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Trial Number 1

Trial Purpose:

Find replacement for methylene chloride

Date Run:

05/28/1998

Experiment Procedure:

Seven chemistries were selected for testing based on the ability to dissolve adhesive. Past laboratory experiments with similar conditions were examined to aid in selecting possible cleaning chemistries.
Twenty-five milliliters of each cleaner were poured into a 30 mL vial. Approximately 0.5 gram of the contaminant was weighed and placed into each beaker. Each vial was covered with the supplied cap and shaken for 30 seconds. Observations were recorded. The shaking and observation cycle was repeated.
The chemistries were then allowed to sit for 3 hours and then overnight. Shaking and observations took place after each interval.
1-Envirosolutions-BioT Max
2-Pride Int. Inc.-Citrisolv Plus
3-Finger Lakes-Resineater
4-Buckeye-Shopmaster
5-Star Products-Star Cleaning Miracle Super Concentrate
6-AW Chesterton-KPC 820N
7-WR Grace-Daraclean 282GF

SUBSTRATE MATERIAL: N/A
CONTAMINANTS: Adhesive (neoprene with resin base with mix of toluene, hexane and MEK)

Trial Results:

Table 1 lists the observations after each shaking. The number three cleaner showed immediate signs of dissolving the adhesive. The other three chemistries (4,5,7) were only slightly effective.

Table 1 Observations of Cleaning Chemistries

Chemistry Weight Added (g) 30 Seconds Observation 60 Seconds Observation 3HR Observation 24HR Observation
1 0.5288 No mixing Same Same Same
2 0.5250 No mixing Same Same Same
3 0.4959 Clear solution turned blue Deeper Blue Turning to sludge Adhesive almost all dissolved
4 0.5118 Some mixing Same Same Same
5 0.5394 Some mixing (less than 4) Same Same Same
6 0.5051 No mixing Same Same Same
7 0.5457 No mixing Some Mixing (less than 5) Same Same

Success Rating:

Preliminary compatibility tests on substrate coupons encouraging for at least one cleaning chemistry. More in-depth laboratory testing necessary.

Conclusion:

Finger Lakes Resineater is a pure solvent designed to replace ozone depleting chemicals including methylene chloride. The product does not mix with water and works best when heated to 170-180 F. A copy of the product’s MSDS and Technical Data Sheet is included.

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute is currently developing a research project to examine the impact of the work environment resulting from the elimination or reduction of methylene chloride use in industry. If you would like to participate in this project, assistance with technical, economical and environmental assessments can be offered. Also, Industrial Health surveys would also be conducted before and after replacing methylene chloride.
If you have further questions or are interested in participating, please contact Michael J. Ellenbecker, Director of Research for TURI at (978)934-3272 or Cora Roelofs (978)934-3259.

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