Degreases and Rust Inhibitors for Enhanced Equipment Maintenance

In any industrial setting, maintaining the efficiency and longevity of equipment and machinery is crucial. Degreasers and rust inhibitors play a vital role in achieving this goal. Degreasers are specialized industrial cleaners formulated to eliminate contaminants such as soil, oils, sticky chemicals, and grease from surfaces and components of the production line. Rust inhibitors, on the other hand, protect metal surfaces by slowing down or preventing the oxidation process that leads to rust or corrosion. Together, these products ensure that equipment remains in optimal condition, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Importance of Equipment Maintenance in Industrial Settings

Effective equipment maintenance is vital in industrial settings for several reasons:

1. Maximize Equipment Lifespan: Regular use of degreasers and rust inhibitors helps prolong the life of machinery and equipment by preventing premature wear and tear caused by accumulated contaminants and corrosion.
2. Reduce Downtime: Well-maintained equipment experiences fewer breakdowns and malfunctions, resulting in reduced downtime and increased productivity.
3. Improve Workplace Safety: By keeping equipment clean and corrosion-free, the risk of accidents due to slipping hazards, overheating, and electrical issues is minimized. This ensures a safer working environment for employees.
4. Enhance Product Quality: Clean and well-maintained equipment is less likely to introduce contaminants into the final product, thereby maintaining high-quality standards.
5. Lower Maintenance Costs: Investing in regular use of degreasers and rust inhibitors reduces the need for costly repairs and replacements due to equipment failure or damage.
6. Streamline Downstream Processes: In some cases, degreasers and rust inhibitors are required to prepare surfaces for downstream processes like painting or plating. Properly cleaned and treated surfaces ensure that these processes proceed smoothly and yield the desired results.

How Degreasers and Rust Inhibitors Work

Degreasers work by breaking down grease and oils into smaller molecules for easy removal. There are various degreasers for different applications - from household use (natural degreasers), to everyday use (water-based degreasers), to industrial machinery use (solvent-based degreasers).

When selecting a Degreaser, consider the following factors:

1. Flammability Requirements – many degreasers include flammable ingredients such as alcohols and hydrocarbon solvents that can be dangerous around open flames or without proper ventilation in place.
2. Dielectric Strength – Higher dielectric strength may be needed if you plan on using your degreaser on powered equipment or circuits. The lower the dielectric strength, the more likely the insulating properties will break down and allow electricity to flow out and short out. 
3. Plastic/Rubber compatibility – If incompatible degreasers are used, small cracks, embrittlement and softening can occur in plastics. Rubber materials can swell, shrink, or even dissolve. 
4. Toxicity – Many highly toxic chemicals are used in degreasers (i.e. N-Propyl Bromide), mainly in non-flammable degreaser formulations. These chemicals can cause health issues when exposed to in large amounts or repeated exposure. Exposure limits should be evaluated when using degreasers containing these types of chemicals.  
5. Environmental Issues – Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have been a focus of regulatory agencies recently. Some states have put into place specific regulations on these. Research should be done on the VOC content of certain degreasers before using in a production setting.

Rust Inhibitors prevent corrosion and rusting by slowing or stopping iron oxide formation through chemisorption, film formation, or reacting with potentially corrosive compounds. They are used in industries such as oil and gas exploration/production, chemical manufacturing, water treatment, and product additive production.

When selecting a Rust Inhibitor, consider the following factors:

1. Materials – Consider the types of materials or metals your system is using (steel, cast iron, aluminum, ferrous/non-ferrous metals, zinc, copper, etc.) and how they may be exposed to corrosion. 
2. External Environments – Extreme temperatures, weather, and humidity can all have effects on metals and the rate at which they form rust
3. Environmental Issues – Like degreasers, some rust inhibitors will contain VOCs that may need to be regulated and/or avoided due to environmental concerns.  

ArroChem's Range of Degreasers and Rust Inhibitors

ArroChem offers a variety of degreasers and water-based rust inhibitors suitable for different applications and metal types. Our products have been tested using the ASTM D 4627 method for corrosion and are proven to be effective in preventing rust.

Degreasers:

• Butyl: These are water-based degreasers. They are mainly used for cleaning petroleum-based chemicals, such as motor oils. 
• Non-Butyl: These are high alkalinity degreasers. They are mainly used for removing stains from animal-fat based greases and soap scums. They are low in foam and aroma making them ideal for restaurants, cafeterias and bathroom uses. 
• Everyday: These are mild, non-toxic degreasers that are gentle enough to be used everyday on almost any surface. 
• Heavy-Duty: These are the strongest degreasers. They are used primarily for industrial or commercial equipment that generate a lot of build-up, grease and oils if not cleaned regularly. 

Rust Inhibitors:

• ArroChem's rust inhibitors are water-based, environmentally friendly, and effective in modifying metal surface characteristics to decrease susceptibility to oxidation and corrosion.

Tips for Selecting the Right Products for Your Needs

Incorporating ArroChem's degreasers and rust inhibitors into your routine equipment maintenance practices allows your industrial facility to optimize operations, enhance product quality, and maintain a safe working environment. Our technical experts at ArroChem are readily available to assist you in determining the most suitable degreaser and rust inhibitor types for your specific requirements. Contact us today for expert guidance in choosing the ideal products that will effectively enhance equipment maintenance in your industrial setting.