The ABCs of Vacuum Degreasing

Q: Is Modified Alcohol and Hydrocarbon considered Flammable liquids?

A: The flashpoint of Modified Alcohol is 142°F and the flashpoint of Hydrocarbon is 144°F, so according to NFPA rating, it ships as non-flammable.  As a reference, the NFPA rating is the hazard communication diamond with Health, Flammability, Reactivity.  These are the blue, red, yellow, and white diamonds that you see on chemical drums and trucks driving down the road. Also, according to the Department of Transportation regulations, it ships as “Not Regulated”.  It does not ship as “Flammable”.  Also, as a side note, when the chemistries are used in the vacuum degreaser, the machine removes the oxygen from within, therefore removing one of the necessary requirements from the fire triangle.

Q: Are these solvents classified as a PFAS, or “forever chemical” by the EPA.

A: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, these materials are not considered “forever chemicals.”

Q: What metals are these chemistries compatible with?

A: These chemistries are compatible with most metals. We have a comprehensive list of material compatibility with most of the common metals. 

Q: Will these solvents remove oxidation, smut, and burned-on carbon?

A: Short answer is “no” – hydrocarbon chemistry is used to remove non-polar soils such as oils, and the modified alcohol chemistry can remove polar materials such as coolants AND non-polar soils such as oils.  It does not do a good job at removing burnt on carbon, oxidation, and smut.

Q: What type of solvent maintenance do I have to do?

A: It is very simple…You will have to monitor and control acid levels in your machine with a simple chemistry kit and additive.  The kit is simple and takes about 10 minutes to use, and if you find that your chemistry in the machine is out of specification, then you will put an additive into your machine.