One often-overlooked element in the operation of a vapor degreasing system is the desiccant. But what role does a desiccant play in the cleaning process, and is it necessary for your vapor degreaser?
In this post, we’ll explore the need for desiccants in vapor degreasers, how they work, and how they can improve your cleaning process. We’ll also discuss other factors related to vapor degreaser chemical maintenance and the various types of degreasing systems.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to optimize your degreasing process and whether a desiccant is required for your specific needs.
What Is a Desiccant in a Vapor Degreaser?
A desiccant is a substance that adsorbs moisture from the surrounding environment. In the context of a vapor degreaser, a desiccant is used to prevent moisture from contaminating the cleaning solvent, which could affect the efficiency of the degreasing process. The primary reason that desiccants are used is in applications where the solvent in question contains alcohol in its formulation, such as solvents formulated for electronics defluxing. The water which accumulates in the water separator can extract the alcohol from the formulation when the water separator is drained, which may impact cleaning performance. Moisture contamination can lead to several problems, such as:
- Reduced solvent effectiveness, leading to poor cleaning results
- Increased residue left on parts after cleaning
- Solvent degradation, which may shorten the life of the cleaning solvent
- Formation of undesirable chemical reactions with the solvent, potentially creating harmful byproducts
To address these issues, desiccants are often included in vapor degreasing systems, integrated into the water separator, to adsorb excess moisture from the solvent itself.
By keeping moisture levels under control, desiccants help ensure the cleaning process remains efficient and the solvent remains in good condition for a longer period of time.
Why Do You Need a Desiccant in Your Vapor Degreaser?
The need for a desiccant in a vapor degreaser largely depends on the environment in which the system operates and the specific cleaning requirements. Here are some reasons why desiccants are an important part of the vapor degreasing process.
Moisture Control for Solvent Quality
Vapor degreasing relies on solvents to dissolve oils, greases, and other contaminants from parts. Many solvents used in vapor degreasers are hygroscopic, meaning they naturally adsorb moisture from the air. If too much moisture enters the solvent, it can reduce its cleaning power and affect its ability to dissolve contaminants effectively.
By using a desiccant, you can maintain the purity of the solvent, ensuring it works efficiently. This is particularly important in environments with high humidity or for cleaning applications where solvent performance is key to achieving high-quality results.
Extended Solvent Life
In industrial settings, solvents are costly, and frequent replacement can add to the operational costs. A desiccant helps maintain solvent quality by keeping moisture levels low, thus extending the life of the solvent. The longer the solvent remains free from contaminants, the fewer replacements are needed, resulting in cost savings over time.
Prevent Chemical Degradation
Moisture can cause solvents to degrade chemically, potentially producing harmful byproducts or altering the solvent’s composition. By using a desiccant to reduce moisture levels, you help preserve the integrity of the solvent and avoid unwanted reactions that could damage parts or reduce cleaning effectiveness.
When Is a Desiccant Necessary in a Vapor Degreaser?
While desiccants are beneficial for maintaining solvent quality and improving cleaning efficiency, they may not be required in every vapor degreasing system. The need for a desiccant depends on several factors.
Humidity Levels in Your Environment
If your facility operates in an area with high humidity or moisture in the air, a desiccant is likely necessary to prevent moisture from contaminating the solvent. In such environments, desiccants help ensure that the solvent remains in peak condition throughout the cleaning process.
Solvent Type
Different solvents have varying levels of susceptibility to moisture. For example, solvents used in electronics defluxing may include an alcohol in their formulation, and in the absence of a properly maintained desiccant system, when the water separator is drained, that alcohol may be extracted, thus diminishing the effectiveness of the solvent in respect to the removal of the inorganic components of solder flux & paste.
Frequency of Use
If your vapor degreaser is used in a high-volume setting, where cleaning cycles are frequent, the solvent may accumulate more moisture over time. In this case, using a desiccant can help maintain consistent cleaning results and prolong the life of the solvent.
For low-volume systems, you may not need a desiccant as frequently, but it can still be a useful addition for maintaining solvent quality.
What Are the Alternatives to Desiccants for Moisture Control in Vapor Degreasers?
While desiccants are a common solution for moisture control, there are other methods available, depending on your specific cleaning needs.
Airless Vacuum Vapor Degreasers
Airless Vacuum Vapor Degreasers are designed to minimize the exposure of solvent to the outside environment. By containing the solvent and limiting air contact, Airless systems naturally reduce the chance of moisture contamination, making desiccants less necessary. These systems often incorporate solvent recovery and filtration as well.
Environmental Control Systems
In high-humidity environments, controlling the ambient humidity using air conditioning or dehumidification systems can help prevent moisture buildup in vapor degreasers. This can be an alternative to using desiccants in some situations, particularly if the degreaser is used in a dedicated, climate-controlled area.
How to Select the Right Vapor Degreasing Solvent for Your Application
Choosing the right solvent for your vapor degreasing system is key to ensuring effective cleaning, solvent longevity, and part safety. The right solvent removes contaminants efficiently while minimizing risks to operators and the environment. Here’s how to make the best choice for your cleaning needs.
Understanding the Contaminant
The type of contamination you're dealing with is the first consideration in solvent selection. For removing oils and greases, solvents like hydrocarbon-based solutions or modified alcohols may be effective.
For flux residues, commonly found in electronics manufacturing, solvents like fluorinated trans-1,2-dichloroethylene blends generally work well. Understanding the specific contaminant will help you select a solvent that is both efficient and safe for your application.
Part Material Compatibility
The material of the parts being cleaned is just as important. Metals, plastics, and sensitive components like PCBs react differently to solvents.
For instance, acetone and isopropyl alcohol are great for cleaning plastics or delicate parts, whereas trichloroethylene is better suited for cleaning metals without causing damage. Always ensure that the solvent is compatible with the material to avoid corrosion or degradation.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
Safety is a key factor when choosing a solvent. Many solvents used in vapor degreasing systems can be toxic or flammable. For example, chlorinated solvents can be hazardous if inhaled, while alcohol-based solvents may pose a fire risk.
It’s important to assess the toxicity, flammability, and environmental impact of the solvent, choosing those that are safer for both operators and the environment. Halogen-free solvents are a good choice for businesses looking to minimize their ecological footprint.
Solvent Recovery and Cost
The cost of solvents and their recovery potential can impact your long-term operational costs. Solvents like perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene can be recovered and reused through distillation, making them cost-effective for high-volume operations.
However, some solvents may require more frequent replacement. Factor in both the initial cost and the recovery rate when selecting a solvent to optimize your cleaning process and budget.
Where to Get High-Quality Vapor Degreasers
At Baron Blakeslee, we understand the importance of optimizing your cleaning processes. Our range of airless vacuum vapor degreasers and other industrial degreasing systems are designed to meet the unique needs of your business, whether you're looking to improve cleaning quality, reduce solvent waste, or enhance safety.
All of our equipment is engineered and manufactured in our modern facility in Williamstown, WV, USA, and we offer a range of vapor degreaser chemical options to suit different cleaning applications. Contact us today to learn more about how to optimize your vapor degreasing process.
