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General Information on Cleaning With Low Vapor Pressure Solvents
Subject: General Information on Cleaning with Low Vapor Pressure Solvents
Reference: BAC 5750 Solvent Cleaning, Revision L, 2-APR-2001
BSS 7217 Air Cleanliness, Shop Compressed Air, Revision C, 25-MAR-1999
Description of Problem: Environmental regulations in many areas require use of products with lower vapor pressure. New products have been qualified. Many require process adjustment.
Note: This does not supersede drawings, specification requirements, or the qualified products list.
Manufacturing Information:
Good Work Practices: Use as little solvent as possible.
A large amount of solvent is not needed. With fast evaporating solvents like MEK, rags dry out while cleaning allowing more contaminants to be picked up on the same rag. However, rags saturated with slower evaporating solvents like MPK do NOT dry out during cleaning, and cannot absorb as much contaminant. Therefore, it is important to use less low vapor pressure solvent. Use of excessive low vapor pressure solvent makes cleaning more difficult and increases the amount of odor in the shop.
Application Techniques
- Apply solvent to a clean wiper, NOT to the part.
- Minimize solvent flushing or flowing on surfaces.
- Use clean, dry air per BSS 7217 to dry solvent in corners and cracks.
- Completely remove solvent and contaminant with a clean, dry wiper.
- Clean off excess solvent as soon as possible before it dries.
Odor Control
Some solvents have unpleasant odors with thresholds lower than the appropriate exposure limit. In such cases several techniques may help with odor control:
- Put used wipers into a closed container frequently.
- Use pedestal fans or other ventilation.
- Use a respirator as required. If no respirator is required, a carbon filter dust mask can be used for odor control.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this website is intended to assist suppliers to The Boeing Company. Although every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, we cannot warrant its accuracy for use in environmental compliance matters. You should check with your local, state, or Federal regulatory agencies if you have questions regarding the proper procedures or other matter related to compliance.
Safety Reminder: Refer to Manufacturer's material safety data sheets, or contact the manufacturer for safety and health information pertaining to hazardous materials.