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PARTS CLEANING In LaPointe's experience, most manufacturers shift to aqueous cleaners because they want to adopt products and processes that are safer for their workers and the environment. However, new customers are pleasantly surprised to learn that bio-remediating fluids (and aqueous cleaning fluids in general) maintain their full cleaning power longer than solvents. "The beauty of bio-remediation is that it is self-renewing," LaPointe explains. "When you 'feed' these microorganisms with hydrocarbons, the microorganisms live on, and their initial cleaning power stays the same for several weeks." Also, the cleaning agents in the solution will saturate at a slower rate than solvents. While solvent cleaners begin losing strength soon after first use, requiring users to replenish their supplies after eight to 12 weeks, bio-remediating cleaners maintain efficacy over the course of one to two years, according to LaPointe. A Healthier Bottom Line Tests have shown that the repeated use of solvents can potentially cause skin irritation, neurological disorders and damage to the liver, kidneys and reproductive system. Because of these hazards, companies that use solvents try to minimize worker exposure by purchasing personal protec- tive clothing and equipment for their employees. The use of solvents can lead to other costs such as: • Installing and maintaining ventilation and vapor-extrac- tion equipment, • Contracting with a third party for management and disposal of spent solvents, • Paying higher fire-insurance premiums associated with the use of flammable, petroleum-based solvents, • Investing in fire-suppression equipment and emergency- response training, and • Paying regulatory reporting fees and OSHA/EPA noncom- pliance fines. Aqueous cleaning products, which are nontoxic, nonflammable and emissions-free, remove these costs from the equation. Howard Case, maintenance manager for Leesta Industries Ltd., a Montreal-based manufacturer of aerospace compo- nents, says that one of the key benefits of aqueous cleaning liquids such as Bio-Circle is that employees can use them without wearing burdensome personal protective equipment such as respirators. "It's an excellent concept," Case says. "The [Bio-Circle] liquid leaves no residue on the parts. It's environ- mentally friendly. It's warm, instead of leaving a cold feeling on the hands, so it's easy to use. Its health rating is excellent so you don't need to take special precautions." By making the workplace safer, aqueous cleaning systems also mitigate the hidden costs associated with exposure to harmful solvents (such as the missed workdays and lost produc- tivity resulting from chemical-related illnesses and injuries). Through the years, high-performing organizations have • Vacuum Technology For Ultra-Low Emissions • Consistent & Repeatable Cleaning • Precision & Industrial Cleaning Applications • Multi-Solvent Capabilities • Small To Large Cleaning Chambers • Standard & Custom Models • Inexpensive To Operate & Easy To Maintain • Minimal Environmental Impact • Operator Friendly • Programmable & Flexible Cleaning Cycles • EPA/SCAQMD Approved • Ask Us About Our Contract Cleaning Services • Built, Supported & Serviced In The USA! Airless Tm Vacuum Solvent Cleaning 342 Compass Circle Unit A2, North Kingstown RI 02852 401-667-7370 http://www.serec-corp.com sales@serec-corp.com C O R P O R A T I O N Precision & industrial cleaning systems 26 NOVEMBER 2016 — PFonline.com THE VOICE OF FINISHING 80 YEARS