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Metal degreasing -- substitutes for trichloroethane

A possible candidate for a replacement of trichloroethane for degreasing metal on an industrial scale is dichloromethane (methylene chloride). However in view of the move away from halogenated hydrocarbons - carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene etc.(+CFC's). The question is - does MC have a long term future or is there a non-chlorinated material available.

Mike Keeton
metal finishing - Birmingham, West Midlands, England
2003

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There are a lot of alkaline cleaners that do not contain solvents out there that can degrease. A more detailed suggestion is impossible without more detailed information on the nature of the substrate, soil, etc. Were I in your position, I would get on the telephone RIGHT NOW and start calling my current vendors, friends in the industry, etc., and find out what they think will work in my situation.

James Totter, CEF
- Tallahassee, Florida
2003

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Hi, Mike. Aqueous cleaning is the preferred method these days. The question will become whether there is a reason aqueous cleaning isn't suitable for your parts (bimetallic, etc.) Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 2009

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Well, aqueous cleaning has severe environmental impacts. The water cannot be fully recycled. Moreover it becomes acid and is polluted for all times!
Further it does not have the same good cleaning effects like PCE (Perchlorethylene).
A degreasing plant with safe handling and a connected distillation plant can ensure an absolutely environmental friendly processing.

100% recycling of solvent AND oil can be achieved.

This can also be stated for Trichlorethylene, modified alcohol, carbon hydride solvents.

Christine Batsch
- Meckenheim, Germany
October 20, 2009