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Trial Number 0

Client Number 530

Project Number 1

Trial Purpose:

Evaluate Full HSP panel of options for replacing Trichloroethylene in the client's graphite pitch impregnation process.

Experiment Procedure:

Twenty Six 15 mL scintillation vials were prepared with each of the HSP calibration matrix solvents including one with TCE and one with PCE. Equal masses of Polyvinyl Chloride pitch were then put in each vial and observations were taken every 10 minutes for the first hour, followed by observations every half hour until three hours. At the first hour mark the vials were strained to examine the state of the pitch pieces as the solution became so opaque that it was impossible to see them. If the pitch particles were fine enough to pass through the strainer it was considered satisfactorily dissolved. 

Trial Results:

Matrix # Final Score
1 - Toluene 2
2 – Dimethyl Carbonate 0
3 - Xylenes 1
4 – Benzyl Alcohol 0
5 – Ethylene glycol 0
6 – Methyl Acetate 0
7 - Undecane 0
8 – Ethyl Lactate 0
9 – Acetone 0
10 – Ethyl Acetate 0
11 – Methanol 0
12 – Ethanol 0
13 – 1,3-dioxolane 1
14 – Diethyl Carbonate 0
15 – 1-propanol 0
16 – Isopropanol 0
17- Propylene Carbonate 0
18 – Thiophene 2
19 – 1-Methoxy-2-Propanol 0
20 – Dimethyl Sulfoxide 0
21 – 1-Butanol 0
22 – Dimethyl glutarate 0
23 – Anisole 2
24 – 2-Butoxyethyl-Acetate 0
25 - Trichloroethylene 2
26 - Perchloroethylene 2

0 - less than 60% of the pitch was dissolved, 1 - more than 60% but less than 90% of the pitch was dissolved, 2 - more than 90% of the pitch was dissolved. 

Success Rating:

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

Conclusion:

Based on the results of this test, Toluene, Thiophene, Xylene, 1,3-Dioxolane, and Anisole may be suitable options that should be evaluated further. 

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