Solvent substitution and equipment modifications for vapor degreasing

Technical Report · Tue Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995

OSTI ID:91813

Nguyen, V T; Zirps, N A; Shaver, D K

With the increasing costs and liabilities associated with the disposal of chlorinated solvents and increased concern over the occupational health effects of chlorinated solvents, substitution of a chlorinated solvent with an aqueous cleaner is a desirable alternative to consider. This paper describes a vapor degreasing operation at Vandenberg Air Force Base where 1,1,1-trichloroethane is used; an aqueous cleaning system reduces solvent wastes by 70%, solvent emissions by 100%, and annualized costs by 40%. Solvent substitution was compared to other alternatives including on-site distillation and reduction of solvent losses by either installing a refrigerated freeboard chiller and/or increasing the height of the freeboard. Substitution of 1,1,1-trichloroethane with an aqueous cleaner appears to be the best alternative.

• Research Organization: ICF Technology, Inc., Fairfax, VA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 91813
• Report Number(s): PB--95-235529/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
AROMATICS
CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ETHANE
EVAPORATION
MATERIAL SUBSTITUTION
SOLVENTS