An Introduction to Acextra MPC BY Philip A McGuire

Comprehensive benefit of alternative wash solutions for press parts cleaning systems. The use of alternative solutions for the cleaning of press parts originated with the challenge to clean water based inks and coatings with automated wash systems. When formulated to successfully remove water based contamination from press parts, it was learned that these formulations would also clean solvent based material as well. This eliminated the need to segregate parts by contamination and the use of separate wash solutions and systems.

The typical alternative formulations are designated as a combustible as opposed to a flammable material by way of their flash points. This fact establishes the alternative solution formulations as a safer wash material than the typical flammable formulations with flash points at or near room temperature. When used in a closed loop wash system, the alternative solution is isolated from the wash chamber, eliminating operator contact during loading and unloading of parts. The solution is contained within the environmentally sealed components during wash, rinse, dry and recovery cycles.

Use of alternative solutions provides for the minimization of environmental impact. Typically these formulations do not demonstrate the characteristics of hazardous. Their low vapor pressures meet or exceed the requirement being mandated by new rules for air pollution reduction.

In non-attainment areas of the states of IL & MO, regulations prohibiting the use of wash solutions in cleaning systems with vapor pressures greater than 2.0 MM of mercury (0.038 psia) at 68ºF beginning on March 15, 1999 have been enacted. Beginning March 15, 2001 the vapor pressure will be limited to 1.0 mm of mercury (0.019 psia) at the same temperature.

Typical solvents used in the converting market have high vapor pressures ie:

Alcohols & Acetates 0.3 to 0.5 psia, Toluene 0.448 psia, MEK 1.44 psia.

The alternative solution blends meet current and 2001 regulations.

The alternative solution offered by SRS Engineering, Corp., Acextra MPC, is non-toxic, contains no ODS, HAPS, or SARA 313 reportables and is not listed on RCRA. When used in conjunction with closed loop wash systems, the calculated VOC exhaust ranges from only 0.3 to 0.6 lbs. per cycle.

Residues from primary distillation of alternative solutions do not meet the criteria of hazardous waste. In this condition however, they cannot be land filled due to leachability

Although alternative solutions have a higher per gallon cost than flammable solvents, it has been proven that they have a lower use cost. With lower vapor pressure, evaporation is limited and far less solution is exhausted from automated wash systems designed to utilize them. The MW series wash systems by SRS are designed to utilize the new alternative solutions.

Studies show based upon six cycles per shift, three shifts per day and thirty days per month; that usage for flammables average 15 drums per month as compared to alternative solutions at 1 1/2 to 2 drums per month when used in a closed loop wash system.

MPC alternative solution is formulated to effectively wash solvent based inks, water based inks, a combination of solvent and water based inks and most adhesives.

The level of cleanability of Acextra MPC is superior to detergents, caustic solution, most flammable solutions and other alternative formulations, when used in a wash system designed to utilize these solutions. Acextra MPC has demonstrated the ability to be used over and over again with regeneration through vacuum distillation.

With lower environmental and safety cost, superior cleaning ability, Acextra MPC alternative wash solution is the cost effective solution for press parts washing.

For additional information contact:

Philip A McGuire

SRS Regional Office

910.754.2465
pmcguire@srsengineering.com