ASTM D3698-04(2010)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Solvent Vapor Degreasing Operations
Standard Practice for Solvent Vapor Degreasing Operations
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This practice is intended for use by employers in developing their own specific operation standards for solvent vapor degreasing operations.
Certain vapor degreasing operations are subject to the requirements of the National Emission Standards for Halogenated Solvent Cleaning (Halogenated Solvent Cleaner NESHAP) as found in 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart T. The determination of the applicability of these, or any additional requirements is the responsibility of the user.
This practice is not intended to address all of the requirements contained in the Halogenated Solvent Cleaner NESHAP. Development and implementation of training programs, recordkeeping, and other additional requirements of the NESHAP are the responsibility of the user.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice recommends work practices for conventional vapor degreasing operations utilizing any solvent or solvent blend that has been categorized as nonflammable.
1.2 This practice is not intended for use in vapor degreasing operations utilizing flammable (low flash point) solvents or in vapor degreasing operations utilizing enclosed (sealed, airtight) equipment. For these non-applicable operations, users should consult the solvent or equipment supplier for additional information.
1.3 The values given in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: D3698 − 04(Reapproved 2010)
Standard Practice for
Solvent Vapor Degreasing Operations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3698; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.3 Other Documents:
Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physi-
1.1 This practice recommends work practices for conven-
cal Agents, ACGIH Industrial Ventilation, ACGIH
tional vapor degreasing operations utilizing any solvent or
NFPA 704 Identification System for Fire Hazards of
solvent blend that has been categorized as nonflammable.
Materials, National Fire Protection Association
1.2 This practice is not intended for use in vapor degreasing
operations utilizing flammable (low flash point) solvents or in
3. Terminology
vapor degreasing operations utilizing enclosed (sealed, air-
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
tight) equipment. For these non-applicable operations, users
3.1.1 emergency—any occurrence that may result in an
should consult the solvent or equipment supplier for additional
immediatehazardtohealthincludingexposuresresultingfrom,
information.
but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or
1.3 The values given in inch-pound units are to be regarded
failure to control equipment.
as the standard. The values stated in parentheses are for
3.1.2 hazardousoperation—anyprocedureoractivitywhere
information only.
a release of the solvent or the decomposition products of the
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
solvents might be expected to result in a hazard to health.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.3 nonflammable solvent(s)—as used herein, is a solvent
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
or solvent mixture having a NFPA flammability hazard rating
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
of 1 or lower (as determined by NFPA 704), intended for use
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
in vapor degreasing operations.
3.1.4 solvent vapor degreaser—a solvent and corrosion-
2. Referenced Documents
resistant tank with a heated solvent reservoir or sump at the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
bottom, a condensing means near the top, and freeboard above
D2110 Test Method for pH of Water Extractions of Haloge-
the condensing means, in which sufficient heat is introduced to
nated Organic Solvents and Their Admixtures
boilthesolventandgeneratehotsolventvapor.Becausethehot
D2942 Test Method for Total Acid Acceptance of Haloge-
vapor is heavier than air, it displaces the air and fills the tank
nated Organic Solvents (Nonreflux Methods)
up to the condensing zone. The hot vapor condenses on the
D4276 Practice for Confined Area Entry
cooled condensing means, thus maintaining a fixed vapor level
D4579 Practice for Handling an Acid Degreaser or Still
and creating a thermal balance.
2.2 Government Documents:
3.1.5 solvent vapor degreasing operations—the process by
40 CFR Part 63.460-469 U.S. EPA, National Emission
which materials are immersed in vapors of boiling liquids for
Standards for Halogenated Solvent Cleaning
the purpose of cleaning or altering their surfaces, and are
29 CFR Part 1910 U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational
subsequently removed from the vapors, drained and dried in a
Safety and Health Standards
solvent vapor degreaser.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D26 on Haloge-
4. Significance and Use
nated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents and is the direct responsi-
bility of Subcommittee D26.02 on Vapor Degreasing.
4.1 This practice is intended for use by employers in
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2010.PublishedJuly2010.Originallyapproved
developing their own specific operation standards for solvent
in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D3698 – 04. DOI: 10.1520/
vapor degreasing operations.
D3698-04R10.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists,
the ASTM website. Inc., 1330 Kemper Meadow Dr., Suite 600, Cincinnati, OH 45240.
