Organic
Solvent Degreasing
District Rule 4662
– Organic Solvent Degreasing Operations, was developed to help
reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and hazardous air
pollutants produced from degreasing operations, in which an enclosure or device
is used for removing dirt, oil, grease and other contaminants. Effective October 19, 2002, the VOC content
of cleaning solutions used in most degreasing operations is limited to 50 grams
of VOC per liter of solution.
Petroleum-based solvents, such as
mineral spirits, contain VOCs that evaporate into the air during the cleaning
process. These emissions contribute to
smog formation and may be toxic when inhaled.
Using low-VOC cleaning materials can help reduce smog, operating costs,
and worker exposure to hazardous chemicals.
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Aqueous
Cleaning Solutions
The most common and effective cleaning solutions
available that meet the VOC limit are water-based or aqueous cleaning
solutions, which contain little or no VOCs.
Other options, such as cleaning solutions utilizing non-VOC solvents,
may also be available.
Some cleaning solutions are
general, all-purpose cleaners while others are designed to work best in certain
applications. Your supplier should have
information available to assist you in finding a cleaning solution that meets
your cleaning needs and complies with the VOC limit. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has
certified many complying products as “Clean Air Solvents”.
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New
Degreaser Equipment
Because aqueous cleaners are generally not
compatible with traditional solvent cleaning equipment, new degreaser devices
will be needed. Aqueous cleaners
require heat, agitation, and detergent action to break down grease and solids
into smaller particles.
Some smaller devices are
“sink-top” units where an operator washes parts by hand as the cleaning
solution is recirculated through a wand or a brush. Others are enclosed units that operate like a dishwasher. Manufacturers and distributors have a wide
variety of equipment available to choose from.
It is important to choose a device designed for your specific cleaning
application.
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Disposal
The recommended method of disposal is by means of a
registered hazardous waste hauler. Even
though the newer-style cleaning solutions are water-based, they may not be
dumped into a storm drain, gutter, or street.
Spent cleaning solutions may qualify as hazardous waste after extended
use due to the accumulation of metals, oils, grease and sludge. Like petroleum-based solvents, they must be
disposed of in accordance with applicable wastewater and waste disposal
regulations.
Local water sanitation districts
may allow treated cleaning solutions that are free of pollutants to be
discharged into the sewer provided that specific wastewater requirements are
met. A permit form the California
Department of Toxic Substances Control may also be required. For more information, please contact your
local water sanitation district.
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Cost
Current information suggests that using aqueous
cleaning solutions may result in cost savings.
They are less expensive than petroleum-based solvents and require less
frequent changing. Some operators have
also reported labor savings when utilizing automated cleaning equipment.
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Exemptions
Rule 4662 specifies several
exemptions that allow the use of solvents and cleaning materials containing
more than 50 grams of VOC per liter of solution. The exemptions apply to:
Small Units
q
One cleaning unit per building. The unit must have an open top surface area
of less than one square foot, a capacity of less than two gallons, and be
equipped with a cover.
Specialized Applications
q
Electrical
q
High precision optics
q
Aerospace and military cleaning of solar cells, laser
hardware, fluid systems, space vehicle components, and flight critical parts.
q
Components used solely in research and development
programs and laboratory tests in quality assurance laboratories.
To determine whether your degreasing operation is
exempt from the VOC limit, please review Rule 4662 or contact the District
Compliance Division at the regional office nearest you.
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