The Application of Solvent Recovery Machines in the Hardware Manufacturing Industry
Why does the hardware manufacturing industry need solvent recovery?
In the hardware manufacturing process, solvents play a crucial role:
Degreasing and oil removal: This is the most extensive application. After machining, metal parts will have residues of lubricating oil, cutting fluid, anti-rust oil, etc. on their surfaces. These must be thoroughly removed before spraying or electroplating; otherwise, it will seriously affect the adhesion of the coating or the quality of the plating layer.
Equipment and site cleaning: It is used for cleaning spraying equipment (such as spray guns, paint delivery pipelines), oil-stained tooling fixtures and production sites.
Commonly used solvents usually include:
Chlorinated solvents, such as trichloroethylene and dichloromethane, have strong degreasing capabilities and are not flammable. However, due to significant environmental and health concerns, they are gradually being phased out.
Hydrocarbon solvents: such as kerosene, white spirit, diesel agent, etc.
Alcohol solvents: such as ethanol and isopropanol, are often used for cleaning or as part of a mixed solvent.
Specialized cleaning agents: Various commercially available metal cleaning agents.
The challenges faced:
High solvent consumption: The large output of the hardware manufacturing industry leads to a huge amount of solvent usage, resulting in a high cost proportion.
High costs of waste liquid treatment: Oil-containing waste solvents are hazardous waste, and the treatment costs have been rising year by year, becoming a heavy burden for enterprises.
Environmental protection and safety pressure: The emissions of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are strictly regulated, and the storage and use of a large amount of flammable solvents also pose a fire risk.
Unstable cleaning effect: The solvent in the cleaning tank gradually accumulates oil stains as it is used, resulting in a decline in cleaning capacity and affecting the quality of subsequent processes.
