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CleanerSolutions On-Line Tool for Solvent Substitution in Surface Cleaning
A simple solution for solvent substitution for surface cleaning is hard to come by. In attempt to address this issue, the Surface Solution Laboratory (SSL) at TURI has created this database linking performance evaluations to specific testing parameters and environmental assessments based on the testing performed at the lab. You may also want to check out these other related web tools.
SSL was designed with the capability to evaluate the effectiveness of different cleaning chemistries and equipment for a variety of substrates and contaminants. The goal of SSL is to assist industry in the search for safer cleaning processes by developing and promoting safer alternatives to hazardous solvents with a special focus on aqueous/semi-aqueous cleaners and state-of-the-art surface cleanliness analyses.
From the testing performed at SSL, data has been accumulated on the performances of industrial cleaning products. In order to use this information effectively, the CleanerSolutions Database was created. This web-based interface to the CleanerSolutions Database is field-searchable by surface contaminants, surface substrates, cleaning equipment, solvents replaced and vendor product data.
In keeping with the objective of the Lab to develop and promote environmentally-friendlier, safer alternatives to hazardous solvents, the determination of a chemical’s potential risk is based initially on the following environmental indicators: global warming potential, ozone depletion potential, volatile organic content, flammability/reactivity and toxicity/carcinogenicity. Specifically, the environmental scoring is based on the values for GWP, ODP, VOC, NFPA (or HMIS) and pH. Each alternative product receives a Safety Score based on 50 points, 10 point maximum for each parameter listed. Higher scoring products have the potential of being safer alternatives. Find out more about the lab’s safety score system
The CleanerSolutions Database is designed to provide the user with many search methods. These methods are separated into two main areas: Lab Testing and Vendor Supplied Information. The first section yields search results based on laboratory testing for specific client situations. The Vendor section will let users search and browse information supplied by over 100 product vendors. Vendor information may not have been independently tested by SSL.
Cleaning varies from case to case. The SSL recommends process specific and pilot testing on potential replacement cleaning chemicals. If more information is needed on a particular product or you are interested in having testing done, please contact the lab at (978)934-3133.