skip to main content

Riley Surface World uses cookies to give you the best experience on our website. If you continue we assume that you consent to receive cookies on our website. Read More

X
Machines & equipment for sale

Aqueous Vs Solvent Degreasing

Aqueous Vs Solvent Degreasing Image

Essential to industrial cleaning, degreasing is the process for cleaning parts & components. The variety of methods within the degreasing industry means the chemicals and machinery can greatly differ.

Having recently looked into two of the most popular techniques, vapour degreasing with solvents and aqueous cleaning using water-based detergents, we know each method has strengths and weaknesses.

If you are unsure of the processes, before proceeding to read this article, visit our previous articles Vapour Degreasing Made Simple & An Introduction to Aqueous Component Degreasing.

Aqueous Degreasing

Seen as the more accessible technique, there is no shortage of options for water-based degreasing as many aspects of the process are completely variable to achieve the best result possible.

These can include the machines themselves as they start from 2-3 tanks with a range of cleaning solutions to go with them. Multistage machines will rinse and agitate the components in water solutions to target the soil and contamination on the parts. The finished process leaves the components cleaned and ready for drying.

Vapour Degreasing

The solvent alternative to aqueous degreasing, vapour degreasing heats solvent solutions in an enclosed tank with the components located above it the solution. The chemical vapours dissolve the soil & contaminates off the components.

Followed by a final rinse in the solvent, parts then dry out by themselves as the solvent has a low boiling point causing it to evaporate.

Pros & Cons of Each Technique

Aqueous Degreasing

Aqueous cleaning is cheaper when investing in a cleaning line as the machines don’t need to be sealed or enclosed. With the cleaning solutions considered operator safe, less PPC is required to be worn.

The variety of cleaning solutions available from detergents to emulsifiers allows users to adapt their cleaning processes to remove specific contaminants such as salts. Although with multiple solutions, the operators need to be cautious of cross contamination as some solutions may react with others or transfer the soils.

Heating multiple tanks of water solution to high temperatures required by many solutions can consume a lot of energy. Although, the higher temperatures are not always compatible with all materials such as softer metals as it causes cavitation to the surface.

Cleaning the tanks is relatively easy as the solutions can just be washed away but the maintenance can be a bit trickier. The natural properties of water being corrosive against metals mean it is critical to look after the machines as the solutions can deteriorate the tanks themselves.

The cleaning process itself cleans the components to a high quality but they are still wet afterwards. Drying the parts may include having to buy additional machinery or add stages to the cleaning line, adding more time to the process. Despite these additional measures, water streaks are still common.

Solvent Degreasing

With a lower surface tension, the cleaning of vapour degreasing is highly praised. After a cleaning cycle, the components are dry and streak free as the solvent evaporates away. Along with the fast acting chemical reaction of the cleaning process, the process can take as little as 10 minutes.

Solvents are very effective against most contaminants from oils to dirt (especially on metals), making the process very reliable.

Despite its cleaning qualities, the history of solvent degreasing has not always been positive. In the 1980s carcinogenic and environmentally damaging properties of the solvents came to light, resulting in strict limitations and legislation. Modern solvents and machinery have mitigated these concerns so solvent cleaning is widely used.

The cost of solvent can be expensive but as the method is a closed-loop process, the recycled liquid can go a long way; but it does have to be professionally disposed of when replaced.

For a direct comparison, below is a chart displaying some key factors to consider when buying a degreasing line.

 

Aqueous

Solvent

Average Process Time

45-60 Minutes

10 Minutes

Standard Floorspace

2-3 Tanks & More

1-2 Tanks

Average Heating Temperatures

100˚C

40˚C

Surface Tension

Low

Very Low

Require Drying

Yes

No

Liquid Usage

4500 litres/week

4 litres/week

 

Summary

Despite vapour degreasing seeming to be the better cleaning process for its quality of cleaning, the cost investment and legislation for solvent usage is critical to consider. We recommend for someone looking to invest in solvent cleaning always do their research as once you get it right, you’ll get it right every time.

As for aqueous cleaning, it became popular when the risks of solvents were realised and industries were looking for the next best alternative. It is recognised that the quality may not be as perfect as vapour degreasing but it still cleans to a very high standard. The cost & simplicity of the method makes it a lot more approachable for small to medium cleaning productions.

