High quality component cleaning and degreasing play an important role in a variety of industries such as the automotive, aerospace, medical, optical and measurement industry. The decision for the optimal cleaning and solvent technology becomes a competitive factor just like the continuous solvent quality control. SAFECHEM Europe GmbH, a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company offers comprehensive know-how and a variety of services under the brand CHEMAWARE for the sustainable and efficient use of solvents in industrial parts cleaning applications. The well-established Dow/SAFECHEM Lab Services with solvent analyses and oil compatibility tests are now integrated to the CHEMAWARE service portfolio. Due to high customer demands for these lab services Dow and SAFECHEM increased the capacity with additional laboratories in Germany. The new, certified 'CHEMAWARE™ Laboratories' are equipped with advanced technology and enable a faster logistical processing.
Process security with solvent analyses
Different analytical procedures are used to control the solvent quality and to determine essential factors such as solvent purity, stabiliser concentration, decomposition products, oil and water content as well as the acid profile in the solvent. Depending on their characteristics these factors can influence the cleaning process. Solvent analyses not only help to identify the reason for cleaning issues. They also serve as instrument to document the stability and quality of the cleaning process for their customers. Dow and SAFECHEM specialists consult customers comprehensively on necessary measures based on the analysis results so that necessary bath maintenance measures can be conducted. A timely reaction to changes in the cleaning system can lead to a prolonged solvent lifetime and reduced stabiliser consumption thus contributing to cost savings.
Oil compatibility tests - basis for secure investments
Oil compatibility tests enable a sound decision on the investment into a cleaning technology. Possible influences from processing oils on the solvent and its stability can be verified. On the one hand test results assist in the decision making process for the most suitable solvent and its stabilisation. On the other hand recommendations for the technically and economically most compatible cleaning technology can be given as tests are conducted under normal pressure as well as vacuum conditions. Amongst others this is one good reason for the leading cleaning equipment manufacturers to work with CHEMAWARE Lab Services especially for customers who apply critical chlorinated or sulphur-containing oils.
In order to provide maximum safety for workers and the environment during handling and transport, oil and solvent samples are handled within a safety package. The bottle for taking the sample is wrapped within a protecting steel box and a special corrugated fibreboard package.
In addition to comprehensive CHEMAWARE solvent analyses and oil compatibility tests Dow Research and Development (R&D) specialists continue to research for innovations to make cleaning processes even more efficient. The experienced Dow R&D and SAFECHEM Team also support customers in solving their individual, special cleaning issues.
www.safechem-europe.com
www.chemaware.org.
CHEMAWARE™ is a trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow.
About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2012, Dow had annual sales of approximately $57 billion and employed approximately 54,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 188 sites in 36 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.