The essential guide to understanding Industrial Solvent Degreasing Chemicals for MRO

In the realm of industrial maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), solvent degreasing chemicals are indispensable. These chemicals play a critical role in ensuring that machinery and equipment remain free from contaminants, which can impede performance and lead to premature failure. However, the use of these chemicals is not without its challenges and risks. This blog will delve into the importance of industrial solvent degreasing chemicals, the common ingredients used, their dangers, necessary precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE), and their contribution to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions.

Importance of Industrial Solvent Degreasing Chemicals

In industrial settings, machinery and equipment are often exposed to various forms of contamination, including oils, greases, dirt, and residues from manufacturing processes. Solvent degreasing chemicals are crucial for several reasons:

Performance Optimisation

Clean machinery operates more efficiently. Removing grease and oil ensures that components can move smoothly, reducing wear and tear and enhancing overall performance.

Preventive Maintenance

Regular degreasing helps prevent the buildup of contaminants that can lead to mechanical failures. This extends the lifespan of equipment and reduces downtime.

Preparation

Solvent degreasing is essential in preparing parts and surfaces for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), assembly, and welding

Safety

Accumulated grease and oil can create hazardous conditions, such as slip and fire risks. Degreasing mitigates these dangers, ensuring a safer working environment.

Solvent Degreasing for Preparing for NDT, Assembly, and Welding

Solvent degreasing is vital for ensuring clean surfaces in NDT, assembly, and welding. It enhances inspection accuracy, adhesive bonding, mechanical fit, corrosion resistance, weld quality, and overall process efficiency while improving safety. Incorporating solvent degreasing into preparation routines leads to higher quality and reliability in industrial processes.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Assembly

Welding

What’s in a Solvent Degreaser?

Industrial solvent degreasers often contain a mix of organic and inorganic compounds, each with specific properties tailored to break down and remove grease and contaminants. Some common ingredients include:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE): A powerful solvent used for its effectiveness in dissolving greases and oils.
• Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane): Known for its strong solvent properties, it’s effective in removing tough contaminants.
• Perchloroethylene (PERC): Widely used for dry cleaning and degreasing, it’s valued for its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic materials.
• Acetone: A versatile solvent used for cleaning and degreasing due to its rapid evaporation rate and effectiveness in breaking down resins and plastics.
• Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA): Commonly used for its disinfecting properties and effectiveness in removing oils and residues.

Trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chlorinated hydrocarbon commonly used as an industrial solvent. It is a colourless, volatile liquid with a sweet odour. Trichloroethylene is a powerful solvent used in industrial degreasing due to its effectiveness and non-flammability. However, its use comes with significant health and environmental risks. Adhering to CoSHH guidelines, using appropriate PPE, and ensuring proper ventilation and training are crucial to safely manage the dangers associated with TCE. Understanding and mitigating these risks helps maintain a safer workplace and protect the environment.

Why is Trichloroethylene Used in Solvent Degreasing?

Trichloroethylene is used in solvent degreasing due to its effectiveness in dissolving a wide range of organic materials, including greases, oils, and waxes. It has several advantageous properties:

• Solvency Power: TCE is highly effective at breaking down and removing stubborn contaminants from metal surfaces.
• Non-Flammability: Unlike many other solvents, TCE is non-flammable, reducing the risk of fire during use.
• Volatility: TCE evaporates quickly, leaving minimal residue on cleaned surfaces.

Dangers Associated with Trichloroethylene

Despite its effectiveness, TCE poses significant health and environmental risks:

• Carcinogenicity: TCE is classified as a carcinogen, with long-term exposure linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly liver and kidney cancers.
• Neurological Effects: Prolonged exposure can cause neurological issues, including dizziness, headaches, and cognitive impairments.
• Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of TCE vapours can lead to respiratory irritation and central nervous system depression.
• Environmental Impact: TCE can contaminate soil and groundwater, posing long-term environmental hazards.

Precautions

To mitigate the risks associated with TCE, strict safety measures are necessary:

1. Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to disperse TCE vapours and reduce inhalation risks. Use fume hoods or local exhaust ventilation systems.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves: Use chemical-resistant gloves to prevent skin contact, Respirators: Use appropriate respirators to protect against inhalation of TCE vapours, Eye Protection: Wear safety goggles or face shields to protect against splashes.
3. Training: Provide comprehensive training on the safe handling, storage, and disposal of TCE.
4. Monitoring: Regularly monitor air quality and TCE levels in the workplace to ensure they remain within safe limits.