Overall, both methods are good for different reasons much like the components they clean. Vapour degreasing is most popular in the aerospace industry where the metal components need to meet the utmost precision. While aqueous cleaning has been strongly adopted by companies for small to medium cleaning production. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses which benefit different demands of cleaning.

As Rileys sells both the solvent and aqueous cleaning machines, if you are unsure which direction to invest in for a cleaning line call our team for advice at +44(0)1922 45 8000.

Direct from Site Clearance
Pero V4 Enclosed Degreasing Machine
Video Available

Pero V4 Extra Large, Enclosed Ultrasonic & Vapour Precision Cleaning Machine

Pero V4 extra large, enclosed precision cleaning machine has 50 freely selectable and 20 freely programmable washing programmes. Features numerous wash stages plus rinses, vapour clean & vacuum drying. Includes automatic load & flood with optional ultrasonics.

Stock No
COL500
Category
Solvent Vapour Cleaning
Model
Pero V4 /031 - EX - 7332
Year of Manufacture
2013
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
Basket Dims 856mm x 1208mm x 515mm
Process Stages
4 Wash, Rinse, Vapour Clean, Dry
Other Info
Crane-Stahl ST05 -13,600 x 1820 x 3200mm
Condition
Seen working by RSW, Excellent Condition, Current Model
Location
Wolverhampton, UK
Direct Site Clearance Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Part of a Direct Site Clearance
Pero V4 Cleaning Machine
Firbimatic Solvent Degreaser with MTA Chiller Video Available

Firbimatic SF 200 V Compliant Totally Enclosed Solvent Degreaser with ICS TAE EVO Chiller

A fully automatic, very large capacity, solvent de-greaser with steam generator and ICS TAE EVO 251 MTA chiller unit. Designed to work with Perchloroethylene. Operates with swing action baskets that rock from side to side. Unit is fully programmable and total solvent recycling & low consumption via carbon recovery.

Stock No
DA1425J
Category
Solvent Vapour Cleaning
Model
Firbimatic SF 200 V
Year of Manufacture
2008
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
750 x 2000 x 750, Cap. 500Kgs
Process Stages
Four - Wash, Immersion, Vapour & Dry
Other Info
Solvent Percloroetilene C2CL4
Condition
Seen working by RSW, Excellent Condition
Sold As Seen Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
ICI Cleanfast DLS 165 More Images Available

D and S Ultraclean (ICI) Cleanfast DLS Model E165V Vapour Degreaser

A used stainless steel, semi-automatic, enclosed solvent vapour degreaser plant from the ICI range of cleaning machines. Degreaser used with Perchloroethylene. Double lid.

Stock No
DB1458
Category
Solvent Vapour Cleaning
Model
D and S Ultraclean (ICI) Cleanfast DLS Model E165V
Year of Manufacture
1999
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
500 x 500 x 700 s.w.l.30kg Max. Load.
Process Stages
2 Stage Liquid immersion vapor rinse/dry
Other Info
Automatic cleaning cycle EPA PP6/23 Comp
Condition
From a working environment, Good Condition, Seen powered at RSW
Refurbished Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Sold As Seen Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Turbex AC-1,3-2 -LD Front Loading Spray Washer More Images Available

Turbex AC-1,3-2 -LD Front Loading Spray Washer

The AC two stage spray washing range is perfect for water based cleaning on medium to large components, where a single detergent wash followed with a rinse is sufficient. Features 1100mm diameter load.

Stock No
DC1483
Category
Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
Model
Turbex AC-1,3-2 -LD
Year of Manufacture
2006
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
1000 x 1000 x 900
Process Stages
Two Stage, Wash and Rinse
Other Info
800Kg Load Capacity
Condition
From a working environment, Good Condition
Refurbished Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Sold As Seen Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Firbimatic FD100VSS with ICS Chiller More Images Available

Firbimatic FD100VSS Totally Enclosed Solvent Cleaning Machine

Solvent based metal degreasing machine designed to be used with 'perchloroethylene'. Multiple wash options including ultrasonic, static, swivel or rotation of wash basket, pre-wash, wash, vapour clean and 2 rinse cycles. Complete with a self contained air cooled package chiller, TEA EVO 051. ** Approx. €95k NEW **

