Water-Based vs. Solvent-Based Cleaners

Cleaning encompasses many different methods. A cleaning method’s effectiveness depends on other factors besides the approach. If you’re washing soil off your hands, a simple scrub with soap and water may suffice (water-based). However, if grease is involved, you may want to use a chemical-based formula (solvent-based).

Water-based (also known as aqueous cleaning) cleaning uses water with other additives, like detergents or soap, to remove dirt or grime. Solvent-based cleaners, on the other hand, are chemical cleaners.

The effectiveness of the two methods comes down to how they interact with the contaminants. Water-based cleaners eliminate water-soluble contaminants like soil from surfaces by isolating dirt and grime particles, freeing them so they can be washed off. Solvent-based cleaners dissolve contaminants, drawing them into the solvent and away from the surface.

Because solvent-based cleaners mix with most contaminants, they are the more common method for industrial applications. They’re also more cost-effective, reliable, comprehensive, and efficient than water-based methods in most cases. Moreover, using solvent-based cleaners typically requires less effort than water-based cleaners.

For instance, water-based cleaning requires prepping (like setting water temperature to a specific level) before the actual wash, as well as rinsing and drying. These processes take time. Because solvent-based cleaners do usually do not require rinsing or drying, which could require additional space or equipment for drying, they tend to be more efficient. Fast-evaporating solvents, for instance, disappear shortly after they’re applied, reducing process times, which can be key in an industrial setting.

The superior effectiveness of solvent-based over water-based cleaners stems from the differences in their surface tension. Surface tension is a liquid’s ability to form cohesive droplets. The lower the surface tension (as found in most solvents), the harder it is for the liquid to form droplets, meaning it spreads out evenly over the surface. On the other hand, high-surface tension liquids (such as water) easily contract into droplets, limiting their penetrative power. Solvents do not form droplets, meaning they penetrate tight spaces better and dissolve contaminants without being trapped.

Also, while water-based cleaning is effective at room temperature up to about 176F, solvent cleaners are not as limited. Some solvents are just as effective well below room temperature and above 176F.

While solvents are more versatile than water, they don’t come without risks or hidden costs. For instance, aqueous cleaning is more environmentally friendly than solvent-based cleaning. This is because of the toxic chemicals present in the solvents, which must ultimately end up somewhere in the environment.

Also, the presence of toxic chemicals in solvents means that workers will likely require advanced PPE (personal protective equipment) compared to when handling water-based cleaners. Also, some solvents are highly flammable, making them dangerous when used near possible ignition sources. Therefore, solvent cleaning typically requires stricter safety protocols.

The two methods’ suitability comes down to the type of contaminants being dealt with, the materials being cleaned, and the process requirements and constraints. Experts recommended considering all these factors for optimal results.

Ultimately, the user must choose the method that is most cost-effective and efficient. For instance, a method that requires investing in expensive pressure washing equipment may not be worth it, even if it promises the best results. Using solvent-based cleaners seems to be the best approach. Even so, the unique situation and goals will determine whether a solvent-based or a water-based method will be optimal.

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About Industrial Chem Labs and Services’ Automotive Products

Industrial Chem Labs and Services has been a leading chemical manufacturing company for over three decades. Headquartered in Deer Park, NY, Industrial Chem Labs and Services manufactures and distributes a wide range of chemical products for its vast nationwide customer base. Some of its products are automotive cleaners and maintenance items for all vehicles, including buses and heavy-duty trucks.

Among these products is the concentrated white wall tire cleaner, which is usable at full strength, the concentrated auto wash for quick penetration and cleaning, and its undiluted version, the regular auto wash.

Industry Labs also produces bus and truck wash containing concentrated detergents and butyl to remove grime, soot, and tar on large vehicles. In addition, the company produces caustic liquid degreasers for lift stations and snow plow wax which dries to a non-stick surface. It also manufactures windshield antifreeze with concentrated methyl, permanent antifreeze engine coolant, degreaser and engine cleaner as well as liquid ice melter.

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A Few Fire Products Your Office Should Have

Based in NY, Industrial Chem Labs and Services is one of America’s leading manufacturers and distributors of industrial maintenance products. Among other values, Industrial Chem Labs and Services is big on providing the best selection of long-lasting products like boiler water and cooling tower treatments to fire fighting products.

The law requires that you do a fire risk assessment if your employees are more than five. Consequently, you need specialized fire products to protect your office from fire outbreaks. One of such products is a fire log book or safety manual. They are important because they allow you to monitor and record your company’s fire safety policy while adhering to the most recent rules and regulations. It lets you maintain your fire safety records and documentation in one location.

There is a higher chance power supply in your premises will go out in the case of a fire. Emergency lighting runs on batteries and provides an appropriate backup in case your power goes out during a fire.

In an emergency, fire exit signs assist employees in finding the safest escape from the facility. Always make sure to mark the location of the emergency exits. These signs have to be observable in all lighting conditions.

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Cooling Towers and Damaging Factors Such as Corrosion

Industrial Chem Labs and Services is a Deer Park, NY-based firm that delivers quality products in the commercial cleaning, disinfectant, and maintenance sphere. Among the items Industrial Chem Labs and Services manufactures and distributes in NY is cooling tower treatments that address corrosion while treating water.

A variety of facilities require cooling towers as part of a water treatment system. These include refineries, chemical and petrochemical plants, and buildings that are simply large in size. The towers may have an integral role in industry processes or simply cool and remove water from sites.

Issues such as fouling, scaling, biological growth, and corrosion may impact the cooling tower. This is often due to the improper treatment of feed water, blowdown, or circulation water. Such corrosion can in turn impact the cooling tower’s efficiency and integrity in ways that impact water usage and energy use.

When it comes to corrosion, the most common cause is dissolved gasses, but other reasons include pH level, temperature changes, dissolved solids, and contaminants from bacteria. Among the ways of preventing corrosive damage are filtration and the use of corrosion-resistant materials. In addition, the regular use of chemical inhibitors should be considered as an integral part of operations that eliminates corrosion risks.

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