Degreasers are cleaning solutions mainly used to remove contaminants like grease, oil, fingerprints, handling soils, and more. They are especially common in various applications, including assemblies, motor repair, and metal fabrication. The main objective is to thoroughly rid of the contamination with minimal wiping or scrubbing.

Degreasing can be performed using two methods, which the experts at Reliance Chemicals will tell you all about in this article: 

Two Main Cleaning Processes for Degreasing You Can Choose From

Depending on the use, one process may be better than the other. This is why you must better understand how each one works to help you make the right decision.

Manual Degreasing 

When you are to remove grease or oil from certain parts at a workstation or a benchtop, for instance, manual cleaning will be more appropriate, though they are more labour-intensive. They are also not repeatable because you’ll get varying results, depending on who does the job. Here are several manual methods to consider:

• Aerosol gives you the assurance of fresh solvent every time you use it, thanks to the sealed packaging. Because of the pressure, its use is similar to that of scrubbing. You can add a straw attachment if you need to spray into hard-to-reach areas. 

• Liquid immersion involves immersing the part you need to degrease in a container with a solvent cleaner (often heated a little if a nonflammable degreaser is used). After that, the part is wiped and brushed to rid it of stubborn particles.

• Trigger or spray bottles are typically used for isopropyl alcohol or water-based cleaners. However, they may not be the best choice for more aggressive solvents.

• Pre-saturated wipes are also available and are quite convenient to use, especially when you need a quick cleaning solution. 

Automated or Semi-Automated Degreasing

Some applications require repetitions with minimal variabilities, like manufacturing or stamping and even aerospace and medical uses. For such higher volume or more critical applications, automated methods are more suitable. Take note of the following details:

• Ultrasonic cleaning equipment makes use of sound waves to break the grease down and get it off the part that you want to clean. This type of equipment usually comes with a heating option to enhance its performance. However, the drawback is that it is prone to cross-contamination, so you must diligently change solvents. This is also not your best option if you are working on sensitive parts because they can be quite rough. 

• Batch washers typically use a rack or conveyor, where the parts are placed securely and sprayed with a water-based cleaning solution at extremely high pressure. 

• Vapour degreasers are considered by many to be the best degreaser for critical applications. This method involves submerging the parts in a rinse sump with ultrasonics or in a boiling solvent sump, then rinsed in solvent vapours. This method often requires the use of specialised azeotropes solvents because the process involves repeated boiling of the solvent.

Conclusion

The degreasing method that’s best for you is not always the most sophisticated method but the one that delivers exactly what you need. If your needs are more simple or occasional, then one of the manual methods will suit you. However, if you need repetitive degreasing that delivers the same results or if the application is more complex, then an automated process might be the better option for you. 

To that end, whichever method you choose, you will need the best engine degreaser that you can find to remove grease, oil, stains, dirt, and other contaminants.

Reliance Chemicals can provide you with the best degreaser for your aeronautic, automotive, industrial, or medical applications. Contact us today to learn more about our top-notch products!