Vapor degreasing is an industrial cleaning method widely used to remove contaminants from parts and components. However, a common question amongst manufacturers and engineers is: are vapor degreasing solvents flammable?
Given the nature of the solvents and their role in industrial settings, understanding their flammability is important for safety and operational efficiency. In this article, we'll explore the flammability of vapor degreaser solvents, their types, how they work, and the precautions necessary when using these cleaning solutions.
What Are Vapor Degreaser Solvents?
Vapor degreaser solvents are chemicals designed to clean parts through a vaporization process. When these solvents are heated, they turn into a vapor that clings to contaminants on metal surfaces. As the vapor cools, it condenses back into liquid form, carrying away dirt, oil, grease, and other substances.
A vapor cleaning solution comes in different formulations, with some designed for specific types of cleaning, such as parts exposed to high-temperature oils or those used in sensitive industries like aerospace and electronics. Common vapor degreasing solvents include:
- Modified Alcohol: A versatile solvent used for cleaning various types of contaminants
- Halogen-Free Solvents: These are safer for the environment and human health, used in situations where more volatile chemicals are undesirable.
- Hydrocarbons: Solvents that work by breaking down oils and greases, suitable for general-purpose cleaning tasks.
- Flammable Solvents: Solvents like acetone and isopropyl alcohol are flammable, but are non-halogenated, and PFAS free and may be used in specialized Airless Vacuum Vapor Degreasers (https://www.baronblakeslee.net/airless-vacuum-vapor-degreasers/) built to Class 1, Division 1 or Class 1, Division 2 standards.
The type of solvent used depends on the specific requirements of the cleaning process, including the material of the parts, the contaminants being removed, and environmental safety concerns.
Are Vapor Degreaser Solvents Flammable?
The short answer is: yes, certain vapor degreaser solvents are flammable. However, not all solvents are combustible or flammable.
So, is your particular vapor degreaser flammable? The flammability of a solvent depends on its flash point, which is the temperature at which it can form an ignitable mixture with air. Solvents with low flash points are highly flammable, while those with high flash points are less likely to catch fire under normal conditions.
Halogenated hydrocarbon vapor degreasing solvents like fluorinated trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, n-propyl bromide and legacy solvents like trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene are typically listed on Safety Data Sheets (SDS) as being nonflammable or as having no flashpoint. However, these solvents generally do have a Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) in air, and can potentially ignite if very rare conditions are met. Historically, manufacturers of conventional open top vapor degreasing equipment generally have not designed this type of equipment to be Class 1, Division 1, or Class 1, Division 2 standards for halogenated solvents because the risk of flammability of these types of solvents is essentially not a concern.
For example, many hydrocarbon-based solvents, modified alcohol and halogen-free solvents tend to have higher flash points, reducing their flammability risk. However, these solvents can still ignite if exposed to a sufficient heat source, especially in high-temperature environments.
It’s important to note that the risk of flammability is not limited to the solvents themselves. The environment in which they are used, such as the presence of electrical equipment, open flames, or sparks, can significantly increase the risk of fire or explosion.
Therefore, using these solvents safely requires a thorough understanding of their properties and the conditions under which they can combust.
Why Are Some Vapor Degreaser Solvents Flammable?
The flammability of a vapor degreaser solvent is largely due to the chemical compounds used in their formulation. Many of these solvents are made from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which evaporate easily and can catch fire when exposed to an ignition source.
The high volatility allows the solvent to turn into a vapor, which is key to the cleaning process. However, it also means that under certain conditions, these vapors can pose a fire hazard.
For instance, hydrocarbon-based solvents like petroleum distillates are commonly used because they efficiently break down oils and greases. However, their flash points make them potentially susceptible to combustion. In industrial settings where heat and electrical equipment are present, these solvents must be carefully controlled and stored to prevent fire hazards.
Safety Precautions When Using Vapor Degreasing Solvents
Given the potential flammability of certain non-halogenated vapor degreaser solvents, strict safety measures must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion.
Proper ventilation is essential when using a vapor cleaning solution. Adequate airflow helps to dissipate any solvent vapors that may escape, preventing them from reaching flammable concentrations.
Keeping the temperature of the vapor degreasing system under control is key. Most solvents have an upper limit for safe operating temperatures, and exceeding this limit can increase the risk of ignition.
Hydrocarbon, modified alcohol and flammable solvents must be used in Airless Vacuum Vapor Degreasing systems that are designed and built to Class 1, Division 2 standards at a minimum, and Class 1, Division 1 standards if flammable vapors possibly from another process, are normally present in the area in which the degreaser will be operated.
Solvents should be stored in containers that are designed to safely hold flammable liquids. Additionally, they should be kept away from heat sources, open flames, and incompatible materials that could react with the solvents.
Operators should always wear the appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles, and flame-resistant clothing. This helps reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and provides protection in the event of an accident.
The Importance of Using Non-Flammable Vapor Degreasing Solutions
While many traditional vapor degreasing solvents are flammable, there is a growing trend toward non-flammable alternatives.
Halogenated solvents generally offer greater cleaning performance as compared to modified alcohol, hydrocarbon and flammable solvents but with a significantly reduced risk of ignition given their non-flammability.
Non-flammable vapor degreasing solutions are ideal for industries where safety is a top priority, such as medical device manufacturing, aerospace, and electronics. These industries often require stringent cleanliness standards, and using a non-flammable solvent ensures that the cleaning process is both effective and safe.
How Vapor Degreasing Solvents Work in Cleaning Applications
Vapor degreasing is a powerful cleaning process that utilizes the solvent's ability to dissolve and remove contaminants without requiring direct contact with the part. Here’s how it works:
- Heating the Solvent: The solvent is heated until it turns into a vapor. This vapor rises and surrounds the parts, which are suspended or placed in the vapor chamber.
- Condensation: As the vapor cools, it condenses back into a liquid. During this process, the liquid solvent captures and removes oils, grease, and other contaminants from the part’s surface.
- Collection and Filtration: After the cleaning process, the solvent is collected and filtered to remove any debris or particles that may have been picked up during the cleaning. The solvent is then reheated and reused, making the process both efficient and cost-effective.
What Makes Vapor Degreasing Ideal for Industrial Applications?
Vapor degreasing offers several advantages that make it ideal for industrial cleaning applications.
Vapor degreasing provides a high level of precision, making it perfect for cleaning small, intricate components used in fields like aerospace and electronics.
Newer vapor degreasing systems use eco-friendly solvents, reducing the environmental impact of the cleaning process. These systems are also highly efficient, reducing waste and solvent usage.
Since the solvent can be reused multiple times, vapor degreasing is cost-effective in the long run. This reduces the need for frequent solvent replacement.
Unlike other cleaning methods, vapor degreasing does not require abrasives that could damage the surface of delicate parts.
Explore Safe Vapor Degreasing Solutions with Baron Blakeslee
Vapor degreasing is a powerful and efficient method for cleaning components across many industries, but it’s important to understand the safety risks associated with a vapor degreaser solvent. Many of these solvents are flammable, so handling them requires caution and adherence to safety standards.
At Baron Blakeslee, we uphold the importance of using safe, efficient, and reliable vapor degreasing systems. Our wide range of vapor degreasing solutions includes both standard and custom equipment designed to meet the specific needs of your industry.
We offer equipment that caters to a variety of cleaning needs, including vapor degreaser solvents with modified alcohol, hydrocarbon, and halogen-free formulations. All of our systems are designed with safety in mind, ensuring that your operations run smoothly without the risk of flammability. Reach out to us today to learn more about how our vapor degreaser solutions can enhance your cleaning process.
