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9104113 
Technical Report 
New technology alkaline cleaners replace chlorinated solvent degreasers 
Quitmeyer, J 
1993 
Publ by SME 
Dearborn, MI, United States 
SME Technical Paper (Series) MR 
1-8 
English 
has other version or edition 9104089 New technology alkaline cleaners replace chlorinated solvent degreasers
Chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene, methylene chloride, parchloroethylene of 1,1,1-trichloroethane have been used for many years by the metalworking industry to clean parts. However, health and disposal related problems have become increasingly evident. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are worker vapor exposure limitations for virtually all in solvent-based cleaners. In addition, solvent-based cleaners are virtually all hazardous wastes as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Therefore, there now is an industry-wide effort to reduce or eliminate the use of solvents as cleaners. New technology water-based cleaners can be used instead of chlorinated solvents in many cleaning applications. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are reduced, employee exposure is less restrictive under most conditions and the amount of hazardous waste generated can be significantly reduced or eliminated depending on the soils involved. This paper compares the physical and chemical properties of chlorinated solvents versus the new water-based technology. Cleaning efficiency, soil holding and filtration properties are compared. Field examples, including methods and total systems, correlate with lab findings.