CoSHH Guidelines and Hazard Symbols

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) regulations in the UK provide guidelines for managing hazardous substances like TCE. Key CoSHH guidelines for TCE include:

1. Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement control measures.
2. Exposure Limits: Adhere to the Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) set for TCE to protect worker health.
3. Health Surveillance: Implement health surveillance for workers exposed to TCE to detect early signs of adverse health effects.
4. Control Measures: Use engineering controls, safe work practices, and PPE to minimise exposure.

Hazard Symbols for Trichloroethylene:

Methylene Chloride

Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM), is a volatile, colourless liquid with a sweet aroma. It is widely used as an industrial solvent due to its excellent solvency properties. Methylene chloride is a powerful solvent widely used in industrial degreasing due to its high solvency power and non-flammability. However, it poses significant health and environmental risks. Adhering to CoSHH guidelines, using appropriate PPE, and ensuring proper ventilation and training are essential to manage the dangers associated with methylene chloride. By understanding and mitigating these risks, industries can maintain a safer workplace and protect the environment.

Why is Methylene Chloride Used in Solvent Degreasing?

Methylene chloride is used in solvent degreasing for several reasons:

• High Solvency Power: It effectively dissolves a wide variety of organic compounds, including greases, oils, and waxes.
• Fast Evaporation: Methylene chloride evaporates quickly, which minimises residue on cleaned surfaces.
• Non-Flammability: It is non-flammable under most conditions, reducing the risk of fire during its use.
• Penetration Ability: Its low surface tension allows it to penetrate and clean intricate parts and complex assemblies effectively.

Dangers Associated with Methylene Chloride

Despite its usefulness, methylene chloride poses several health and safety risks:

• Toxicity: Inhalation of methylene chloride vapours can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and in severe cases, central nervous system depression.
• Carcinogenicity: Methylene chloride is classified as a potential carcinogen, with long-term exposure linked to an increased risk of cancer.
• Respiratory and Skin Irritation: Prolonged exposure can cause respiratory irritation and skin contact can lead to dermatitis.
• Carbon Monoxide Production: Methylene chloride can metabolise to carbon monoxide in the body, leading to symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as shortness of breath and chest pain.

Precautions

To safely handle methylene chloride, the following precautions are necessary:

1. Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to disperse methylene chloride vapours. Use local exhaust ventilation or fume hoods.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves: Wear chemical-resistant gloves to prevent skin contact. Respirators: Use appropriate respirators to protect against inhalation of vapours. Eye Protection**: Use safety goggles or face shields to protect eyes from splashes.
3. Training: Provide thorough training on the safe handling, storage, and disposal of methylene chloride.
4. Monitoring: Regularly monitor air quality and methylene chloride levels in the workplace to ensure they are within safe limits.

CoSHH Guidelines and Hazard Symbols

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) regulations in the UK provide guidelines for managing methylene chloride. Key CoSHH guidelines include:

1. Risk Assessment: Conduct a detailed risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
2. Exposure Limits: Adhere to the Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for methylene chloride to protect worker health.
3. Health Surveillance: Implement health surveillance for workers exposed to methylene chloride to detect early signs of adverse health effects.
4. Control Measures: Use engineering controls, safe work practices, and PPE to minimise exposure.

Hazard Symbols for Methylene Chloride

Perchloroethylene

Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene or PERC, is a chlorinated hydrocarbon. It is a colourless liquid with a sweet, ether-like odour and is commonly used as a solvent in various industrial applications. Perchloroethylene is a powerful solvent widely used in industrial degreasing due to its high solvency power and non-flammability. However, it poses significant health and environmental risks. Adhering to CoSHH guidelines, using appropriate PPE, and ensuring proper ventilation and training are essential to manage the dangers associated with PERC. Understanding and mitigating these risks helps maintain a safer workplace and protect the environment.

Why is Perchloroethylene Used in Solvent Degreasing?

Perchloroethylene is used in solvent degreasing due to several beneficial properties:

• Effective Solvent: PERC has a high solvency power, effectively dissolving a wide range of organic substances, including oils, greases, and waxes.
• Non-Flammability: PERC is non-flammable, making it safer to use in various industrial environments.
• Stability: It is chemically stable and does not degrade easily, ensuring consistent performance.
• Low Evaporation Rate: PERC has a relatively low evaporation rate, which allows for prolonged contact time and more effective cleaning.

Dangers Associated with Perchloroethylene

Despite its effectiveness, perchloroethylene poses several health and environmental risks:

• Carcinogenicity: PERC is classified as a potential carcinogen, with long-term exposure linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly liver and kidney cancers.
• Neurological Effects: Prolonged exposure can lead to neurological symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and cognitive impairments.
• Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of PERC vapours can cause respiratory irritation and central nervous system depression.
• Environmental Impact: PERC can contaminate soil and groundwater, posing long-term environmental hazards.

