Cleaning Operations - Vapor Degreasing & Stripping

Vapor degreasing and stripping are two chemically-based cleaning processes.

Vapor degreasing

Vapor degreasing is a surface finishing process. It uses solvents in vapor form to cleanse the workpiece in preparation for further finishing operations.

When using a degreasing tank, follow specific protocols to ensure the safety of the operation, such as:

• The condenser or vapor-level thermostat must keep the vapor level at least 36 inches or one-half the tank width, whichever is less, below the top of the vapor degreasing tank.
• When using gas as a fuel to heat the tank liquid, prevent solvent vapors from entering the air-fuel mixture. To do this, make the combustion chamber airtight (except for the flue opening).
• The flue must be made of corrosion-resistant material, and it must extend to the outside. Install a draft diverter if mechanical exhaust is used on the flue.
• Do not allow the temperature of the heating element to cause a solvent or mixture to decompose or to generate an excessive amount of vapor.
• If you spray a liquid in the air over an open-surface cleaning or degreasing tank, control the spraying by enclosing the spraying operation and using mechanical ventilation to provide enough inward air velocity to prevent the spray from leaving the vapor area.

Stripping

Stripping is the cleaning process of using chemicals to remove extraneous or superficial matter from objects.

To learn more about Dipping, Coating & Cleaning Operations visit our Dipping, Coating & Cleaning Operations Online Training web page.