Which Solvent is Right for your cleaning application?*

 

Selection of the "correct" solvent for your particular application is a complex issue. Beyond the basic cost per drum of the solvent, the following must be considered (not listed in order of importance):

The current regulatory status affecting this solvent

Proposed regulatory changes which may impact your solvent selection

The cleaning ability of the basic solvent

The time required for the cleaning process

The compatibility of the solvent with the item/product being cleaned

The compatibility (or lack thereof) of the solvent with the type of

contaminants being introduced into the cleaning process

The disposability of the contaminated solvent (status of hazardous

solvent requires tracking)

Odors caused by use of the solvent

Toxicity of the solvent may require additional emission control

Frequency of solvent acid acceptance testing

The equipment available to utilize the solvent, its efficiency and solvent

loss rates

The boiling point of the solvent (the lower the boiling point, the greater

the number of emission control condensing coils required)

The total capital outlay available for the equipment to handle the

solvent you are considering

 

Point 1

Currently unregulated solvents (those not covered by NESHAP regulations) may work well in a basic vapor degreasing unit. However, switching to another solvent and/or regulatory changes may require you to upgrade the emission controls on the degreaser.

Point 2

Basic equipment - manufactured with one primary refrigeration unit and one set of primary condensing coils will - in all probability - have higher solvent loss rates. Additional refrigeration and a secondary cooling system located above the primary coils will further condense the residual vapors which have escaped the primary cooling system (previously lost into the atmosphere - which will now be reclaimed and recycled through the system). Vapor/solvent losses are substantially reduced. Equipment which has additional emission controls and various upgrades will cost more, but this additional front-end investment is more than offset by solvent loss reductions (check your present solvent losses and the current cost of that drum of solvent).

Point 3

Efficient/upgraded vapor degreasing equipment will cut solvent losses. However, over time, the solvent stabilizers will be depleted - which is why there must be regular solvent acid acceptance testing. Inefficient equipment which required regular solvent "makeup" had additional stabilizers entering the cleaning process so that proper acid acceptance levels were maintained.

 

If you need additional information/guidance regarding your choice of solvent(s), we will be happy to put you in touch with a chemical representative who can provide you with more detailed data specific to your application.

Ultronix can also clean some of your parts in your choice of chemical at our facility to ensure that your parts are cleaned to the level required for your application.  You are welcome to be present for this testing or we can ship your parts back to you for inspection.

 

*Please Note: Ultronix does not recommend nor endorse any type of solvent for your particular application. The information above is being presented to assist you in making an informed decision. Be advised that the type of solvent you select has a direct bearing on the type and sophistication of degreasing equipment that will be required in your cleaning process.