Why Vapor Degrease? – Benefits of Vapor Degreasing
Learn more about the many benefits of utilizing vapor degreasing technology for your parts cleaning!
Since April 2022, the US EPA has included n-propyl bromide (1-bromopropane or nPB) on the list of hazardous substances under CERCLA/Superfund.
View the complete rule here – https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/08/2022-07541/addition-of-1-bromopropane-to-the-list-of-cercla-hazardous-substances-list-of-hazardous-substances
The past couple of years has not been kind to the public perception of n-propyl bromide. The ACGIH published its 0.1ppm TLV opinion paper, which, right or wrong, is considered by many professionals to be a reliable indicator of the safety of chemical compounds.
Later in 2014, the NTP listed nPB on its 13th Annual Report on Carcinogens as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” While there are major questions surrounding this assessment, given the fact that the NTP 2-year cancer study has not been fully explored to determine how tumors occurred, and given that the tumors were not consistent across different sexes of rats or mice, the fact is that some tumors did appear in the study.
Early in 2015, the US EPA opened a public comment period on its website for a petition to have nPB listed as a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP). In this ever-changing regulatory environment, it is natural to be very concerned about the future of n-propyl bromide with regard to regulations, health, safety and more.
How do we react to these developments and what options do we have for precision cleaning? What are the nPB replacement options?
Well, the good news is that there are many nPB alternatives available. Almost all nPB alternatives are comparable at vapor degreasing to n-propyl bromide solvents, are blends of 1,2-trans-dichloroethylene (trans) and non flammable fluorinated solvent compounds. Still, KB value is often the most important indicator of how well a solvent will clean soils. The ideal is to have a solvent with a KB value of 90 or greater in order to approach the cleaning power of traditional solvents like perchloroethylene (KB 90), trichloroethylene (KB 130) and n-propyl bromide (KB 129).
For a free quote, sample or to discuss your options for replacing nPB, please contact Enviro Tech International today at 708-343-6641 or by email at [email protected].
Learn more about the many benefits of utilizing vapor degreasing technology for your parts cleaning!
Here at Enviro Tech International degreasing solvents are all that we do, and thus we understand the importance of a high quality standard for precision cleaning in the manufacturing process. We also understand that much thought goes in to deciding not just what products are selected for use in critical cleaning, but that the methods in which these products are to be used are equally important.
NEXT-HD Pro is a replacement solvent for TCE and PERC. NEXT-HD Pro is Enviro Tech’s newest 1,2 trans blend using no HFC’s. This solvent blend is perfectly suited for vapor degreasing in modern equipment and general cleaning. Its solvency for hydrocarbon soils is superior to most similar high-trans fluorinated solvent blends.
When selecting a parts cleaning method, facility managers must keep many factors in mind. One of the most pressing things to consider is the environmental impact of the method chosen, and the need to remain compliant with environmental protection regulations. However, cost containment is also always an essential consideration when selecting any industrial process.
There’s no such thing as a foolproof engine. Even cleaning one can be hazardous if not handled with extreme care. Fortunately, you have options for nonflammable solvents and fast-drying solvents that can significantly reduce the chance of injury.
All chemicals should be treated with respect, and solvents are no exception. In addition to implementing and enforcing proper handling procedures, it is important to store the solvents used in your workplace in a safe and organized manner. Proper chemical solvent storage safeguards human health, protects the environment, and helps prevent costly waste.
Efficiency is the key to success in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Anywhere you can save a step or a few dollars is an opportunity to boost your efficiency. Eliminating the middleman or any redundant processes can have a substantial impact on your business’s chances for success. That’s why, when you need to buy industrial chemicals, you should take a serious look at buying those chemicals direct from the manufacturer.
Vapor degreasing is a quick, economical and simple process for cleaning even the dirtiest manufactured parts — both metal and plastic — using a thermo-mechanical still and a vaporized solvent.
Solvents are essential for any industrial cleaning application. There are hundreds of different types of solvent cleaners, each with its own characteristics and uses.
Before we discuss these solvent types, let’s first define what a solvent is — a substance (usually a liquid) that can be used to dissolve other materials without chemically changing them. Solvents are classified as inorganic (water is the most common example) or organic. Organic solvents contain carbon and include virtually all of the common industrial metal cleaning solutions.
