Understanding The Basics of Chemical Solvents

Almost every kind of industrial cleaning process involves a chemical solvent. While some finishing processes simply use abrasive media, cleaning and degreasing processes use a solvent to really melt away the dirt and grime that sticks to parts during manufacturing. There are different types of cleaning solvents, each of which is best suited in certain applications over others. Understanding these different types and the overall basics of chemical solvents will help you make the best decision for which ones you should use in your facility’s cleaning processes.

Oxygenated Solvents
Oxygenated solvents are among the most common types of chemical solvents and use oxygen molecules as their base. Due to versatility, they are used in cleaning processes for most kinds of parts, as well as in non-cleaning processes, such as painting. Oxygenated solvents are minimally toxic and high powered, as well as being cost-effective for every day usage.

Hydrocarbon Solvents
If a more specific type of job needs to be done, hydrocarbon solvents are likely the ones to be used. These are more molecularly complex chemicals that are often tailor designed to clean specific types of parts. For example, aliphatic solvents are used for cleaning metal and in manufacturing processes. Aromatic solvents are excellent degreasers and can be used in the creation of paints and inks. The main difference across the board for hydrocarbon solvents is their density, flash point, distillation range, and aroma, so specific research may need to be done before using them.

Halogenated Solvents
Finally, halogenated solvents are used for cleaning that requires precision. Instead of oxygen, they use other kinds of molecules as a base, including fluorine, bromine, or chlorine. These kinds of solvents are non-flammable and fast-evaporating, making them ideal in certain kinds of situations. Halogenated solvents do have a major disadvantage, however, in being difficult to safely dispose of and many industries view them as being bad for the environment.

Trying to pick the right chemical solvent for your facility might appear to be a daunting task, but we at Mikro Industrial Finishing are here to help. We have vast experience in the industrial field and carry a wide selection of different kinds of solvents that are sure to perfectly meet the needs of your business processes. To learn more about our chemical solvents and services, please call us at (860) 875-6357.