original formulations for the use of solvents to continue to comply with the increasingly stringent legislation for protection of the environment and, even more importantly, safety of operators who maybe exposed to the products. In applications where formulated blends of halogenated solvents have been used very effectively in the past these are now required by changes in legislation to be phased out of use.
With their 25 years wealth of experience in this field as the inventors of the highly regarded n propyl bromide (nPB) based EnSolv range of precision cleaning solvents EnviroTech Europe created a contemporary new formulation based on recent research and developed a new solvent as a replacement for the “old” technology which has been found to perform just as effectively, but without the negative environmental, health and safety issues.
Listed above are just some of the benefits from using ProSolv 5408e, your forever sustainable solvent for cleaning and defluxing in the electronics and electrical components industry and an economical and efficient “drop in “for vapour / vapour liquid cleaning systems using legacy solvents. EnviroTech experts with many years of experience are available to guide you through changeover procedures or to advise on equipment.
For full product information please visit www.vapour-degreasing.com/prosolv5408e
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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Medical Device Cleaning
ProSolv® 5408 high performance vapour degreasing solvent for medical device cleaning
Medical device cleaning
Critical cleaning is vital throughout the medical supply industry for safe, successful operations and procedures. Manufacturers of medical instruments, implants and other devices using metals, glass, ceramics and plastics must select a cleaning processes compatible with all these materials of construction, to remove oils and other contaminants from the manufacturing processes. The cleaning system must be proven to be safety critical and to leave no residues on the surfaces of the cleaned parts.
In this short article we discuss the benefits of condensation cleaning with ProSolv 5408e vapour degreasing solvent for medical device cleaning compared to water-based cleaning.
Water based cleaning options
Formulations for water based cleaners use combinations of surfactants to reduce the very high surface tension of water to allow penetration of the cleaning solution into minutes holes and very fine mechanical clearances. The solutions must solubilise oils, greases, cutting fluids, grinding and buffing compounds and remove particulate soils. Biocides are also present in these formulations to ensure no bioburden is carried over from the cleaning process.
After cleaning residues of chemicals must be removed or they may be a source of corrosion when the devices are in use. Multiple rinses in hot and cold de-ionised water using agitation of baskets or carriers or ultrasound to dilute and displace the cleaning liquids retained in minute holes, cavities and trapped between close tolerance metal surfaces.
Continuous production of high-quality deionised rinse water is extremely expensive, but the drying process is even more costly and environmentally challenging. Multiple cleaning and rinse tanks and drying ovens or tunnels need a lot of space and energy. Further controlled conditions are needed to cool parts after drying to prevent condensation of moisture, which can be growth media for bacteria, on the critically clean surfaces, before packing in sterile bags and containers for storage or shipping.
High output water based cleaning equipment can use conveyorised high pressure targeted spray tunnels for automated high-volume production with integrated “blow off” drying and conditioning tunnels.
For smaller scale operations systems are available using baskets in single cell dishwasher type equipment or open tanks. The latter can use manual or automated handling to progress baskets through the cleaning cycle using similar aqueous based chemical formulations with multiple deionised water rinses and a separate drying oven. These systems can process several baskets or carriers at a time so are only suitable for small batch production. In either case long process times will determine the size and complexity of installations.
Compare the complications of water-based processing to the simplicity and speed of vapour degreasing using ProSolv® 5408e solvents
Vapour degreasing or more properly condensation cleaning, is a proven process where a non-flammable halogenated solvent, safe for people and the environment is heated in the sump of a tank. Boiling solvent produces a dense vapour which is contained by condensation coils around the inner surfaces at the top of the tank. Solvent condensed on the coils is returned to the sump for reuse in a closed cycle.
Parts to be cleaned at ambient temperature are immersed in the vapour which condenses as solvent on the surfaces of the devices or parts in a continuous stream of perfectly clean solvent until the surfaces reaches vapour temperature when condensation ceases. Vapour degreasing uses only one tank with one liquid. Parts are cleaned, rinsed and dry in 3 to 5 minutes with parts hand hot ready for further processing, storage or packing into sterile packs for shipping.
ProSolv 5408e solvents were developed to provide superior critical cleaning performance for manufacturers of medical devices and equipment. The solvent is stable when used for vapour degreasing or cold dip cleaning and compatible with metals, including titanium, ceramics, glass and most plastics used in producing orthopaedic implants, dental, ophthalmic and surgical tools, lenses etc. ProSolv 5408e is a cost effective and sustainable solution to remove polar and non-polar soils and other contaminants and sets the standard for removal of machining and cutting oils, coolants, greases, grinding, buffing and polishing compounds, while leaving no residue.
Vapour degreasing and dip cleaning with ProSolv 5408e is a very effective steriliser of microbial contaminants. Exposing the microorganisms, which have cell walls made up of organic materials including lipids (Fats), to a powerful solvent is a very efficient disruptor of the cell walls. Once compromised the organism’s inner workings lose this protection and the organism dies reducing the bioburden.
ProSolv 5408e is also an excellent solvent carrier for organic or synthetic medical lubricant. This application for coating needles, cannulas and instruments needs consistent quality and evaporation rate to produce, comfortable, pain free insertion for patients.
