Summary for trichloroethylene replacement Discussion
trichloroethylene replacement options are discussed as limited and application-dependent. Les asked for a non-chlorine degreaser that would evaporate reasonably fast. Brian Terry said there is no single definitive answer: for vapor degreasing without chlorine, choices are limited to n-propyl bromide, HFE, aqueous cleaning, or iso-paraffinic washes, each with drawbacks such as health concerns, cost, or safety issues; he also noted that methylene chloride or perchloroethylene might be acceptable if chlorinated solvents are still allowed. In 2010, Larry Clark said EnSolv is a direct replacement and closest drop-in substitute for TCE in Canada and the U.S. The thread then clarifies that EnSolv is one of the brand names of n-propyl bromide, tying Larry’s suggestion back to Brian’s earlier caution about that chemistry.
Q. WOULD SOMEONE BE ABLE TO RECOMMEND A REPLACEMENT FOR TRICHLOROETHYLENE DEGREASER. I AM HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING SOMETHING THAT IS NOT CHLORINE BASED AND CAN EVAPORATE REASONABLY QUICK.
LES ABERDEEN
TOOLS – CAMBRIDGE , ONT, CANADA
2006
A. Les,
Ah.. that is the question, isn’t it. Unfortunately no-one can give you a definitive answer.
First of all, can you give a little more detail as to the use you want the degreaser for (and I don’t mean to degrease!).
Currently available on the market for vapour degreasing without chlorine you are very limited (n-propyl bromide is one possible route, although still some questions on health hazards with that one. HFE is another, if somewhat expensive route and no-one seems to have done any health and safety work with these for long term exposure). Most of industry is heading down the aqueous degreasing route, but this will not suit everybody. There are then the iso-paraffinic washes, but these can be a safety nightmare (requires anti-static working).
Do you really have to get rid of chlorinated solvents? Would you be allowed to consider chlorinated solvents other than trichloroethylene? If so, you have the options of methylene chloride or perchloroethylene. Both have their benefits and drawbacks.
End of the day, it comes down to testing whether any of the options suit your needs, a case of “Suck it and see” as we say.
Brian Terry
Aerospace – Yeovil, Somerset, UK
2006
A. Brian,
Yes, there is a direct replacement for Trichloroethylene and it’s called EnSolv. In Canada and the U.S. you can go to the Enviro Tech International, Inc. It is the closest drop in replacement for TCE there is.
Larry Clark
Larry Clark
– Brunswick, Georgia
November 10, 2010
Thanks, Larry.
Les, EnSolv is one of the brand names of the n-propyl bromide that Brian mentioned.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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November 10, 2010