7 Questions When Switching Vapor Degreasing Solvents
Frequently Asked Questions when switching vapor degreasing solvents.
As regulations continue to change and solvent suppliers come and go, many companies are tasked sourcing viable alternative replacement vapor degreasing solvents. In this blog, we will address some frequently asked questions when switching out solvents in your vapor degreaser equipment.
Typical Questions we are asked as part of switching vapor degreasing solvents
Can I just “drop-in” the new solvent?
Not all vapor degreasing solvents are created the same. The idea of “dropping in” the new solvent usually means a company would like to just add the new solvent into the current bath and be done. Even if you are switching nPB solvents from one vendor to the next, you might experience differences as the amount of stabilizers and the base components are different from vendor to vendor. So technically, even if you are going from one nPB-based solvent to another nPB-based solvent you might be able to “drop-in” the new solvent and mix it with your old nPB solvent. However, it would be more prudent to finish using the current solvent and do a partial change or full change-out before moving into the new nPB solvent.
A partial change out is where you empty the boil sump and immersion sump - but do not empty the spray reserve tank or filtration system.
A full change out is where you empty the boil sump, the immersion sump, and drain the water separator, spray reserve and the filtration system.
So a good rule of thumb is:
if you are going from an nPB-based solvent to an nPB-based solvent do a PARTIAL change out;
if you are going from a TCE-based solvent to a TCE-based solvent do a PARTIAL change out;
if you are going from a TCE-based solvent to an nPB-based solvent do a FULL change out;
if you are going from an nPB or TCE based solvent and going to a modern fluorinated-based solvent - it would be best to do a FULL change-out.
2. Do I need to empty the tank of all the solvent?
It would be a best practice to drain all of the solvent from the vapor degreasing unit and sub-systems (spray-tank, filtration, water-separator) and let the unit sit over the weekend to let any remaining solvent evaporate out - this would be considered a full change out. Then fill the unit with the new solvent. This would ensure that there was no cross contamination and part cleaning would commence with quality cleaning assuredness. Some companies even go so far as to do a full-change out and a neutralizing wash-out prior refilling with the new solvent. This is not always feasible or practical. With that said,
if you are going from a TCE-based solvent to an nPB-based solvent - do a FULL change out;
if you are going from an nPB or TCE based solvent and going to a modern fluorinated-based solvent - do a FULL change-out.
You will save yourself much headache and expense.
3. What kind of PPE do I need?
Of course because you are dealing with solvent, proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is needed. Eye ware in case of splashing, solvent resistant gloves and respirator with carbon absorber would be ideal.
4. How do I get rid of my current solvent?
Disposal of your current solvent is part of the change over process. For many companies they use their current waste disposal company and send the drum of used solvent out as waste. If you do not currently have a waste disposal service, contact us and we can give you guidance and help.
5. When is the best time to change over?
Many companies change over their solvent during routine maintenance on their vapor degreaser/ Others wait until when they do a shut down - like over a holiday weekend. Otherwise, when you are planning a partial change out or when it is time to add more solvent to your bath would be a good time to switch.
6. Do we need to change the vapor degreaser temperature settings?
Yes, please do not forget to change the temperature settings. If you are moving from one solvent to another (like moving from TCE to nPB) changing the temperature settings is a must. Different solvents have different boil points. TCE boils at 188° F (87° C), nPB boils at 160° F (71° C) and our AeroTron-AV boils at 116° F (47°C). For modern vapor degreasing equipment there are also safty limit control settings that need to be set so the vapor degreaser turns off when the upper limits are reached (e.g. when the solvent boil sump contains 40% oil). Please note, it is important to change the temperature settings…this will ensure your vapor degreaser is operating safely and that solvent is not wasted.
7. Any other considerations or tips?
If you have emptied the vapor degreaser as a part of a full change out - it is worth cleaning the bottom of the tank of fines and debris.
Also, if your vapor degreaser is empty, it is worth cleaning the heating elements as well.
Make sure to turn ON the refrigeration system on prior to refilling the unit - this will help contain the solvent as you are refilling and save solvent.
Before refilling, make sure all drain valves are closed.
Next Steps:
Our Reliance Vapor Degreasing Experts are here to help. Contact us for a Free Technical Discussion to support your solvent and vapor degreasing questions.
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Conclusion
In the current regulatory environment, changing solvents will most likely be a part of vapor degreasing operations at some point. Hopefully, this FAQ will help make the change-over easy and smooth.
If your company has questions please give us a call at 847.640.8923 or contact us to discuss your application and how Reliance can help.
At Reliance, we take a comprehensive, systemic approach to supporting our customers to finding solution to their cleaning needs. We are glad to be of assistance.
