Seeking non-toxic substitute for trichloroethylene

2004

We currently use trichloroethylene for cleaning some oily motors before we paint them. We would like to find an alternative to the above product. We would like something that is not toxic. Thank you.

Mo T [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
assembly - Cleveland, Ohio

April 4, 2008

Hi, Mo. N-propyl bromide is the closest thing to a drop-in replacement for vapor degreasing.

"Non-toxic" is a difficult term. Government regulators have commandeered the word and decided that they, rather than Webster or common sense, shall define what it means. Tom Kean, past governor of New Jersey, said " 'toxic' is a matter of statute, not opinion". So I can't help you on that; your city and you state statutes must guide you in what is toxic and what is not. And, of course, that means that what is toxic and what is not will change from day to day.

But if the motor housings are steel, aqueous caustic cleaning is probably the best solution. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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