Formulation and Recycling of Water-Based Degreasing Agents: Effects on Occupational Health and Environmental Protection

Abstract

ABSTRACT In metal degreasing, aqueous alkaline solutions can often be substituted for organic solvents. Such water-based degreasing agents should be formulated so that associated negative impacts on occupational health and the environment are minimized. With these goals in mind, a review and an evaluation of chemicals utilization in water-based degreasing agents has been carried out. These include strongly alkaline agents, sodium metasilicate, complexing agents, corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, organic solvents, bactericides, coloring agents, and perfumes. In a shop test a water-based degreasing agent formulated in accordance with these criteria has been shown to be able to degrease aluminum parts contaminated with oils from a draw process to an acceptable quality of cleanness before burnishing. By recycling the degreasing agent in a microfiltration unit it was possible to increase the service life of the bath 5 times, and to reduce the use of chemicals such as the builder component to 20%, the surfacta...