Regulations on PFAS Are Changing –
Is Your Cleaning Process Ready?

Regulatory bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and REACH are enforcing tighter controls on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly found in fluorinated solvents. Industrial companies who have been using fluorinated solvents in their parts cleaning process are therefore seeking alternative solutions. 

What About Drop-in Replacements?

Some industrial users are switching to PFAS-free hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) as drop-in replacements in open degreaser. 

HOWEVER, given the increasing regulatory requirements placed on health, safety and the environment, solvent cleaning in open and semi open (normal atmospheric) equipment is increasingly incompatible with sustainable cleaning operations. 

What’s more, fluorinated solvents are often blended with Trans-1,2 dichloroethylene (t-DCE) – and t-DCE is under legislative pressure itself.

 

Modified Alcohols: A Powerful and Compliant Alternative to Fluorinated Solvents

Now is the time to future-proof your cleaning process with our virgin-grade modified alcohols. 

Our DOWCLENE™* 16-Series and DUALENE™ 1601 S – chlorine-free, bromine-free and fluorine-free – help you stay compliant with regulations while maintaining top-tier cleaning standards.

What About the Equipment Cost?
Here’s Why It Pays Off

Modified alcohols are used in closed vacuum cleaning machines (or the so-called airtight degreasers). While you might need to acquire new equipment, the shift provides significant long-term benefits that far outweigh the initial cost.

Cost Efficiency

  • Solvents used in closed machines are much cheaper than fluorinated products
  • Solvent can be recycled and reused much more efficiently thanks to built-in vacuum distillation unit
  • Solvent lifespan can be further expanded by stabilizers, resulting in less consumption and fewer bath exchanges
  • Solvent in waste stream is minimized due to efficient recycling with vacuum distillation
  • Working chamber opens following vacuum drying – no solvent residues left on parts
  • The capability of modified alcohols to process both polar and non-polar contamination may reduce the need for additional cleaning processes

Process Security

  • Solvent condition can be regularly monitored on-site using simple test kits
  • Reliable good cleaning result
    • High solvent quality in rinsing step enables required level of cleanliness
    • Efficient vapor degreasing as last cleaning step thanks to high temperature difference between parts and vapor
  • Vacuum drying ensures that risk of solvent being trapped in blind holes/small crevices is minimized even when rotation isn’t used

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

  • Virtually no air emissions – a cost, environmental and safety benefit
  • Hermetically sealed construction means there is minimal risk of contaminating ground water
  • Operators have virtually no contact with the chemical
  • Safety containers such as the SAFE-TAINER™ System further ensures emission-free and spill-free transfer of solvent to/from the closed cleaning machine

Modified Alcohols and Fluorinated Solvents: Chemical and Operational Comparison

Fluorinated Solvents Modified Alcohols
Regulatory compliance PFAS under US & EU regulatory evaluation (Some fluorinated solvents are PFAS-free and are not subject to current regulatory evaluation.) Recognized as compliant under existing US and EU regulations
Environmental Impact PFAS contamination risk (persistent, bioaccumulative, under regulatory scrutiny) Biodegradable and non-persistent in the environment. Classified as VOCs and subject to emission regulations under the EU Industrial Emissions Directive and the US Clean Air Act
Worker Safety Generally non-flammable, but often used in open machines, elevated risk for air emissions and worker exposure Flammable, but used in closed vacuum machines, virtually emission-free and minimized exposure
Cleaning effectiveness Often require a co-solvent (e.g. t-DCE) for enhanced cleaning performance Have both non-polar and polar properties; effectively removing oils, greases, and certain polar contaminants (e.g. cooling emulsions, particles)
Solvent consumption Higher consumption due to evaporation losses in open machines and the need for continuous replenishment Lower consumption due to efficient solvent recovery in built-in distillation unit of closed machines. Lifespan can be further extended with stabilizers
Operational Costs Usually lower machine cost, higher operating costs due to solvent losses and disposal Usually higher machine cost, lower operating costs due to solvent recovery and fewer bath exchanges
Solvent monitoring Difficult to measure due to high volatility and lack of simple monitoring methods Acidity, alkalinity and pH value measurement possible using test kits



Making the Switch is Easier Than You Think

Here’s how we can help you transition smoothly:

 

1. Free Consultation:

Our experts assess your current cleaning process, prior & after application, challenges and requirements.

2. Develop Transition Plan:

We advise you on the best cleaning solution for your specific application. Where appropriate, we conduct advanced lab analyses to identify and pre-empt any potential issues. Through our partnerships with leading manufacturers of cleaning equipment we support you with on-site trials and assessment.

3. Implementation & Training:

To ensure a seamless switch we provide technical support and comprehensive solvent training (e.g. legislation, solvent maintenance, process stability, safety measures).

 

Want to learn more?

Explore our full-service offerings in enabling efficient, sustainable cleaning with modified alcohols 

 

    DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE

Let’s Future-Proof Your Cleaning Process!
Not Sure if Modified Alcohols Work for You?

Schedule a free consultation with our industry experts. Let’s talk!

SAFECHEM Europe GmbH
Tersteegenstr. 25
40474 Duesseldorf
Germany

 

service@safechem.com
Phone: +49 211 4389-300

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