Water Based Degreasers: A safer and environmentally responsible option for industrial cleaning and degreasing
Water-based degreasers have emerged as a safer and much more environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional solvent-based industrial cleaning and degreasing products. These newer products offer exceptional performance, while providing the added benefits of risk mitigation from fires and reduced hydrocarbon solvent discharge to the environment. As a result, these products help to establish a safer process for the operators, the equipment, and the environment.
Solvent Degreasers Vs Water-Based Degreasers
Solvent based degreasers have faced increased scrutiny due to their hazardous and negative effects on operators and the environment. The solvents are often flammable, emit harmful fumes and therefore pose unnecessary and increased hazards to workers. Furthermore, they are considered environmental hazards and require careful storage, handling and disposal. Thanks to innovative design, many of our Chemform solvent degreasers have been formulated by our Chemists to be classified as non-flammable.
Water-based degreasers are a much safer and highly effective option for degreasing, while also being free rinsing. They offer numerous advantages over solvent-based degreasers, including:
✓ Safety – Water-based degreasers are non-flammable and do not contain hydrocarbon based solvents or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), making their use safer for the operator and the environment.
✓ Environmental impact – The Chemform Green water-based degreasers are classified as readily biodegradable and their degreasing surfactants will not persist in the environment. All products are formulated to provide highly effective cleaning and degreasing, with the subsequent rinse water waste streams breaking quickly to assist with effective hydrocarbon removal and disposal by licensed waste contractors.
✓ Storage & Handling – Depending on the solvent degreaser flammability, it can be classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) and will require containment in a DG Bund and electrical grounding while pumping to minimise the risk of fire which may be caused by static electricity ignition, hot surface ignition or another source. The water based degreasers are non-flammable and classified as non-dangerous goods, therefore making them safer to store and handle.
✓ Versatility – Water-based degreasers are extremely versatile and when matched correctly to the cleaning application, they are safe on all metals and capable of cleaning and degreasing a wide range of equipment surfaces, components and machines (e.g. heavy/light vehicles) as well as workshop floors etc. Water-based degreasers are also suitable for preparing surfaces for painting with water-based or solvent-based paints and will not adversely affect painted surfaces or plastic materials.