3 5
Code of Federal Regulations, available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Available from National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park,
Washington, DC 20402. Quincy, MA 02269–9101.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3698 − 04 (2010)
4.2 Certain vapor degreasing operations are subject to the air. If mechanical exhaust is used on the flue, there shall be
requirements of the National Emission Standards for Haloge- provision for outside fresh make-up air. If nonmechanical
nated Solvent Cleaning (Halogenated Solvent Cleaner NES- exhaust is used on the flue, a back draft diverter shall be used.
HAP) as found in 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart T. The determina- Gas burners shall be provided with safety protection to provide
tion of the applicability of these, or any additional shut down if the pilot or igniter fails.
requirements is the responsibility of the user.
6.2.4 Heating elements shall be so designed and maintained
that their surface temperature will not cause the solvent or
4.3 This practice is not intended to address all of the
mixture to decompose or break down.
requirements contained in the Halogenated Solvent Cleaner
6.2.5 New solvent vapor degreasers or solvent stills of more
NESHAP. Development and implementation of training
than 4 ft of vapor area shall be equipped with suitable
programs, recordkeeping, and other additional requirements of
clean-out or sludge doors located at the bottom of the boiling
the NESHAP are the responsibility of the user.
sump and any other sump having an area of more than 4 ft
5. Exposure Limit
(0.37 m ). These doors shall be designed and gasketed so that
there will be no leakage when they are closed.
5.1 No employee may be exposed to any of the solvents
6.2.6 Floors and platforms around degreasers shall be pre-
utilized in vapor degreasing operations covered by this section
vented from becoming slippery both by the original type of
in excess of either the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits
construction and by frequent cleaning. They shall be firm,
(PEL), the ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV
sound, and of the design and construction to minimize the
(trademarked)), or any manufacturer’s recommended exposure
possibility of tripping. Railing requirements for platforms
limit.
appear in 29 CFR § 1910.23(c).
6. System Location and Design
6.2.7 When an open top degreaser is located in a pit below
floor level, the elevation of the top of the degreaser shall be a
6.1 Location:
minimum of 42 in. (1066 mm) above the floor level or the
6.1.1 Degreasers shall be placed in a room having ventila-
operating level or else a 42-in. (1066-mm) railing must be
tion adequate to maintain operator exposure below the appro-
provided in accordance with 29 CFR § 1910.23(c)(3) and
priate exposure limit.
(e)(1). Pit ventilation shall be designed to provide a minimum
6.1.2 A degreaser shall be installed so that it is not affected
oftwoairchangesperminutewheneveradegreaserisinstalled
by drafts from sources such as windows, doors, fans, unit
in a pit more than 18 in. (457 mm) deep.
heaters, ventilators, or adjacent spray booths. Normal air
circulation (at velocities not exceeding 50 ft (15.24 m)/min) is 6.2.8 Degreasers shall be equipped with means to prevent
solvent vapors from overflowing, such as a vapor level control
recommended and should not be confused with direct drafts
such as those listed in the preceding sentence. Drafts should be device (vapor safety thermostat) sensitive enough to shut off
the heat input if the solvent vapor level rises above the primary
diverted from the top of the degreaser by the use of baffles
located on the windward side of the degreaser. condensing coils.
6.1.3 No degreaser shall be installed in areas where solvent 6.2.8.1 The vapor safety thermostat is typically set at a
vapors may reach open flames or high-temperature surfaces
temperature 20 to 30 % below the boiling point of the solvent
above 350°F (176°C). Solvent degreasing equipment shall not (based on the boiling point in °F) except for very low boiling
be installed in the proximity of welding and heat treating
solvents (for example, methylene chloride). For these solvents,
operations or space heaters unless adequate ventilation of the the vapor safety thermostat should be set at ambient tempera-
degreaserorothermeansareprovidedtopreventsolventfumes
ture +10°F, but never higher than 100°F (38°C). Recom-
from contacting the high-temperature source. mended temperatures for vapor safety thermostat settings can
6.1.4 Gas-heated degreasers (provided with natural draft
bedeterminedfromAppendixX1,orfromthesolventsupplier.
ventilation of combustion tube) shall not be located in an area
6.2.9 Degreasers shall be equipped with safety devices in
where the general mechanical exhaust system produces nega-
the boiling sump that can shut off the heat input if the solvent
tive pressure, unless positive exhausting of combustion prod-
level drops too close to the heating coils (sump level control
ucts by mechanical means is provided.
device) or if the solvent becomes too contaminated (sump
safety thermostat).
