| Abstract |
SAGE for Windows is designed to provide recommendations for solvent replacements in cleaning and degreasing operations. The system leads the user through a question-and-answer session. Based on the user's responses, a list of alternative chemistries and processes is derived. The user may then review brief descriptions of the alternatives on the computer screen. Any of the information may be printed. The information includes general information, safety/environmental concerns, economic information, and industrial case studies for the alternatives. The system also provides information on state technical assistance programs for the user's geographical location. There is also support for the U.S. EPA 33/50 program; i.e., the chlorinated solvents targeted for reduction under the 33/50 program are not included as viable cleaning alternatives. The program is designed to be used by state regulatory personnel, process engineers, shop supervisors, or anyone looking for alternative cleaning technologies. The goal of the program is to provide general information on viable cleaning alternatives. The intent is that the program should provide enough information to reduce the number of alternatives that must be considered. Specific trade names for chemicals or processes are not used in the recommendations. The following Chemistry Alternatives are considered: Acetone, Acidic Aqueous Solutions, Alcohol, Alkaline Aqueous Solutions, Aqueous Additives (including Builders, Chelating Agents, Emulsifiers, Inhibiting Agents, Sequestering Agents, Surfactants), Dibasic Esters (DBE), Ethyl Lactate, Glycol Ethers, Neutral Aqueous Solutions, N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP), Petroleum Distillates, Pure Water, and Terpenes. The following Process Alternatives are considered: Abrasives, Brushing, CO2 Pellets, CO2 Snow, Fiberglass Molds, High Pressure Spray, Immersion (Dip) Cleaning, Laser Ablation, Low Pressure Sprays, Megasonics, Paint Stripping, Plasma, Power Washers, Printed Circuit Boards,
Semiaqueous Cleaning, Steam Cleaning, Supercritical Fluids, Especially CO2, Ultrasonics, UV/Ozone Cleaning, Wiping, and Xenon Flash Lamp.
|
