Cleaning Workpieces: Vacuum Vapor Degreasing

Source: VAC AERO International

 

In order to maintain the cleanliness of workpieces and baskets or fixtures in the vacuum heat treating or brazing process, it is helpful to establish a pre-treating cleaning practice. Vapor degreasing has emerged as a cleaning process with the acting principle that the solvents will dissolve the contaminants on the workpiece and remove them by dripping off the part. In this week’s Technical Tuesday article, a Best of the Web feature, we bring you an article from VAC AERO International addressing the development of the process, the steps involved in vapor degreasing, and comparisons with other cleaning methods.

Cleaning in a solvent offers a level of simplicity and forgiveness not seen in aqueous methods. At one time, solvent cleaning was considered mandatory for successful vacuum processing but environmental concerns (VOC and other emissions) and improvements to aqueous systems including drying technology has seen the industry shift to aqueous cleaning as the norm. Today, however, with the advent of vacuum technology, vacuum vapor degreasing has emerged as a viable alternative to aqueous processing.”

A preview:

Vacuum vapor degreaser schematic with operational sequence steps. (“Removal of Entrained Moisture from Powdered Metal Parts Using High-Temperature Solvent and Vacuum” PM2TEC 2003, via VAC AERO International)
Main image photo credit/caption: Vacuum Processing Systems LLC (via VAC AERO International) / Typical vacuum vapor degreaser 

Read more: “Vacuum Vapor Degreasing”