Latest News
28-04-2006
Alternative Metal Cleaning Options
With the enforcement of the Solvent Emissions Directive, metal finishing companies, using Trichloroethylene or other cleaning solvents in vapour degreasers, are exploring options for compliance to the required low thresholds. From October 2007, the applicable solvent emissions limit for all chlorinated vapour degreasing solvents is 1 tonne per year. Solvent reduction plans were due for submission to local authorities by 31st October 2005.
Trimite Ltd is in a very strong position to offer UK users a number of metal cleaning options. A common change option is the introduction of an Iron Phosphate process to both clean and enhance metal components, whilst there are also “clean only” options where phosphating is not required.
A summary of some alternatives to conventional vapour degreasing:
Manual cleaning. T Wipes 2 (Trimite product ref. MP0302). The solvent emissions of these are of trivial proportions.
Lance-spraying. Diesel or electric powered portable spray units that can apply either a cleaner only, or a combination degreaser/iron phosphate. They can operate at high temperature and pressure; the more sophisticated units may require capital investment. Product recommendations will vary according to precise equipment selected.
Immersion. The most flexible of the semi-automatic processes, a multi metal line might comprise of 5 tanks and a dry-off oven. This system will give superior performance to vapour degreasing by converting the surface to a more corrosion resistant state. Typical immersion products could be T Cleaner 70 (MP0035); Granodine 606 (MP0012); T Rinse 350 (MP0123).
Sealed vapour degreasing. This entails adding an air lock [with appropriate controls], above the degreaser. The air lock requires a significant increase in headroom and will thus severely limit the option for end-on-end cleaning of large components. Requires high capital investment (Typically over £50000).
Chamber Spray. These “dishwasher” type machines are easy to operate and can often handle components of up to a metre in size within a 10 minute cycle time. They provide a good clean and/or phosphate conversion. Available from economic single stage to sophisticated seven stage units, the running costs can be low, and initial capital investment is required.
Typical Chamber Spray product recommendations:
Phosphating: Novaphos F687 (MP0455): a concentrated phosphating chemical with a separate detergent component.
Multi-metal, hot cleaner: Saxin (MP0408).
Neutral and Interstage cleaner: Liquipol (MP0451).
Mild etch cleaner for aluminium and galvanised steel: Novaclean 177D (MP0423)
For further information on chamber spray machines please contact Turbex Ltd on 01420 544909 or website: www.turbex.co.uk. Alternatively, Vixen Surface Treatments Ltd on 01642 769333, website: www.vixen.co.uk.
Spray line. A method usually employed if there is an existing on-line coating plant. High capital investment but low running costs due to much reduced handling costs. Typical product offer would be Granodine 606 (MP0012), T Phos 94 (MP0042) and many others, all with the relevant stages of rinsing and drying off oven.
For further information on spray or dipping plants, please contact the Trimite Pretreatment Division on email: pretreatment@trimite.com or by telephoning our Uxbridge Head Office on 01895 251234.
IMPORTANT. Many customers have specific requirements and issues to be resolved regarding the Solvent Emissions Directive and the Guidance Notes, therefore we suggest that you contact the Trimite Pretreatment Division for detailed discussions on how we can assist you to understand and resolve metal cleaning issues and the vast range of products available, we will definitely have a solution for you!
