Better Equipment, Automation and Better Work Practices

Recently n Propyl Bromide has had some developments in the toxicology arena, most specifically a National Toxicology Program Test Study that found cancer effects in mice and rats.   As such, closer regard to minimizing operator’s exposure are warranted.      Operator exposure to solvent vapors in any vapor degreasing application can be minimized by:

1. Better Equipment – The ULTRA Line has NESHAP Compliant Features (such as slide top lid, subzero refrigeration coil and extended free-board ratio) that enhance solvent vapor containment.
2. Automation – With automation, the operator’s interaction with the solvent is minimized. The basket of parts being processed without any activity of the operator except the loading and unloading of the part basket.  Reliance offers automated basket handing systems (BHE and BHS Lift System) to complement our ULTRA Vapor Degreasing Systems.
3. Better work practices – specifically:
   1. orientating the parts in the vapor degreaser basket, so they properly drain,
   2. ensuring cleaning cycles of a long enough duration in the refrigerated zone that the parts are free of liquid solvent prior to being removed from the vapor degreaser,
   3. keeping the lid closed when not in use,
   4. keeping refrigeration coils running even when heat is turned off,
   5. spraying parts below the refrigeration zone and proper clean-out practices.

   All these are good practices to ensure reduced solvent exposure – no matter what solvent you are using.

Post by – Reliance Specialty Products, Inc. – vapor degreasing and solvent cleaning experts that manufacture both vapor degreasing equipment and vapor degreasing solvents.