Tag: product selection

Comparing Types of Solvent Degreasers

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Solvent degreasers are used in industrial cleaning to remove oils, greases, and other contaminants from metal and other surfaces. There are three main types of solvent degreasers: chlorinated, petroleum-based, and aromatic. Each type has its own pros and cons, and it is important to choose the right type for the job to ensure the best results and the highest level of safety.

Types of Solvent Degreasers

Chlorinated Solvent Degreasers

Chlorinated solvents, such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), have been used in industrial cleaning for many years. These solvents are effective at dissolving oils and other contaminants, making them a popular choice for cleaning parts and machinery. However, chlorinated solvents have several drawbacks. They are known to be carcinogenic and can cause serious health problems, including liver and kidney damage, neurological problems, and reproductive issues. They are also known to be hazardous to the environment and can contribute to air pollution and the depletion of the ozone layer.

Petroleum-Based Solvent Degreasers

Petroleum-based solvents, such as mineral spirits and kerosene, are another common type of solvent degreaser. These solvents are effective at dissolving oils and other contaminants and are generally less expensive than chlorinated solvents. However, petroleum-based solvents are also flammable and can be hazardous to workers if not handled properly. They also have a strong odor and can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems if inhaled.

Aromatic Solvent Degreasers

Aromatic solvents, such as toluene and xylene, are a third type of solvent degreaser. These solvents are effective at dissolving oils and other contaminants and are generally less hazardous to human health than chlorinated and petroleum-based solvents. However, they are still flammable and can be hazardous if not handled properly. They also have a strong odor and can cause skin and respiratory irritation.

Choosing the Right Solvent Degreaser

The best type of solvent degreaser to use for a particular application will depend on a number of factors, including the type of contaminant being removed, the surface being cleaned, and the cost and availability of the solvent.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a solvent degreaser:

  • The type of contaminant being removed: Some solvents are better at removing certain types of contaminants than others. For example, chlorinated solvents are very effective at removing grease and oil, while petroleum solvents are better at removing paint and rust.
  • The surface being cleaned: Some solvents can damage certain types of surfaces. For example, chlorinated solvents can damage aluminum and magnesium surfaces. It is important to choose a solvent that is safe to use on the surface being cleaned.
  • The cost and availability of the solvent: Solvent degreasers can vary in price, so it is important to choose one that fits within your budget. Some solvents may also be more difficult to find than others.

Finally, it is important to choose a solvent degreaser that is compatible with the equipment and surfaces being cleaned. Some solvents can damage certain types of metal or plastics, so it is important to check the manufacturer’s specifications before choosing a solvent degreaser.

Safety Precautions

When using solvent degreasers, it is important to take safety precautions to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the solvents. These precautions include:

  • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and a respirator.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area.
  • Do not breathe the vapors.
  • Avoid skin contact.
  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using solvent degreasers.
  • Dispose of solvent degreasers properly.

How Twin Specialties Can Help

Solvent degreasers are a powerful tool that can be used to remove a variety of contaminants from metal surfaces. However, it is important to choose the right type of solvent degreaser for the application and to take safety precautions when using solvent degreasers. As a leading supplier of industrial chemicals and solvents, Twin Specialties can assist manufacturers with sourcing the appropriate solvent degreasers and cleaners for their needs. Our team of experts can help you choose the right solvent degreaser for your application while provide top-notch customer service and competitive pricing.

3 Factors for Perfecting Aqueous Cleaning

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When cleaning finished machine parts, manufacturers have to meet the increasingly stringent cleanliness tolerances, while also operating a cost-effective cleaning process. Old standards no longer apply and manufacturers have to evaluate their operations to select the best cleaning process. Just utilizing best practices and monitoring your tank is not enough.

The first thing that should be assessed is the contamination generated in all stages of the manufacturing process. Engineers should have data on all processes and substances that parts have been exposed to. Cleaner and equipment suppliers should have reliable lab work to help understand the process and contaminants. Equipment and cleaner manufacturers should provide transparent testing and results to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of their solution.

The 3 Cleaning Energies

Every cleaning process will depend on a balance of 3 energies: chemical, thermal, and mechanical. If one form of energy is increased, the other two forms of energy can typically be reduced. The key to perfecting your aqueous cleaning process will be balancing the 3 energies.

Chemical Energy

Chemistry should be the first consideration in developing a cleaning process. The part material and contamination will determine the appropriate pH range of your aqueous cleaner. The goal is to minimize chemistry at the lowest temperatures and least costly form of mechanical energy to achieve cleanliness standards in the required time cycle.

Alkaline cleaners (pH 9-14) are ideal for removing organic contaminants such as oils, greases, coolants, etc. Acidic cleaners (pH 1-6) are ideal for removing inorganic contaminants such as oxides and rust. Neutral cleaners are excellent for use in systems that use more mechanical energy such as ultrasonic cleaning.

Depending on the part material, less or more aggressive cleaners will be appropriate. More neutral chemistries should be considered for softer and more reactive metals, such as aluminum, copper, or brass. A more aggressive chemistry could start attacking/reacting with the part itself. Less reactive metals can withstand stronger chemistries, higher temperatures, and more mechanical energy. Inert chemistries will require more mechanical energy to drive reactions and break down contaminants.

Thermal Energy

Heat is controlled in a cleaning system by different heating elements. What elements and how they are programmed are dependent on your goals and system. It is important to carefully monitor temperatures to prevent reduced heat element life and temperature capacity. Sensors and controllers are recommended to monitor cleaning systems and can help prolong service life and improve performance.

Heat increases the speed of molecules and faster molecules are better at breaking down bonds of contaminants. For every 17 F increase in temperature, reaction rates can double. This can accelerate the cleaning process. The optimal temperature in most systems is 120 F to 160 F. Too low of temperatures can lead to foaming and less effective cleaning.

Increased heat can reduce drying times and accelerate the cleaning process. It is important to remove pools of water using gravity or airflow. However, too hot of temperatures could create “flash rusting,” which can lead to parts being deemed off-spec or require additional cleaning or work.

Mechanical Energy

The final piece of the puzzle is mechanical energy. This is determined by the equipment and process that is used. Vertical agitators are popular because of their forgiveness and ability to avoid oil loading. The main way to generate mechanical energy is creating agitation.

In immersion cleaning systems, agitation is created by moving the parts in and out or within a tank of cleaner. Spray washers introduce agitation by introducing energy into the cleaner by spraying it at high speeds onto parts. Spray washers can be used in conveyer systems that have multiple stages, such as washing, rinsing, and rust inhibiting.

Ultrasonic cleaning introduce the most mechanical energy and are ideal for cleaning processes with limited heat and less aggressive chemistry. Ultrasonic cleaning should be considered when conventional methods fail to meet cleanliness tolerances.

Conclusion

Balancing the three energies is key to perfecting a cleaning process. When selecting an aqueous cleaner, consider your equipment, process, contaminants, and part material. Twin Specialties offers a full-line of aqueous cleaners that can fit any cleaning process. Many cleaners are specifically designed for ultrasonic, spray, and/or immersion cleaning process. Contact Twin Specialties to learn more about our aqueous cleaners and see what product is right for you.