Replacement of Chlorinated Solvents (CFCs, CTCs, MCFs)

Vacuum De-Oiling
A new process on the market is vacuum de-oiling, an operation that removes
surface oils from parts without using ozone-depleting or hazardous chemicals,
water or detergents. Thermal and vacuum technology remove the oil residue
on parts through vaporization. Once the parts have been loaded the heater
and pump are actuated to warm and evacuate the unit's chamber. The oil's
boiling point falls with pressure so heating it in a slight vacuum dries the part
quickly. The system is not designed to clean materials that do not evaporate
quickly such as a solid lubricant. In most cases parts can be cleaned through
this one-step process in about 20 minutes or less. The vapors are condensed
and collected for reprocessing or recycling. Hazardous waste disposal costs
are reduced or eliminated in this process
5. The use of solvents in cleaning and degreasing operations produce high or
low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that requires to be
controlled for the safety of the workers as well as protection of the air
environment. The following shall be done to minimize the emission of
VOCs;
a. For non-vapor degreasers using volatile solvent, or solvent that is
agitated, the cover should be a sliding, rolling or guillotine (bi-parting)
type which can be opened and closed easily with one hand.
b. For open-top vapor degreasers, the cover should be a sliding, rolling or
guillotine (bi-parting) type which can be opened and closed easily
without disturbing the vapor zone.
c. For conveyorized degreasers, a cover shall be provided for closing off
the entrance and exit during shutdown hours.
6. In order to determine the best cleaning and degreasing alternative(s), the
four general areas are to be investigated;
a) Governmental regulations – emission control and limit of discharges
b) Technical feasibility – new process to meet required production, ease of
installation, operation and maintainance.
c) Process economics - compare the economics of various cleaning
alternatives costs associated with initial capital equipment; process operation;
permit applications; and waste treatment, storage, and disposal. Process
operation should include material, labor, maintenance, and utility costs
d) Environmental, Health, and Safety - compatibility with regulatory trends,
public perception about cleaning chemicals and associated risks, global
warming potential of alternatives, energy efficiency, toxicity and worker
safety, flammability, and emissions, effluents, and wastes generated