Vapor degreasing is a widely used industrial cleaning process, favored for its efficiency in removing contaminants like oils, greases, and fluxes from metal parts.
One of the main ingredients in many vapor degreasing systems is the solvent, and while there are various types, chlorinated solvents are often considered for their effectiveness. However, the question remains: Is it safe to use chlorinated solvents for vapor degreasing?
In this blog post, we will examine the safety concerns surrounding the use of chlorinated solvents in industrial vapor degreasers. We'll also explore the potential risks, advantages, and alternatives, so you can make an informed decision when selecting the best vapor degreaser solvent for your needs.
What Are Chlorinated Solvents?
Chlorinated solvents are a group of chemicals that contain chlorine in their molecular structure. These solvents have been used for decades in various cleaning applications, particularly in vapor degreasing, due to their excellent ability to dissolve oils, greases, and other contaminants from parts. Some common chlorinated solvents include:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Perchloroethylene (PCE)
These solvents are popular in industrial settings due to their non-flammability and ability to effectively clean complex parts with tight spaces and intricate geometries. However, the use of chlorinated solvents comes with both benefits and significant safety considerations that need to be understood.
The Risks of Using Chlorinated Solvents in Vapor Degreasers
While chlorinated solvents are effective in vapor degreasing, they come with several risks that must be carefully managed to ensure safety in the workplace. Here are the key concerns when using vapor degreaser chlorinated solvents.
Toxicity and Health Hazards
Chlorinated solvents, especially compounds like trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene, are known to pose health risks. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals, especially in poorly ventilated environments, can cause a range of health issues, including:
- Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of solvent vapors can lead to dizziness, headaches, and long-term lung damage.
- Skin and Eye Irritation: Direct contact with chlorinated solvents can cause burns, rashes, or irritation.
- Cancer Risk: Some chlorinated solvents, such as trichloroethylene, have been classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This makes proper handling and exposure control essential in workplaces using these solvents.
Proper protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection, is necessary to minimize the risks associated with these solvents.
Combustion Risks
Although vapor degreaser chlorinated solvents are often favored in industrial applications for their non-flammable nature, they still present a risk under certain conditions.
When heated to high temperatures, chlorinated solvents can release toxic fumes, such as phosgene gas, which is highly toxic and can be fatal. If a vapor degreaser system is improperly maintained or operates in high-temperature conditions, the risk of combustion and exposure to hazardous fumes increases.
Advantages of Using Chlorinated Solvents in Vapor Degreasing
Despite these risks, chlorinated solvents offer several benefits that have kept them in use in vapor degreasers. Here's a look at the main advantages.
High Cleaning Efficiency
Chlorinated solvents are incredibly effective at removing tough contaminants, such as oils, greases, and flux residues. Their ability to dissolve oils and other substances without the need for physical scrubbing makes them ideal for cleaning parts with intricate geometries and hard-to-reach areas.
Many industries, such as aerospace and automotive, rely on the cleaning power of chlorinated solvents to maintain the precision and quality of their parts. This efficiency is a major reason why chlorinated solvents have been historically used in industrial vapor degreasers.
Low Volatility and Non-Flammability
Compared to many other solvents, chlorinated solvents have a lower volatility, meaning they evaporate more slowly and are less likely to ignite. This makes them safer to use in environments where flammable solvents would pose a higher risk. As a result, they have been a staple in industrial applications where fire safety is a concern.
Solvent Recovery and Reuse
Vapor degreaser chlorinated solvents can be distilled and reused in a vapor degreasing system. This ability to recycle the solvent reduces overall operating costs and minimizes waste. In industries where large volumes of cleaning are required, this characteristic of solvent recovery can be very beneficial in terms of both cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
Alternatives to Chlorinated Solvents
As concerns over the environmental and health risks of chlorinated solvents grow, many industries are looking for safer alternatives. Some of the most common alternatives to chlorinated solvents in vapor degreasing include:
- Hydrocarbon-Based Solvents: These solvents are less toxic and more environmentally friendly than chlorinated options. However, they may not be as effective in certain cleaning applications.
- Modified Alcohols: Modified alcohols are often used in place of chlorinated solvents for cleaning in sensitive applications, offering good cleaning power with reduced health risks.
- Aqueous Cleaning Systems: These water-based solutions are a more environmentally friendly option as compared to solvents, though they may not be as effective for heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
Switching to non-chlorinated solvents can help reduce environmental impact and improve worker safety, although they may come with trade-offs in cleaning efficiency or operational cost.
Best Practices When Using Chlorinated Solvents
If your facility relies on vapor degreaser solvents that contain chlorinated compounds, there are several best practices to follow to minimize risks:
- Proper Ventilation: Always operate vapor degreasing systems in well-ventilated areas to ensure that harmful fumes do not build up.
- Protective Equipment: Workers should always wear the proper protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and respirators, to minimize exposure to chlorinated solvents.
- Regular Maintenance: Maintain your industrial vapor degreaser regularly to ensure that it is operating within safe parameters. This includes checking for leaks, ensuring the proper temperature settings, and replacing damaged parts.
- Safe Disposal: Dispose of used solvents according to local regulations to prevent environmental contamination. This includes using appropriate waste disposal systems and working with certified waste management companies.
Should You Use Chlorinated Solvents in Vapor Degreasing?
The decision to use chlorinated solvents in vapor degreasing should be based on a careful evaluation of the cleaning requirements, environmental regulations, and safety protocols in place at your facility.
While chlorinated solvents offer high cleaning efficiency and non-flammability, they come with significant health and environmental risks that must be managed effectively.