In many medical applications oxygen and gas supply systems are needed and cleaning at installation and when extensions of pipework and fittings are added is vital for safety. ProSolv 5408e removes oil and organics leaving residue free, dry surfaces to standards approved by gas supply companies, and is compatible with all metals.
Clearly solvent cleaning and vapour degreasing with ProSolv 5408e is a better choice than water cleaning. Faster throughput, lower costs and sustainability to meet the unique challenges in achieving the high standards demanded for medical device manufacturing.
ProSolv 5408e is manufactured in UK with excellent customer service, technical support and training from qualified distributors throughout Europe.
For full product information please visit www.vapour-degreasing.com/prosolv-medical
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 protection for USB contacts
SuperCORR A protects and lubricates contacts on the new Charge / Sync Cable from Lifedge
SuperCORR A lubricant and protective coating widely used by the military, electronics and aerospace industries for critical applications is used to protect contacts on the Lifedge lightning connector to USB cable to offer the protection needed in extreme conditions.
SuperCORR A deposits 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 connection for the very close spaced connectors.
Lifedge is the world’s first 100% waterproof, rugged Lightning to USB cable for charging and mobile connections whatever the weather or conditions. Developed for use in all outdoor activities including sailing, hiking, military, naval, surveying or other challenging uses. With an ultra-durable outer coating that will never fray and double-moulded, super-tough plugs, charging, downloading and data transfer is improved even in the most extreme and difficult conditions.
During the design of this new cable an extensive test programme, by Scanstrut, manufacturer of the Lifedge cable, was carried out to ensure the contacts were protected from corrosion in the salty and hostile environments in which the Lifedge connectors are used.
SuperCORR A dry lubricant widely used for critical applications in military, electronics and avionics industries proved to offer the protection needed. SuperCORR A prevents or delays corrosion and possible failures.
Testing by a major electronics connector manufacturer recognized that SuperCORR A is a lubricant formulated with corrosion preventive compounds, and as is the case with all “lubricants” will be worn off over time. SuperCORR A was tested to see what the “life” of the lubricant was in a “rub test”. The typical test is 20,000 cycles, i.e. unplug/plug in is one cycle. The test results demonstrated that after 20,000 cycles there were no failures. It was decided to take it one more step and run the same tests for 200,000 cycles. The results again showed no indications of galling or scoring on the USB connectors which looked and performed as good as new.
The extensive testing during the design of the Lifedge connectors validated the original tests and confirmed SuperCORR A will ensure the customer has the most reliable and easy to use connector, in often demanding circumstances. The robust Lightning and USB metal connectors are coated with SuperCORR A patented anticorrosion treatment for complete protection against the elements, whilst an integrated O-ring ensures IP66 waterproofing when charging with the Lifedge iPhone case. The cable is also compatible with protective cases from other leading manufacturers. Officially approved by Apple for use with iPhone, iPad and iPods SuperCORR A helps to bring new freedom and reliability with the Lifedge Ultimate Charge/ Sync Cable.
SuperCORR A is available as an aerosol spray and in bulk containers for brush and dip coating.
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 Corrosion Protection Spray
Dry lubricant and corrosion protection spray reduces production downtime on industrial automation systems
Improving manufacturing productivity needs increasing numbers of robots, handling and positioning systems and conveyors which in factory environments need both scheduled and emergency maintenance plans to ensure continuous reliability. Failure of any part of the system will result in downtime and seriously disrupt production.
SuperCORR A from EnviroTech Europe is an innovative thin film dry lubricant spray with corrosion protective properties which does not attract dust or dirt, is stable and coats surfaces with an ultra-thin self healing, lubricant film unaffected by water or solvents and resistant to harsh corrosive atmospheres and high temperatures.
A recent case affected some clients of specialist cleaning equipment manufacturer C&C Hydrosonics a division of U.S giant Crest Ultrasonics to solve a problem occurring on x-y axis linear tracks on the Transystem automatic handling system fitted to enclosed multi tank cleaning systems both aqueous and solvent based.
Transystem automatic handling systems are programmable to automatically process baskets or jigs through liquid immersion cleaning cycles, transferring between the tanks, lowering and raising work between the tanks of cleaning liquids. The motorised carriages use nylon wheels running on case hardened mild steel tracks which can corrode during immersion and in the harsh humid atmospheres within the machine canopies.
Corrosion prevents smooth running with wheels seizing and binding on the tracks. Vibration can then cause components to be shaken from jigs or in extreme cases the carriage will stall requiring intervention by maintenance engineers to physically remove surface corrosion and re-lubricate tracks with oil. This is only a temporary measure as the oil is quickly removed by the solvents or water-based cleaning solutions with corrosion reoccurring in a short time.
Extensive trials over a six-month period with both water and solvent based systems demonstrated that SuperCORR A offered a simple solution to the problem with no corrosion of tracks or seizures during the trial period. Previously seizures needing attention occurred every few weeks now an aerosol spray of SuperCORR A is used only during normal service visits and is used as the routine lubricant during manufacture of the handling system.
Lee Casey, Managing Director of C&C Hydrosonics is delighted with the cost savings on reduced service and maintenance calls using SuperCORR A and that the inconvenience for users of the Transystem equipment has been eliminated. Use of SuperCORR A is recommended on all Crest handling systems worldwide.
Reduce maintenance costs and protect automation equipment with SuperCORR A, now 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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