Precautions

To mitigate the risks associated with perchloroethylene, the following precautions should be taken:

1. Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to disperse PERC vapours. Use local exhaust ventilation or fume hoods.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves: Wear chemical-resistant gloves to prevent skin contact. Respirators: Use appropriate respirators to protect against inhalation of PERC vapours. Eye Protection: Use safety goggles or face shields to protect eyes from splashes.
3. Training: Provide thorough training on the safe handling, storage, and disposal of PERC.
4. Monitoring: Regularly monitor air quality and PERC levels in the workplace to ensure they are within safe limits.

CoSHH Guidelines and Hazard Symbols

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) regulations in the UK provide guidelines for managing perchloroethylene. Key CoSHH guidelines include:

1. Risk Assessment: Conduct a detailed risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
2. Exposure Limits: Adhere to the Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for PERC to protect worker health.
3. Health Surveillance: Implement health surveillance for workers exposed to PERC to detect early signs of adverse health effects.
4. Control Measures: Use engineering controls, safe work practices, and PPE to minimise exposure.

Hazard Symbols for Perchloroethylene

Acetone

Acetone, also known as propanone, is a colourless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a distinct, sweet odour. It is a simple ketone and is widely used as an industrial solvent. Acetone is a versatile and effective solvent widely used in industrial degreasing due to its high solvency power, rapid evaporation, and compatibility with various materials. However, its high flammability and potential health effects necessitate careful handling. Adhering to CoSHH guidelines, using appropriate PPE, ensuring proper ventilation, and implementing fire safety measures are crucial for safely managing the risks associated with acetone. Understanding and mitigating these risks helps maintain a safer workplace and protect both workers and the environment.

Why is Acetone Used in Solvent Degreasing?

Acetone is used in solvent degreasing for several reasons:

• High Solvency Power: Acetone is effective at dissolving a wide range of organic materials, including greases, oils, and resins.
• Rapid Evaporation: Acetone evaporates quickly, leaving minimal residue on cleaned surfaces, which is ideal for processes requiring clean and dry parts.
• Low Toxicity: Compared to some other industrial solvents, acetone has relatively low toxicity, making it safer for use in various applications.
• Compatibility: Acetone is compatible with many materials, including metals and plastics, making it versatile for different cleaning tasks.

Dangers Associated with Acetone

Despite its usefulness, acetone poses several risks:

• Flammability: Acetone is highly flammable, and its vapours can form explosive mixtures with air.
• Health Effects: Inhalation of acetone vapours can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, and in high concentrations, central nervous system depression. Skin contact can lead to dryness and irritation.
• Environmental Impact: While acetone is less harmful to the environment than many other solvents, its rapid evaporation contributes to air pollution and the formation of ground-level ozone.

Precautions

To handle acetone safely, the following precautions should be observed:

1. Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation to disperse acetone vapours. Use local exhaust ventilation or work in well-ventilated areas.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves: Wear chemical-resistant gloves to prevent skin contact. Respirators: Use appropriate respirators if ventilation is inadequate to protect against inhalation of vapours. Eye Protection: Use safety goggles or face shields to protect against splashes.
3. Fire Safety: Keep acetone away from open flames, sparks, and other sources of ignition. Use flame-proof equipment where necessary.
4. Storage: Store acetone in tightly closed, properly labelled containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.

CoSHH Guidelines and Hazard Symbols

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) regulations in the UK provide guidelines for managing acetone. Key CoSHH guidelines include:

1. Risk Assessment: Conduct a detailed risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
2. Exposure Limits: Adhere to the Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for acetone to protect worker health.
3. Health Surveillance: Implement health surveillance for workers exposed to acetone to detect early signs of adverse health effects.
4. Control Measures: Use engineering controls, safe work practices, and PPE to minimise exposure.

Hazard Symbols for Acetone

Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), also known as isopropanol or 2-propanol, is a colourless, flammable liquid with a strong odour. It is a common industrial solvent and cleaning agent. Isopropyl alcohol is a versatile and effective solvent widely used in industrial degreasing due to its high solvency power, rapid evaporation, and disinfectant properties. However, its flammability and potential health effects necessitate careful handling. Adhering to CoSHH guidelines, using appropriate PPE, ensuring proper ventilation, and implementing fire safety measures are crucial for safely managing the risks associated with IPA. Understanding and mitigating these risks helps maintain a safer workplace and protect both workers and the environment.

Why is Isopropyl Alcohol Used in Solvent Degreasing?