Stock No
DC1484
Category
Solvent Vapour Cleaning
Model
Firbimatic FD100 VSS
Year of Manufacture
2012
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
270 x 430 x 130
Process Stages
6 Stages
Other Info
50kg max capacity
Condition
From a working environment, Good Condition, Current Model
Refurbished Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Sold As Seen Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
ICI Special Cleanfast DLS E265V Enclosed Low Emission Solvent Degreasing Plant More Images Available

ICI Special Cleanfast DLS E265V Enclosed Low Emission Solvent Degreasing Plant

ICI E265V Special vapour degreasing plant, carrier size of 900mm x 450mm x 550mm (H) offers a compliant solvent vapour phase cleaning cycle in a single operation. Complete with a unique ICI double lid sealing system, this immersion single-stage process tank can also be used with any wet process requiring fume extraction.

Stock No
DC1509
Category
Solvent Vapour Cleaning
Model
ICI E265V
Year of Manufacture
1998
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
Carrier - 1100 x 530 x 500
Process Stages
Single stage vapour degreaser
Other Info
Low consumption plant. 250Kg SWL
Condition
From a working environment, Good Condition
Refurbished Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Sold As Seen Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Kerry Microsolve 250M 3 Stage Mono-Solvent Degreaser More Images Available

Kerry ( Guyson International ) Microsolve 250M 3 Stage Mono-Solvent Degreaser

The Kerry Microsolve M250M Mono-Solvent vapour degreasing system manufactured by Guyson has three process stages comprising of cleaning, followed by vapour rinsing and freeboard drying.

Stock No
DC1519
Category
Solvent Vapour Cleaning
Model
Kerry ( Guyson International ) Microsolve M250M
Year of Manufacture
1998
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
250 x 200 x 250mm
Process Stages
Liquid Immersion - Vapour Rinse & Dry
Other Info
SED Compliant solvent degreaser
Condition
From a working environment, Good Condition
Refurbished Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Sold As Seen Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Sold
Kerry ( Guyson International ) Microclean 525/5A Five Stage Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine
Video Available

Kerry ( Guyson International ) Microclean 525/5A Five Stage Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine

Kerry Microclean 525/5A Five stage ultrasonic cleaning, DI rinsing and hot air drying, complete with Autotrans Mk4 30kg robotic basket handling and conveyor system.
.

Stock No
DD1526
Category
Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
Model
Kerry ( Guyson International ) Microclean MF525/5A
Year of Manufacture
2002
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
415 x 525 x 350mm
Process Stages
5
Other Info
Autotrans Mk4 robotic handler included
Condition
From a working environment, Good Condition
Coming Soon
Kerry Microclean 450 Machine
Video Available

Kerry ( Guyson International ) 450 Microclean Machine with Autotrans MK3 Robotic Handler

Kerry four stage ultrasonic aqueous cleaning system with Autotrans MK3 Robotic handler. Microclean Compact systems suit a wide range of cleaning needs in aerospace, automotive, electronics and other related industries.

Stock No
DD1528J
Category
Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
Model
Kerry ( Guyson International ) COM MK2B 450A
Year of Manufacture
1997
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
450 x 325 x 350mm
Process Stages
4 Stage, 3 wet stages plus hot air dry
Other Info
Basket Size - 400 x 275 x 300 (150mm)
Condition
Seen working by RSW, Good Condition
Location
Arriving in our warehouse soon
Sold As Seen Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Sold
Kerry ( Guyson International ) UCR 1500 Ultrasonic Precision Cleaning and Rinsing System
More Images Available

Kerry ( Guyson International ) UCR 1500 Ultrasonic Precision Cleaning and Rinsing System

The Kerry Pulsatron UCR 15000 ultrasonic wash and rinse system is a precision cleaner that provides a heated ultrasonic cleaning tank, and an immersion rinse weiring to drain.

