Coming Clean on Vapor Degreasing Vapor degreasing is a powerful, proven cleaning technology originally developed in the 1940s. Today, using modern, environmentally-progressive solvents, vapor degreasing can deliver fast, consistent and safe cleaning results even for the most challenging applications. It does so in a manner that is both affordable and environmentally benign. This poster explains the key features and benefits of vapor-phase … Continued
What Is the Truth About the Toxicity of nPB? MicroCare markets the Bromothane™ family of solvent cleaners. The key ingredient in the Bromothane™ family is the brominated molecule known as nPB (also called n-Propyl Bromide, 1-Bromopropane or CAS # 106-94-6). This nonflammable fluid is a powerful cleaner with a low global warming potential. It is used as an alternative to CFC-113, methyl chloroform, hydrochlorofluorocarbons … Continued
What Is the Meaning of a Solvent Toxicity Rating, Like a PEL or TLV? In general, the “toxicity” of a cleaning fluid is measured through the use of 8-hour “time-weighted average exposure limits” (AEL). Similar terms you might find on labels and SDS sheets include “Average Exposure Limits” (AEL), “Personal Exposure Limits” (PEL) and “Threshold Exposure Limits” (TEL). One special term is “Threshold Limit Values” (TLVs) which only are … Continued
Are There Any Materials Compatibility Problems with MicroCare Solvents? General, materials compatibility is not an issue with the MicroCare cleaners, but make no mistake — materials compatibility can be a complex question. In general, the higher the Kb value of the solvent, the more likely the material will have compatibility issues. For example, Vertrel™ XF has almost no compatibility problems with any substrate. It has a … Continued
What Is a “Kb Value” and What Does It Mean? Kb value refers to a standardized ASTM test that measures the relative strength of a non-aqueous cleaning fluid. The test involves measuring the solubility of a very specific type of contamination, called “kauri gum.” Kb values range from 10 (very mild) to 200 or even higher (very strong). Mild solvents with lower Kb values will … Continued
How Does the Surface Tension of a Solvent Affect My Cleaning Results? MicroCare precision cleaners are the best choice in the industry for cleaning difficult shapes and awkward pieces. The reason for this success is the very low surface tension these products exhibit. Surface tension is the cohesive behavior of a liquid in which the molecules of the liquid are more attracted to each other than to … Continued
Why Do Heavy, Dense Solvents Clean Better than Lighter Fluids? Most people are familiar with the basic process of cleaning: a solvent dissolves the oil, grease, flux or some other contamination and then the contamination is rinsed away. The key is dissolving: just like sugar “dissappears” in warm water, solvents need to dissolve most contamination to remove it. However, sometimes the contamination cannot be dissolved. … Continued
How Can Cleaning with Vapor Degreasers Save Electricity? The energy efficiency of vapor degreasing is one of the main advantages of solvent cleaning when compared to water cleaning. Water cleaning uses a great deal of electricity while solvent cleaning uses far, far less. For customers in locations where electricity is expensive, vapor degreasing is the most energy efficient and affordable way to clean. … Continued
What Is a “Wetting Index” and What Does It Tell Me About a Solvent and Cleaning Results? MicroCare vapor degreasing products are the best choice for precision cleaning of difficult shapes and awkward pieces. The reason for this success is the very low surface tension, high density and low viscosity of the different fluids: A low surface tension means the solvent can get into tight spaces more easily than solvents with high … Continued
Can I Get a Custom Blend of a MicroCare Cleaning Fluid? Absolutely. Maybe. Sometimes. It depends. There are many different blends and mixtures of the MicroCare cleaners lurking in the MicroCare labs. Some involve new ingredients, like the new HFO fluids that are just coming to market. Some include extra additives that enhance cleaning but maybe have other issues, like increased cost or smell. Some have … Continued
