ASTM D3698-04(2020)

Standard Practice for Solvent Vapor Degreasing Operations

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice is intended for use by employers in developing their own specific operation standards for solvent vapor degreasing operations.  
4.2 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.  
4.3 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 stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2020
• ICS: 87.060.30 - Solvents
• Technical Committee: D26 - Halogenated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents
• Drafting Committee: D26.02 - Vapor Degreasing

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3698-04(2015) - Standard Practice for Solvent Vapor Degreasing Operations
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4276-02(2020) - Standard Practice for Confined Area Entry
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2942-02(2013) - Standard Test Method for Total Acid Acceptance of Halogenated Organic Solvents (Nonreflux Methods)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4276-02(2012) - Standard Practice for Confined Area Entry
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2012
• Refers: ASTM D4579-00(2012) - Standard Practice for Handling an Acid Degreaser or Still
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM D2110-00(2012) - Standard Test Method for pH of Water Extractions of Halogenated Organic Solvents and Their Admixtures
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM D2942-02(2008) - Standard Test Method for Total Acid Acceptance of Halogenated Organic Solvents (Nonreflux Methods)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2008
• Refers: ASTM D4276-02(2007) - Standard Practice for Confined Area Entry
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2007
• Refers: ASTM D4579-00(2006) - Standard Practice for Handling an Acid Degreaser or Still
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2006
• Refers: ASTM D2110-00(2006) - Standard Test Method for pH of Water Extractions of Halogenated Organic Solvents and Their Admixtures
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2006
• Refers: ASTM D2942-02 - Standard Test Method for Total Acid Acceptance of Halogenated Organic Solvents (Nonreflux Methods)
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2002
• Refers: ASTM D4276-02 - Standard Practice for Confined Area Entry
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2002
• Refers: ASTM D4276-95 - Standard Practice for Confined Area Entry
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2002
• Refers: ASTM D4579-00 - Standard Practice for Handling an Acid Degreaser or Still
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2000
• Refers: ASTM D2110-00 - Standard Test Method for pH of Water Extractions of Halogenated Organic Solvents and Their Admixtures
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2000

Overview

ASTM D3698-04(2020), Standard Practice for Solvent Vapor Degreasing Operations, provides comprehensive guidelines for the safe and effective operation of solvent vapor degreasing processes using nonflammable solvents. Developed under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D26, this standard assists employers and facility operators in creating site-specific operational standards for conventional vapor degreasing systems. It is designed to help users minimize health, safety, and environmental risks while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • Recommends best practices for vapor degreasing using nonflammable solvents or blended solvents.
  • Not intended for use with flammable solvents or fully enclosed (airtight) equipment.
  • Focuses on open-top or conventional vapor degreasing units.

• Safety and Risk Management

  • Emphasizes the need for workplace controls, including proper ventilation, vapor containment, and safety interlocks.
  • Stresses the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency procedures, and first aid readiness.
  • Requires alignment with applicable government regulations, such as OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limits and EPA's Halogenated Solvent Cleaner NESHAP.

• Operational Procedures

  • Provides detailed instructions for degreaser start-up, degreasing, shut-down, maintenance, and cleanout.
  • Outlines specific requirements for degreaser system design, placement, and regular inspection.
  • Recommends clear limits and documentation for work capacity and solvent loads.

• Employee Training

  • Mandates initial and ongoing training for operators and maintenance staff on solvent hazards, exposure limits, operating procedures, and emergency actions.
  • Requires that instruction manuals, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and operating practices are readily accessible at the site.

Applications

Solvent vapor degreasing operations are essential in industries where high levels of surface cleanliness are required, such as:

• Manufacturing and Metalworking

  • Removal of oils, grease, and particulates from machined, stamped, or fabricated parts before plating, painting, or assembly.

• Electronics and Electrical Assembly

  • Precision cleaning of components and assemblies to prevent contamination that could affect performance or reliability.

• Aerospace and Automotive

  • Surface preparation of critical parts where residue could impact function or safety.

By following the standard’s recommended work practices, organizations can:

• Enhance operational safety by reducing the risks associated with solvent exposure.
• Improve the effectiveness of degreasing processes and prolong equipment life.
• Meet regulatory obligations for emissions control and worker safety.
• Reduce incidents of contamination, equipment damage, or costly downtime.

Related Standards

ASTM D3698 references and complements several key standards and regulations, including:

• ASTM D2110 – Test Method for pH of Water Extractions of Halogenated Organic Solvents and Their Admixtures
• ASTM D2942 – Test Method for Total Acid Acceptance of Halogenated Organic Solvents (Nonreflux Methods)
• ASTM D4276 – Practice for Confined Area Entry
• ASTM D4579 – Practice for Handling an Acid Degreaser or Still
• Occupational Safety and Health Standards (29 CFR Part 1910)
• National Emission Standards for Halogenated Solvent Cleaning (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart T)
• ACGIH Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances
• NFPA 704 Identification System for Fire Hazards of Materials

Adherence to these related documents, in conjunction with ASTM D3698, supports a comprehensive approach to safe and compliant solvent vapor degreasing operations.

