SW APRIL 2022 PRINT web | Page 22

INDUSTRY NEWS

Solvent cleaning offers solution to reduce energy bills

As energy prices continue to soar , businesses across the country are seriously considering where efficiencies can be made and costs can be cut .
For organisations that require component cleaning and degreasing , a simple switch can have a significant impact on energy usage , without affecting cleanliness levels . In fact , in many cases , reconsidering cleaning solutions can deliver higher quality results , while also minimising time , cost , and the environmental impact .
The answer in many cases , is to change from an aqueous cleaning solution to a solvent solution , such as the Opteon™ range from Chemours™ . Solvent cleaning uses one fifth of the energy required with an aqueous cleaner . Not only is it five times more energy efficient , but it also has quicker cleaning cycles , leaves zero residue , and has three times better surface penetration .
Superior cleaning technology – like the new generation of solvents – provides a number of efficiencies . It makes the job easier , faster , and the lower temperature required means that the energy requirements of the system are much lower . Increased automation also saves operator time as the parts only require handling at the start and end of the process rather than constant monitoring throughout .
Using an Opteon™ specialty fluid such as SF80 reduces weekly CO2 usage by 75 %, reduces weekly fluid consumption by 50 % and reduces the cost of average daily consumables by eliminating water treatment . One of our aerospace customers found success with sister product , SF79 , which has a 100 % cleanliness pass rate , is more efficient , and has reduced lead times and costs .
Are solvents safe to use ?
Cleaning solvents were historically guilty of very high global warming potential ( GWP ), which is used to represent the equivalent of C02 being released into the atmosphere , where 1kg of C02 = a GWP of 1 . While they once had seriously detrimental effects on the atmosphere , the new generation of solvents have been developed specifically with the environment in mind and are far less harmful than comparable solutions .
Opteon™ SF80 is an extremely safe , non-flammable , and environmentally friendly solvent with no ozone depletion potential , an ultra-low GWP (< 2 ), and does not contain any products regulated under F-gas regulations .
SF80 is also an effective replacement for nPB , TCE , HCFCs , PFCs , HFCs and HFEs solvents , and is becoming known as the leader within a variety of cleaning applications such as vapour degreasing , oil and grease removal , precision cleaning , high solvency defluxing , and silicone removal , amongst many other uses .
The impressive cleaning results of new generation solvents speak for themselves , and the industry is seeing a strong transition from aqueous to solvent systems .
We ’ ve had real success with transitioning clients on to more efficient solvent solutions as they seek higher levels of cleanliness and increased efficiencies . A well-known , Midlands-based , leading aerospace engineering company made the transition , and they said :
“ The 100 % cleanliness success rate is exactly what we were looking for . The process is significantly more efficient , which has in turn reduced our lead times and costs . This reduces the cost of the engine and the time spent on the process , which ultimately allows for increased innovation and guarantees the brand ’ s quality .”
Fraser Technologies ’ solvent cleaning systems offer an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution to your precision cleaning needs .
For more information about the products we offer and how we can meet your business needs , get in touch at sales @ frasertech . co . uk or call 01506 443 058 .
20 APRIL 2022 twitter : @ surfaceworldmag