ASTM D4579-96

Standard Practice for Handling an Acid Degreaser or Still

SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the procedures required for recognizing and handling an acid vapor degreaser or still.  
1.2 If the degreaser(s) is equipped with a still, follow the procedure in this standard for all of the equipment.  
1.3 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Dec-2000
• ICS: 25.220.10 - Surface preparation
• ICS: 71.100.99 - Other products of the chemical industry
• Technical Committee: D26 - Halogenated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents
• Drafting Committee: D26.02 - Vapor Degreasing

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D4579-00 - Standard Practice for Handling an Acid Degreaser or Still
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2000

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or
withdrawn. Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 4579 – 96
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Practice for
1
Handling an Acid Degreaser or Still
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4579; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope nized by one or more of the following symptoms:
5.1.1 A strong acid odor.
1.1 This practice covers the procedures required for recog-
5.1.2 A dense white smoke in the vapor zone.
nizing and handling an acid vapor degreaser or still.
5.1.3 An unusually dark brown to black-colored solvent in
1.2 If the degreaser(s) is equipped with a still, follow the
the degreaser sumps.
procedure in this practice for all of the equipment.
5.1.4 Dark spots and pitting of aluminum parts after de-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
greasing.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.1.5 Rusting of mild steel parts immediately after removal
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
from the degreaser.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5.1.6 New formation of green deposits on copper condens-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ing coils or chiller coils.
2. Referenced Documents 5.1.7 Newly formed blush rusting of stainless steel de-
greaser components, especially welded seams.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1.8 Low pH of solvent as determined by Test Method
D 2110 Test Method for pH of Water Extractions of Halo-
2
D 2110 by water extraction or a low acid acceptance of the
genated Organic Solvents and Their Admixtures
solvent as determined by Test Method D 2942, or both.
D 2942 Test Method for Total Acid Acceptance of Haloge-
2
nated Organic Solvents (Nonreflux Method)
6. Possible Causes of an Acid Degreaser
2
D 4276 Practice for Confined Area Entry
6.1 It is rare for a solvent vapor degreaser to go acid when
2.2 Federal Standards:
3 properly operated and maintained. An acid degreaser can result
29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-Required Confined Spaces
from any one or a combination of the following causes:
3. Terminology 6.2 Lack of Proper Maintenance—If a degreaser is not
cleaned out on a regular basis, the accumulations of soluble
3.1 Definition:
and insoluble contaminants, especially reactive white metal
3.1.1 acid degreaser, n—an acid degreaser is the result of
chips (for example, aluminum), can cause both thermal and
the decomposition of the degreasing solvent to acid products.
chemical breakdown of the solvent resulting in the generation
4. Significance and Use
of hydrochloric acid.
6.3 Deterioration of Heating Surfaces:
4.1 This practice describes the symptoms and causes of an
6.3.1 Damaged Heating Elements—Deterioration of either
acid degreaser as well as methods for correcting the problem.
gas or electrical heating elements can cause arcing or hot spots
4.2 This practice is intended as a reference for use by
resulting in an acid condition of the solvent. The deterioration
persons responsible for the operation or maintenance of vapor
4
may be due to damage, corrosion or accumulation of contami-
degreasers or stills.
nants on the heating surface.
4.3 This practice is not intended to cover every possible
6.3.2 Exposed Heating Surfaces—Exposure of gas and
situation.
electric heating surfaces to the air can cause solvent decom-
5. Symptoms of an Acid Degreaser/Still
position. Heating elements exposure is caused by a low solvent
level that is not detected by low liquid level controls.
5.1 An acid condition in a vapor degreaser may be recog-
6.4 Excessive Amounts of Water—Hydrolysis of certain
solvents and impurities can be a factor in the formation of an
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-26 on Haloge-
acid condition. Free water can also remove stabilizer.
nated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents and is the direct responsi-
6.5 Chlorinated and Sulfonated Oils—Some chlorinated
bility of Subcommittee D26.02 on Vapor Degreasing.
and sulfonated oils used in deep drawing processes begin to
Current edition approved June 10, 1996. Published August 1996. Originally
1
published as D 4579 – 86. Last previous edition D 4579 – 86 (1991)e .
break down at 150°F (65°C), liberating acidic components.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.05.
When in contact with boiling solvents such as trichloroethyl-
3
Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing
ene, and perchloroethylene that have boiling points above
Office, Washington, DC 2040
...