ELECTRICAL APPLICATIONS
In most industries CTC is used for cleaning of contacts during preventive maintenance. It is also used for cleaning of insulators, motors, generators and transformers during regular maintenance or when they are serviced.
GTZ-Proklima identified a range of alternatives, some of which are already in common use by industries. Their suitability has been confirmed through industrial trials. The list of solvents, their properties and EHS aspects are given in detail in the Technical advisory mentioned at the bottom of this page.
SOLVENT ALTERNATIVES
For electrical application the selection has to be made based on the method of cleaning and the working atmosphere. In workplaces where flammable conditions exist, only Perchloroethylene or Methylene dichloride is suggested. Acetone & MDC may cause damage to plastic components; hence care should be taken while using these solvents in close proximity to plastic.
Sl. No |
Contacts cleaning |
1 |
Acetone |
2 |
Isopropyl alcohol |
3 |
Methylene dichloride (MDC)* |
4 |
Perchloroethylene (PCE) |
*Only MDC is suggested for online cleaning due to its non flammability and higher rate of evaporation.
Sl. No |
Motor and generator cleaning |
1 |
Mineral Turpentine |
2 |
Perchloroethylene (PCE) |
3 |
White petrol |
PROCESS ALTERNATIVES
In addition to the solvent alternatives, there are new processes of cleaning which are safe both to the environment and the human beings. Some examples are: Dry ice blasting, Compressed air cleaning, de-ionised water jet cleaners etc.
HAZARDS TO CONSIDER
Every substance has limitations. While every solvent is toxic to a certain extent, the harmfulness varies from one substance to another. A given substance may be hazardous on skin contact, be a fire hazard, harm the environment and / or cause cancer (i.e. red category. ). Knowledge on the hazard ratings will help industries to take appropriate preventive measures and detailed information on hazards and control measures are provided in the TA.
FURTHER INFORMATION
A detailed technical document titled "Selection and Safe Use of Alternatives to CTC – Electrical Applications" has been published.
Download the document here
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Disclaimer Ü Though all care has been taken while researching and compiling the information presented above, GTZ Proklima accepts no liability for its accuracy. The reader is advised to confirm its correctness prior to use or purchase of any substance. Ü GTZ Proklima makes no claim in respect of the suitability of any substance as substitute for CTC in any specific industrial process. Suitability remains to be verified through trials with due consideration of health and safety aspects. Ü Information provided here does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product by GTZ Proklima. While preference is given to non-proprietary products information on selected proprietary products may be included if they appear to have a better environment, health and safety performance or if they are already widely adopted by the industry. |
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