Project #1
Find an Alternative to TCE
11/02/2015
medical device parts
Small
Less than 1 lb
parts machining
packaging
1-100
Trichloroethylene
TCE
degrease parts
Used Immediately
most of the degreasing occurs under a hood .
The company’s main objective was to switch from cleaning with TCE with cold immersion to using 98% dimethyl glutarate with a drying step. The effectiveness of the cleaner was identified by the Lab and then confirmed effective by the company. A dry step was deemed necessary to ensure the complete evaporation of the dimethyl glutarate. The lab worked to assist in finding and testing drying equipment that would be both effective and accessible for its employees.
While an alternative cleaner and a new vacuum oven have been determined to replace the current process, the implementation has yet to go forward due to the emergence of COVID-19. The project is currently on hold.