Ultrasonic aqueous cleaning as a replacement for chlorinated solvent cleaning
The Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant has been involved in the replacement of chlorinated solvents since 1982. One of the most successful replacement efforts has been the substitution of vapor degreasers or soak tanks using chlorinated solvents with ultrasonic cleaning using aqueous detergents. Recently, funding was obtained from the Department of Energy Office (DOE) of Technology Development to demonstrate this technology. A unit has been procured and installed in the vacuum pump shop area to replace the use of a solvent soak tank. Initially, the solvents used in the shop were CFC-113 and a commercial brand cleaner which contained both perchloroethylene and methylene chloride. While the ultrasonic unit was being procured, a terpene-based solvent was used. Generally, parts were soaked overnight in order to soften baked-on vanish. Many times, wire brushing was used to help remove remaining contamination. Initial testing with the ultrasonic cleaner indicated cleaning times of 20 min were as effective as the overnight solvent soaks in removing contamination. Wire brushing was also not required following the ultrasonic cleaning as was sometimes required with the solvent soak.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OS21400
- OSTI ID:
- 6857917
- Report Number(s):
- Y/DV-1171; ON: DE93007240
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Ultrasonic cleaning as a replacement for chlorinated solvents
Reduction of chlorinated solvents at the Y-12 Oak Ridge Plant
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32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320303* -- Energy Conservation
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& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Equipment & Processes
320305 -- Energy Conservation
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& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Industrial Waste Management
ADDITIVES
CARBON
CHALCOGENIDES
CHLORINATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
CLEANING
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COST
DETERGENTS
EFFICIENCY
ELEMENTS
EMULSIFIERS
EQUIPMENT
EVALUATION
HALOGENATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
INDUSTRY
MANAGEMENT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NONMETALS
OILS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SOLVENTS
SOUND WAVES
SURFACTANTS
TUBES
ULTRASONIC WAVES
US AEC
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WETTING AGENTS
Y-12 PLANT