If you’re considering cleaning with modified alcohols—especially for vapor degreasing—please do your due diligence
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If you are considering purchasing a vacuum degreaser that allows you to use modified alcohol “solvents” - read on
Companies are often enticed to buy a vacuum vapor degreasing system because they claim to work with “cheaper” solvents like modified alcohols. But flammable solvents, like using modified alcohols add significant equipment issues that must be evaluated before purchasing.
Here, we highlight 5 common pitfalls companies deal with after they purchased a vacuum system that had the allure of using the modified alcohol cleaning agents.
EXTRA CAUTION:
When Vapor Degreasing
Vapor degreasing with modified alcohols requires specially engineered, flammable-solvent-rated equipment that has explosion-proof, fire-safe design: which means very large initial capital expense, longer processing times, specialized maintenance procedures and longer difficult repair with parts and service.
Moreover, you cannot use modified alcohols in open-top vapor degreasers and existing vacuum systems cannot be modified to handle them.
5 COMMON PITFALLS OF CLEANING WITH MODIFIED ALCOHOLS
Many companies, including aerospace companies, are lured into using modified alcohols because they are sold on the “great” cleaning power combined with the ability to handle polar/non-polar soils and are low VOC. However, there are significant pitfalls of using modified alcohols in your cleaning operation, chief of which is that they are flammable, and introducing flammables in any operation needs to be undertaken with great care.
ISSUE 1. Expensive “Flammable” (C1D1) Rated Equipment Needed
Using the modified alcohols requires the equipment have many features, some of which are:
a. Explosion-Proof (C1D1) fire safe design with integrated fire suppression.
b. Operate under a vacuum which increases processing time.
c. Solvent-sealed process chamber to ensure vapors do not reach ignition sources.
d. Solvent monitoring and control with safety interlocks that stop the cycle if parameters are not met.
e. Built in drying stage to ensure modified alcohol is evaporated.
ISSUE 2. Flammability
This is one of the most critical issues in that modified alcohols are highly flammable. So, using them on or around live aircraft is restricted. The mitigation of the impacts of flammability is paramount when considering using modified alcohols.
ISSUE 3. Residues
Interestingly, even though the alcohols are touted to be great cleaners, they can leave residue & films because some modified alcohol blends contain denaturants, stabilizers or water that can evaporate too fast or at a different rate then the rest of the mixture and thus leave residue.
ISSUE 4. Material Compatibility Issues
Modified Alcohols can have unexpected material impacts – like swelling seals and o-rings, embrittling certain elastomers and hazing plastics- especially ABS and acrylic.
ISSUE 5. Cleaning Performance Varies by Solvent Manufacturer
In an effort to differentiate products, manufacturers will create “mixtures” or blends that have additives that change the characteristics of performance. And, these differences can have unexpected effects…like slower drying times, weaker cleaning performance, material compatibility issues and/or residues.
What Now?
Did you know…we are often contacted by companies asking whether we can help them transition from modified alcohols in their cleaning systems to our non-flammable solvents. In those discussions, we typically hear:
This vacuum unit was SO EXPENSIVE, and we have had trouble with it ever since it arrived on the floor.
The explosion proofing needed just makes the unit SO COMPLICATED to maintain and keep operating. We have expensive mandatory service contracts.
The equipment took FOREVER to get here and was a year late.
We just DON’T WANT to have flammables on our production floor…it is such a safety issue and handling hassle.
Boy, can we sympathize! And the bad news is that non-flammable solvents are not an easy drop-in replacement. Switching over requires the equipment manufacturer to change temperature settings, vapor pressure settings, and more! And to switch may even require equipment changes. Non-flammable solvents are not a simple solution, because explosion-proof vacuum systems are SO FREAKING COMPLEX!
Optimize Your Cleaning Operation with Our ULTRA Modern Open-Top Vapor Degreaser!
Engineered for efficiency and durability, our ULTRA vapor degreasers deliver powerful cleaning performance to remove grease, and machined part residue. Our ULTRA Vapor Degreasing Systems feature compact footprint, user-friendly design, adjustable temperature controls, and automation, to ensure thorough and precise cleaning while reducing operator labor.
Ideal as an alternative to modified alcohol vacuum systems, our ULTRA systems ensure complete cleaning of complex geometries. With the option of using advanced ultrasonic technology, the ULTRA unit delivers deep, thorough parts cleaning which gently dislodges and removes contaminants from even the most intricate and delicate parts. The ULTRA provides effortless, efficient cleaning with a device that combines power, precision, and easy maintenance. Check out our entire product line: https://relspec.com/vapor-degreaser-product-line
Conclusion
Companies, from aerospace to automotive, want clean parts at the most affordable price. So, modified alcohols seem to be a great option for their cleaning of polar and non-polar contaminants. But using a flammable brings REAL issues that become expensive problems to deal with - because the equipment must have the capability to deal with the flammable solvent.
So PLEASE do your research and do the double and triple think prior to moving into a modified alcohol vacuum system for your cleaning operation.
Better yet, contact us at Reliance and we will work with you to understand your cleaning needs and see if an ULTRA vapor degreaser with our AeroTron-AV or one of our other non-flammable solvents would be a match. If you do, the Reliance turn-key package will give you YEARS of EASY, cost-efficient cleaning capability! Reliance is the go-to choice for industrial part cleaning.
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Give us a call or contact us to discuss your cleaning needs and how our complete Parts Cleaning System can support your cleaning operation. We can test clean parts in our lab and share our recommendations for optimized cleaning.
At Reliance, we take a comprehensive, systemic approach to supporting our customers to finding solution to their cleaning needs. Reliance Technical Support Department at 847-640-8923. We are glad to be of assistance.