Isopropyl alcohol is used in solvent degreasing for several reasons:

• Effective Solvent: IPA dissolves a wide range of non-polar compounds, making it effective at removing oils, greases, and resins.
• Rapid Evaporation: It evaporates quickly, leaving minimal residue on surfaces, which is ideal for applications requiring clean, dry parts.
• Disinfectant Properties: IPA has antimicrobial properties, making it useful for both cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
• Non-Corrosive: It is non-corrosive to metals and many plastics, making it suitable for use on a variety of materials.

Dangers Associated with Isopropyl Alcohol

While useful, isopropyl alcohol poses several risks:

• Flammability: IPA is highly flammable, and its vapours can form explosive mixtures with air.
• Health Effects: Inhalation of IPA vapours can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, and central nervous system depression at high concentrations. Prolonged skin contact can lead to dryness and irritation.
• Environmental Impact: Although IPA is less harmful to the environment than many other solvents, its volatility can contribute to air pollution.

Precautions

To handle isopropyl alcohol safely, the following precautions should be observed:

1. Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to disperse IPA vapours. Use local exhaust ventilation or work in well-ventilated areas.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves: Wear chemical-resistant gloves to prevent skin contact. Respirators: Use appropriate respirators if ventilation is inadequate to protect against inhalation of vapours. Eye Protection: Use safety goggles or face shields to protect against splashes.
3. Fire Safety: Keep IPA away from open flames, sparks, and other sources of ignition. Use flame-proof equipment where necessary.
4. Storage: Store IPA in tightly closed, properly labelled containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.

CoSHH Guidelines and Hazard Symbols

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) regulations in the UK provide guidelines for managing isopropyl alcohol. Key CoSHH guidelines include:

1. Risk Assessment: Conduct a detailed risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
2. Exposure Limits: Adhere to the Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for IPA to protect worker health.
3. Health Surveillance: Implement health surveillance for workers exposed to IPA to detect early signs of adverse health effects.
4. Control Measures: Use engineering controls, safe work practices, and PPE to minimise exposure.

Hazard Symbols for Isopropyl Alcohol

Contribution to VOCs

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids, including many industrial solvents. VOCs contribute to air pollution and pose significant environmental and health risks:

Industrial solvent degreasing chemicals are vital for maintaining the efficiency and safety of machinery and equipment in MRO activities. However, their use comes with significant health and environmental risks. Understanding the dangers associated with these chemicals, adhering to safety precautions, and using appropriate PPE can mitigate these risks. Furthermore, awareness of their contribution to VOC emissions can drive efforts to adopt safer, more sustainable alternatives, balancing industrial needs with environmental and public health considerations.

What are the alternatives?

Whilst solvent degreasing still has its place and remains a highly effective formula for industrial degreasing, there are non-solvent based degreasers in the marketplace which are highly effective yet contribute much lower VOCs and contain far safer formulas. The example below is Lotoxane® which is manufactured right here at Arrow Solutions.

Revolutionising industrial degreasing with Lotoxane®

Bridging the gap between safety and efficiency, Lotoxane is our safe and cost-effective degreaser that has been missing from your collection. This revolutionary product redefines industrial degreasing.

The first choice for safe and effective degreasing

• Produces very low odour
• One of the safest formulations on the market
• Helps in reducing your VOCs’
• Non-flammable
• Highly approved throughout the range

Highly approved and trusted by critical industries

• Rolls-Royce CSS255 Type A, B, D
• Rolls-Royce OMAT 1/257G
• Airbus CML ABR 9-0140
• Airbus AIPI 09-01-002 (Non-aqueous cleaning agents)
• Boeing D6-17487 Revision L
• South African Airways
• Rail Cat Approval 007/025037 (500ml aerosol)
• Rail Cat Approval 007/025036 (500ml trigger)
• Rail Cat Approval 007/025033 (5ltr)
• Rail Cat Approval 007/025034 (20ltr)
• Rail Cat Approval 007/007369 (30ltr)
• Rail Cat Approval 007/025035 (210ltr)
• BAE R10 6026 (cleaning – cold solvent – general purpose)
• BAE R10-6027 (cleaning – cold solvent – critical applications)

Discover flexibility

LOTOXANE® is renowned as one of the most effective and trusted products in the market. Its versatility is unmatched, making it suitable for a wide range of applications and materials, including metals, plastics, composites, and coatings. Unlike harsh solvent degreasers, LOTOXANE® won’t cause any damage.

Want to know more about Lotoxane?

At Arrow Solutions, we have been at the forefront of manufacturing and supplying exceptional cleaning and maintenance products since 1968. With a commitment to innovation and delivering the safest and highest-performing solutions, you can trust us to meet your degreasing needs.

For more information on Lotoxane, download the brochure. You can view the entire Lotoxane range by clicking here. To keep up to date with our latest news and features, follow us on LinkedIn.