Benefits
of replacing Hydrocarbon solvent
By upgrading your products to a new formulation technology using ESTISOL® and ESTISURF® products you can achieve a broad range of benefits:
Technical Benefits:
- High Solvency and Cleaning Power:
Low-viscosity ESTISOL® esters, derived from renewable resources such as plant oils, exhibit excellent solvency properties. These solvents possess a high affinity for a wide range of contamintants such as oils, greases, and waxes. This insures that industrial processes can achieve the desired results with great efficiency.
- Compatibility with Diverse Materials:
The right selection of ESTISOL® esters assures good compatibility with elastomers and coated surfaces. Unlike other esters such as biodiesel, selected ESTISOL® esters can be used in applications where diverse materials are involved, such as plastics, rubbers, and painted metals. Talk to ESTI CHEM and make use of our experience.
- Reduced Residue and Odor:
Saturated ESTISOL® esters show good oxidation stability and when combined with ESTISURF® emulsifiers, or in the form of microemulsions, they leave behind no residues.
- Enhanced Stability and Shelf Life:
Compared with other esters such as biodiesel, selected ESTISOL® fatty acid esters are known for their chemical stability, which translates into a longer shelf life for products utilizing these solvents. This stability is advantageous in industrial settings where the longevity of stored products is a critical factor.
Environmental Benefits:
- Renewable and Sustainable Sourcing:
One of the primary environmental benefits of transitioning to low-viscosity fatty acid esters is the utilization of renewable resources such as vegetable oils. Most ESTISOL® esters have a high bio-carbon content in the range of 50-80%. This contrasts with hydrocarbon solvents, which are derived from finite fossil fuel reserves. Several ESTISOL® esters are available in RSPO MB (Mass Balance) quality.
- Biodegradability and Reduced Environmental Impact:
Low-viscosity ESTISOL® esters exhibit a high degree of biodegradability even under anaerobic conditions. This means that, in the event of accidental spills or releases, these solvents break down readily in the environment, reducing the potential for long-term ecological damage. ESTISOL® esters in RSPO MB quality may be applied in many ECO-label products.
- Compliance with Environmental Regulations:
Many regions and industries are subject to stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing the impact of chemical processes on air, water, and soil quality. Transitioning to ESTISOL® fatty acid esters can facilitate compliance with these regulations, as these solvents often have characteristics that align with or exceed environmental standards. This proactive approach not only ensures legal compliance but also demonstrates a commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.
Health and Safety Benefits:
- Reduced Volatility and Flammability:
Hydrocarbon solvents are often characterized by high volatility and classification as VOCs, posing safety risks in the workplace. Low-viscosity ESTISOL® esters, being less volatile (most of them are non-VOCs) and less flammable (most of them with flash points >100°C), contribute to a safer working environment. The reduced risk of flammable vapor concentrations in the air enhances overall workplace safety and lowers the potential for accidents related to solvent handling and storage.
- Lower Toxicity and Health Hazards:
Most ESTISOL® esters are free from CLP label and show good toxicity data such as LD50 values >2000 mg/kg (oral, rat). Unlike most hydrocarbon solvents, ESTISOL® esters are not labeled for aspiration hazard. Using volatile hydrocarbon solvents, when working in closed compartments in the machine and construction industry, in oil & gas industry, and in mining industry leads to several occupational risks for the staff. Changing to ESTISOL® non-VOC solvents is one way to move forward and improve the working environment.
Conclusion
The transition from hydrocarbon solvents to ESTISOL® low-viscosity fatty acid esters brings about a comprehensive set of benefits, spanning technical, environmental, and health and safety aspects.
This shift aligns with the global movement towards sustainable and responsible industrial practices, acknowledging the interconnectedness of economic activities with environmental and human well-being.
As industries continue to seek innovative and eco-friendly solutions, the adoption of ESTISOL® ester solvents emerges as a strategic choice.