Solvent Degreasing

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1 Solvent Degreasing
- 1.1 Process
  - 1.1.1 Spraying
  - 1.1.2 Immersion
- 1.2 Design Considerations
  - 1.2.1 Benefits
  - 1.2.2 Challenges
2 References

[edit] Solvent Degreasing

Solvent Degreasing Is a process used to prepare a part for further operations such as electro-plating or painting. Typically it uses petroleum, chlorine, or alcohol based solvents to dissolve the machining fluids and other contaminants that might be on the part.^[1]

[edit] Process

Generally involves some sort of application of the solvent and then allows the dissolved material to drip away and then dry.

[edit] Spraying

The most common cold solvent operation, this is usually used in small maintenance degreasers using a petroleum or mineral solvent. Usually to remove the bulk of the material, and prepare it for the cleaning tank. Although if the part does not need to be perfectly clean, then the operation can be ended after spraying. Spraying can also be used as a prequel other degreasing operations such as vapor degreasing which gives a better clean.

[edit] Immersion

The part is immersed in a tank of solvent and usually agitated like a washing machine for clothes to get all of the contaminant off. It is then hung on a rack over the tank to allow drying.^[2]This is not to be confused with Pickling where the part would be soaked in the bath for an extended period of time. This operations covers a relatively short period and doesn't clean as deeply as pickling.

[edit] Design Considerations

[edit] Benefits

-The Emissions are reduced when compared with Vapor Degreasing operations.
-There isn't as much venting required so it is easier to quickly set up a small degreasing operation.
-Liquid solvents are safer to deal with.

[edit] Challenges

-There is a high danger of fire when using petroleum and mineral solvents.
-The emissions of this operation although less than other operations is still consederable and has an environmental impact.
-Solvents are difficult to dispose of, and there are many government regulations on them.

[edit] References

^ Kalpakjian, Serope, Schmid, Steven R. (2006). Manufacturing Engineering and Technology. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. 1079.
^ US EPA. (1995). Solvent Degreasing. Available: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/ap42/ch04/final/c4s06.pdf . Last accessed 19 April 2008.