Stock No
DD1535J
Category
Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
Model
Kerry ( Guyson International ) UCR1500
Year of Manufacture
2020
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
650 x 450 x 450 (Each Stage Wall / Wall)
Process Stages
Twin Tank (Wash & Rinse)
Other Info
Basket Size 590 x 370
Condition
From a working environment, Good Condition, Current Model
Branson Dawe Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine with pH Monitor More Images Available

Branson Dawe Ultrasonics High Powered, 2 Stage Component Cleaner

A Branson Dawe Ultrasonic cleaning machine with pH monitor. It features twin tanks each with heating, ultrasonics and fan extraction all independently controlled. 48 transducers @ 2000 W, 25KHz and 48 transducers @ 2600W, 40KHz.

Stock No
DD1537J
Category
Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
Model
Branson Twin Tank Ultrasonic and Rinse
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
Work Baskets 730 x 430 x 350 2 off
Process Stages
2 x U/sonic @ 25 & 40KHz @ 2KW & 2.6KW
Other Info
Stainless Steel Construction
Condition
From a working environment
Refurbished Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Sold As Seen Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Coming Soon
Technowash Comprehensive 2 stage 160 Litre Ultrasonic Wash and Rinse
Video Available

Technowash Multiclean, 2 Stage,160 Litre Ultrasonic Cleaning Line

This second hand Technowash Multiclean, ultrasonic cleaning machine is a high precision cleaner with a gentle, quick, safe and highly effective cleaning cycle for of a wide range of materials.

Stock No
DD1538
Category
Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
Model
Technowash Multi Clean 160/2
Year of Manufacture
2016
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
900 x 500 x 400 - each tank
Process Stages
Ultrasonic wash + heated rinse
Other Info
High capacity filter / powered drain
Condition
From a working environment, Good Condition
Location
Arriving in our warehouse soon
Refurbished Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Sold As Seen Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Sold Subject to Contract
M350 C Co-Solvent Ultrasonic Cleaner with Autotrans Mini Basket Handling
More Images Available

Kerry ( Guyson International ) M350 C Co-Solvent Ultrasonic Cleaner with Autotrans Mini Basket Handling

The Kerry Microsolve system has three process stages: ultrasonic cleaning, vapour rinsing and freeboard drying. The Microsolve has unique solvent retention features economic benefits & effective use of HFE or HFC solvents.
Note:- This plant can be easily reconfigured to run as a Co -Solvent as originally designed by the OEM

Stock No
DD1539J
Category
Solvent Vapour Cleaning
Model
Kerry ( Guyson International ) M350 C Autotrans Mini
Year of Manufacture
Ref 2017
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
Each tank 360 x 250 x 300
Process Stages
Ultrasonic Immersion, Vapour Rinse & Dry
Other Info
Ultrasonic & Co Solvent 2 Tank Cleaning
Condition
From a working environment, Good Condition, Seen powered at RSW
Elma Ultrasonic Dunking Modular Cleaning, Rinsing and Drying System More Images Available

Elma Ultrasonic Dunking Modular Cleaning, Rinsing and Drying System

Elma Ultrasonic wash, rinse and dry modular cleaning line with heated wash and rinse and external pumped filters on each wet stage plus external heated filtering weir system. Including pneumatic lifting and lowering of wash baskets in each tank.

Stock No
DD1541J
Category
Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
Model
Elma X-TRA 550/2-WLT-M
Year of Manufacture
TBA
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
Each Tank 300 X 470 X 300 (42Litres)
Process Stages
Dunking, Ultrasonic clean, rinse & dry
Other Info
Basket 260 X 430 X 85mm
Condition
Refurbished by RSW, Excellent Condition, Current Model
Refurbished Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Branson Ultrasonics Solvent Degreaser Video Available

Branson 3SLE Ultrasonic Solvent Degreaser

Branson 3SLE three-stage systems provide ultrasonic immersed cleaning using HFE (hydrofluoroether) or HFC (hydrofluoro-carbon) solvents, followed by vapour rinsing and freeboard drying.

Stock No
DX1246
Category
Solvent Vapour Cleaning
Model
Branson 3SLE
Year of Manufacture
2010
Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
Internal basket size 590 x 270 x 330
Process Stages
3
Other Info
Only used sparingly in light industry
Condition
Seen working by RSW, Excellent Condition
Refurbished Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.
Sold As Seen Price [?]
£ Login or Register for price.