Trichlorethylene cleaning fluid

[david_bagshaw]

Re: Wasbenzine

As a user of wasbenzine it seems to be a cross of petrol and turps/parafin, but undoubtably others will know its real content.

it is not tric.

a note on mek, be careful not to splash in eyes, as it is used to clean the cornea ! of elderly !(so I was told after getting some in my eyes some time ago)

 

[sailorman]

Re: Wasbenzine

[ QUOTE ]
As a user of wasbenzine it seems to be a cross of petrol and turps/parafin, but undoubtably others will know its real content.

it is not tric.

a note on mek, be careful not to splash in eyes, as it is used to clean the cornea ! of elderly !(so I was told after getting some in my eyes some time ago)

[/ QUOTE ]


OK its hands up!. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif :
well it smells similar then, ( i think ). /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
used to be Dyslexic but k.o. now /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
roger

 

[VicMallows]

Re: Wasbenzine

There are not many things eyes like ... especially if you use contacts. Chillies on your fingers for one. You soon learn!

Vic

 

[TrueBlue]

MEK and others

I got some MEK years ago; it's very agressive stuff. Always wear goggles and protect your hands. It's the only solvet I could find that worked with my garage floor paint and / or two pack paint for the boat. It has a low flash point, so not to be kept on the boat.

How's about good old Iso Propyl Alcohol. Not the most capable of solvents but less flammable and available in small quantities via some chemists; but you'll need to give your inside leg measurement...

 

[VicMallows]

Re: MEK and others

Agree for many jobs.

But why is iso-propyl so hard to get in decent quantities hear? In the States, you buy it (as 'rubbing alcohol') in quart bottles in any 'drugstore'.

Vic

 

[VicS]

Re: Further thoughts

MEK (corect name these days butanone) and acetone (propanone) are both dangerous substances to get in eyes, and are powerful solvents which will attack some plastics

Iso propyl alcohol (propan-2-ol) ought to be available as a duty free alternative to ethyl alchol (ethanol).

Lemain, as a general degreaser to keep on board what about white spirit. Its not as volatile as most of the solvents mentioned and is not classed as highly flammable, although I'd need to check that to be certain.

 

[Anonymous]

Re: Further thoughts

[ QUOTE ]
Lemain, as a general degreaser to keep on board what about white spirit. Its not as volatile as most of the solvents mentioned and is not classed as highly flammable, although I'd need to check that to be certain.

[/ QUOTE ]I do keep white spirit but it leaves a terrible smell - I wouldn't want to use it on fabrics. I used to use IPA in industry and that was fine; we used it neat and in hot degreasing plant, I think. Don't know how it is on fabrics, though, or where to get it.

 

[mikebees]

Another good safe solvent is Surgical Spirit. This used to be freely and cheaply available from Boots. I think it may in fact be iso propyl alcohol.

 

[VicMallows]

Re: Further thoughts

Butanone:

You learn something new every day! Doesn't sound quite so horrible as MEK though does it?

Somehow also don't think I'm suffering CNS depression tonight, though some may disaggree. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Vic

 

[misterg]

[ QUOTE ]
1,1,1 trichloroethane is an ozone depleting chemical. .... Shame, as it was an excellent degreaser ....

[/ QUOTE ]

Spent some time looking for alternatives to these as industrial degreasers, and eventually came up with cleaners based on citrus oil. These are excellent substitutes - a bit slower to act, but still good solvents, water miscible (mostly) and biodegradeable - we used something called "DeSolvit 5000", but I've never seen anything similar in "consumer" packaging. IPA, etc. just isn't a good enough solvent.

Andy

 

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
Another good safe solvent is Surgical Spirit. This used to be freely and cheaply available from Boots. I think it may in fact be iso propyl alcohol.

[/ QUOTE ]According to the e-BNF it's:- methyl salicylate 0.5 mL, diethyl phthalate 2%, castor oil 2.5%, in industrial methylated spirit, to 100ml

 

[peterb]

Degreasing

Many years ago we had a problem in trying to remove silicone fluid contamination. After trying lots of organic solvents without success, we asked assistance from our Chemistry Department (Royal Aircraft Establishment as was). "Have you tried soap and water?" We hadn't, but it worked.

 

[Anonymous]

Re: Degreasing

[ QUOTE ]
...... "Have you tried soap and water?" We hadn't, but it worked.

[/ QUOTE ]I'm a great fan of water - we carry 700 litres of it and have a desalinator. It's not just a useful multi-purpose solvent, but it has very low toxicity and low environmental impact. I take your point /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[westhinder]

Re: Wasbenzine

n-Hexane is indeed the formula I find for 'wasbenzine'. Some sites also mention 'Coleman Fuel' as an equivalent for 'wasbenzine', if that rings a bell. But it is not clear to me whether it is the same stuff or a substitute.

 

[Piers]

As has been said, it's been banned.

BUT, there's a stunning replacement from Hurth, called Brake Cleaner. Can't find the website I usually from, but will let you know as soon as I do.

 

[FlyingDutchman]

Re: Wasbenzine

Wasbenzine is n-heptaan (dunno what it is, I am not a chemist). The English word for it is "white gas" (refined petrol). Is it the same as white spirit?

Anyway: If it stinks or it is poisonous it's chemistry!

 

[Anonymous]

I'd appreciate that - I've just done a google and no joy.

 

[bluedragon]

When I worked in the chemicals industry, chlorinated solvents were pretty much banned for cleaning purposes...links with liver cancer if I'm correct. Acetone was I think preferred over MEK? I used to buy "Waschbenzine" in Germany, and that was something like Heptane...definitely not chlorinated. I've seen isopropanol in a shop somewhere recently...can't remember where (might have been B&Q or a chandlers??). The thing to remember is THEY ARE ALL HAZARDOUS...either highly flammable or toxic...or both!

 

[cliff]

[ QUOTE ]
1,1,1 trichloroethane is an ozone depleting chemical. Its production and import was phased out by the end of 1995 and a complete ban on trade and use came into effect on 1st October 2000. Shame, as it was an excellent degreaser, but as others have said, there are alternatives, such as acetone or methylated spirits. Lighter fuel for Zippo type lighters can also be used - this is generally heptane. All these substitutes are very flammable, so take care.

[/ QUOTE ]"Trich" also has some other uses which the Gov't deem illegal for some reason. Similiar to ether in its selectivity in disolving certain chemicals and leaving others behind so very handy for refining certain chemical compounds.

The nanny state strikes back........

What ever happened to the days "drugs, sex and rock an' Roll" when one could smoke one's brains out, sc**w one's @$$ off and listen to some good music and all for a "few bob" a week.
----------

 

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
What ever happened to the days "drugs, sex and rock an' Roll" when one could smoke one's brains out, sc**w one's @$$ off and listen to some good music and all for a "few bob" a week.

[/ QUOTE ]Believe me, drink and drugs is becoming a far greater threat to more people than it ever was when it cost "a few bob" a week. Though I'm not sure what that's got to do with trichlorethylene - unless that is a narcotic? Wouldn't surprise me, many glues are kept behind the counter in a lock-up box because the kids would sniff it....but that's not new.