Epoxy resin cleaner replaces methylene chloride

Mykal Industries recommended epoxy resin cleaner (EO 394) when asked by a manufacturer for an alternative to methylene chloride in the flushing cycle of its mixing and dispensing machine.

The manufacturer's process involved several components, including resin, filler and catalyst, being mixed thoroughly in a barrel before they were dispensed into the large component moulds.

After so many cycles, the whole mixing and dispensing arrangement needed to be flushed through to prevent the resin hardening which caused downtime; traditionally methylene chloride had been used.

Because of health and safety concerns related to methylene chloride, combined with the high volumes used, the customer was looking for a safer alternative that performed to the same standard.

A factory trial was conducted using epoxy resin cleaner (EO 394) in place of the methylene chloride; this proved very successful.

Not only was the resin/filler/catalyst mixture flushed through successfully, but on leaving the residue to stand overnight, a large proportion of the epoxy resin cleaner (EO 394) separated out, allowing it to be decanted off and reused.

A further 200 litre bulk factory trial was conducted to confirm the results on the initial tests as well as to quantify the recovered solution before a complete switch was made.

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