Product category:
Cleaning media and cleaning systems
News Release from: 3M Electronic Materials | Subject: Cleaning equipment emissions reduction
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 27 September 2005
Free guidance on solvent emissions
offered
Free guidance on solvent emissions reduction strategies for users of industrial volume cleaning equipment offered before October 2007 deadline.
3M offers free guidance on solvent emissions reduction strategies for users of industrial cleaning equipment Volume users of VOC-containing cleaning products need to take action before October deadline The Solvent Emissions Directive (EC Directive 1999/13/EC) places strict limits on the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial processes
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 11 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Solvents, including common cleaning solvents such as Trichloroethylene and n-Propyl-Bromide (nPB), need to be substituted in the shortest possible time.
Companies that rely on such solvents for cleaning parts and subassemblies during manufacture have until 2007 to comply with the directive, although if they inform their environmental regulator by 31 October this year they can embark on a programme of reduction over time.
To help users through the minefield of product and equipment selection, global innovation company 3M is offering plain language guidance to the selection and use of its comprehensive range of solvent replacement products - many of which can be substituted for conventional chemicals in standard cleaning equipment.
3M's Novec Engineered Fluids are low in toxicity, non-ozone depleting and have low global warming potential.
"Selecting the right approach to Solvent Emissions Directive compliance is far from straightforward," says Mark Nursall, technical sales specialist for Novec Engineered Fluids at 3M.
"Users need to balance the cost, performance, toxicity and environmental behaviour of substitute products, there is a lot to understand.
When choosing a cleaning system, companies need to consider the all the associated costs, including solvents, machinery and any additional emissions abatement apparatus the might be required to meet the demands of the Directive," he continues.
"Making the right investments at the start can often deliver big savings over the lifetime of a process.
The use of products like Novec fluid is an important option for companies seeking to cut down on their use of highly toxic solvents," says Nursall.
"Not only do products like these reduce health-risks, they are long-lasting, highly effective and have other environmental benefits too.".
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