6.2 Design:
6.2.9.1 A sump level control device is designed to prevent
6.2.1 The level of vapors below the top edge of the
heat input unless there is adequate solvent in the boiling sump.
degreaser (freeboard) shall at a minimum be a 1.0 ratio of
Such devices may be mechanical (liquid level sensor) or
height to width.
thermostatic (liquid level safety thermostat). The liquid level
6.2.2 All degreasers shall have durable covers which shall
sensor should interrupt heat input if the liquid level is less than
be secured in a closed position when degreasing operations are
2 in. above the heating coils. Liquid level safety thermostats,
not occurring. Sliding covers, which allow partial closure
usedonelectricallyheateddegreasers,areattachedtotheupper
during degreasing operations are preferred.
surface of the heating coil with a maximum recommended
6.2.3 Where gas is used as a fuel for heating, the combus-
setting of 20°F above the boiling point of the solvent.
tion chamber of the degreaser shall be of tight construction,
except for such openings as the exhaust flue, and those that are 6.2.9.2 Degreasers should also be equipped with a sump
necessary for supplying air for combustion. Flues shall be of safety thermostat immersed in the boiling liquid. If the
corrosion-resistant construction and shall extend to the outside degreaser is equipped with an auxiliary still, then the degreaser
D3698 − 04 (2010)
sump safety thermostat should be set at the temperature that the vapor line does not rise above the condenser and to
corresponding to 25 % oil contamination (see 7.4.2.1). The minimize condensation of moisture from the room air on the
sump safety thermostat in the auxiliary still should then be set condenser coils. Check that all coolant and heating lines are
at the temperature corresponding to 25 % oil concentration if free of leaks and the water separator is functioning properly to
the unit is electrically heated. However, the sump safety prevent contamination in the degreaser.
thermostat in the auxiliary still can be set at the temperature
7.2 Degreasing—In degreasing follow the procedures enu-
corresponding to approximately 70 % oil concentration if the
merated:
unit is indirectly heated by such means as steam. Recom-
7.2.1 Do not allow work loads to exceed designed degreaser
mended temperatures for the sump safety thermostat can be
capacity.Work should not generally occupy more than 50 % of
determined from Appendix X1, or from the solvent supplier.
the open horizontal area of the machine unless the work
6.2.9.3 If reclamation of solvent will be conducted using the
permits easy passage of vapor through or around it. Secure a
degreaser’s boiling sump as the still sump, then the safety
highly durable tag to each degreaser indicating the maximum
thermostat in the degreaser may be adjusted to the higher
weight and volume of a single load expressed in terms of
setting during that operation and then readjusted to the tem-
pounds per load and loads per hour.
perature corresponding to 25 % oil concentration during nor-
7.2.2 Place work loads, where necessary, in free-draining
mal operation.
nonporous baskets, trays, racks, and so forth, and position to
6.2.10 Degreasers shall be equipped with a device to pre-
eliminate solvent drag out.
vent heat input unless there is adequate cooling to ensure
7.2.3 When working with cup-shaped parts or parts with
sufficient condensation of vapor in the degreaser.
cavities that may collect liquid, load the parts, and rotate if
6.2.11 Degreasers of the spray type shall be equipped with
necessary, in a manner to facilitate complete drainage while in
a method that will prevent spray pump operation unless the
the vapor zone.
solvent vapors have reached normal operating levels.
7.2.4 Do not allow the vertical rate of entry and withdrawal
6.2.12 Steam-heateddegreasersshallbeequippedwith“pop
of work loads to exceed the maximum degreaser design, which
safety valves” down-stream from any pressure control. The
should not exceed 11 ft/min (3.4 m/min).
pressure relief setting should be consistent with the solvent in
7.2.5 Allow the work loads (and accompanying baskets,
use, and may be determined from Appendix X1, or from the
trays, racks, and so forth) to remain in the vapor zone until
solvent supplier.
condensation on the work loads (and accompanying baskets,
6.2.13 Conveyorized degreasers shall be equipped with a
trays, racks, and so forth) has stopped.
thermostat that will prevent work from being processed by
7.2.6 Conduct all spraying of work loads within the vapor
stopping conveyorized operation unless the solvent vapors
zone.
have reached the normal operating levels.
7.3 Shutdown—In shutting down, follow the procedures
enumerated as follows:
7. Degreaser Operations Procedures
7.3.1 Stop the throughput of the work loads.
7.1 Start-Up—In starting a vapor degreaser follow the
7.3.2 Turn off the heat supply.
procedures enumerated sequentially where applicable:
7.3.3 After the level of the vapor has dropped below the
7.1.1 Turn
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