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Keywords: solvent vapor degreasing, vapor degreasing operations, nonflammable solvents, ASTM D3698, halogenated solvent cleaning, industrial cleaning standards, workplace safety, emissions control, degreasing equipment safety, regulatory compliance

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3698 − 04 (Reapproved 2020)
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 D4276 Practice for Confined Area Entry
D4579 Practice for Handling an Acid Degreaser or Still
1.1 This practice recommends work practices for conven-
2.2 Government Documents:
tional vapor degreasing operations utilizing any solvent or
40 CFR Part 63.460-469 U.S. EPA, National Emission
solvent blend that has been categorized as nonflammable.
Standards for Halogenated Solvent Cleaning
1.2 This practice is not intended for use in vapor degreasing
29 CFR Part 1910 U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational
operations utilizing flammable (low flash point) solvents or in
Safety and Health Standards
vapor degreasing operations utilizing enclosed (sealed, air-
2.3 Other Documents:
tight) equipment. For these non-applicable operations, users
Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physi-
should consult the solvent or equipment supplier for additional
cal Agents, ACGIH Industrial Ventilation, ACGIH
information.
NFPA 704 Identification System for Fire Hazards of
Materials, National Fire Protection Association
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3. Terminology
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 emergency—any occurrence that may result in an
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
immediatehazardtohealthincludingexposuresresultingfrom,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
failure to control equipment.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.2 hazardousoperation—anyprocedureoractivitywhere
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- a release of the solvent or the decomposition products of the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- solvents might be expected to result in a hazard to health.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.3 nonflammable solvent(s)—as used herein, is a solvent
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
or solvent mixture having a NFPA flammability hazard rating
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of 1 or lower (as determined by NFPA 704), intended for use
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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
cooled condensing means, thus maintaining a fixed vapor level
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D26 on Haloge- and creating a thermal balance.
nated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents and is the direct responsi-
bility of Subcommittee D26.02 on Vapor Degreasing.
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published April 2020. Originally Code of Federal Regulations, available from U.S. Government Publishing
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D3698–04(2015). Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://
DOI: 10.1520/D3698–04R20. www.gpo.gov.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM (ACGIH), 1330 Kemper Meadow Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45240, http://www.acgih.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
the ASTM website. Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3698 − 04 (2020)
3.1.5 solvent vapor degreasing operations—the process by 6.2 Design:
which materials are immersed in vapors of boiling liquids for
6.2.1 The level of vapors below the top edge of the
the purpose of cleaning or altering their surfaces, and are
degreaser (freeboard) shall at a minimum be a 1.0 ratio of
subsequently removed from the vapors, drained and dried in a height to width.
solvent vapor degreaser.
6.2.2 All degreasers shall have durable covers which shall
be secured in a closed position when degreasing operations are
4. Significance and Use
not occurring. Sliding covers, which allow partial closure
4.1 This practice is intended for use by employers in
during degreasing operations are preferred.
developing their own specific operation standards for solvent
6.2.3 Where gas is used as a fuel for heating, the combus-
vapor degreasing operations.
tion chamber of the degreaser shall be of tight construction,
except for such openings as the exhaust flue, and those that are
4.2 Certain vapor degreasing operations are subject to the
necessary for supplying air for combustion. Flues shall be of
requirements of the National Emission Standards for Haloge-
corrosion-resistant construction and shall extend to the outside
nated Solvent Cleaning (Halogenated Solvent Cleaner NES-
air. If mechanical exhaust is used on the flue, there shall be
HAP) as found in 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart T. The determina-
provision for outside fresh make-up air. If nonmechanical
tion of the applicability of these, or any additional
exhaust is used on the flue, a back draft diverter shall be used.
requirements is the responsibility of the user.
Gas burners shall be provided with safety protection to provide
4.3 This practice is not intended to address all of the
shut down if the pilot or igniter fails.
requirements contained in the Halogenated Solvent Cleaner
6.2.4 Heating elements shall be so designed and maintained
NESHAP. Development and implementation of training
that their surface temperature will not cause the solvent or
programs, recordkeeping, and other additional requirements of
mixture to decompose or break down.
the NESHAP are the responsibility of the user.
6.2.5 New solvent vapor degreasers or solvent stills of more
5. Exposure Limit than 4 ft of vapor area shall be equipped with suitable
clean-out or sludge doors located at the bottom of the boiling
5.1 No employee may be exposed to any of the solvents
sump and any other sump having an area of more than 4 ft
utilized in vapor degreasing operations covered by this section
(0.37 m ). These doors shall be designed and gasketed so that
in excess of either the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits
there will be no leakage when they are closed.
(PEL), the ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV
6.2.6 Floors and platforms around degreasers shall be pre-
(trademarked)), or any manufacturer’s recommended exposure
vented from becoming slippery both by the original type of
limit.
construction and by frequent cleaning. They shall be firm,
6. System Location and Design
sound, and of the design and construction to minimize the
possibility of tripping. Railing requirements for platforms
6.1 Location:
appear in 29 CFR § 1910.23(c).
6.1.1 Degreasers shall be placed in a room having ventila-
6.2.7 When an open top degreaser is located in a pit below
tion adequate to maintain operator exposure below the appro-
floor level, the elevation of the top of the degreaser shall be a
priate exposure limit.
minimum of 42 in. (1066 mm) above the floor level or the
6.1.2 A degreaser shall be installed so that it is not affected
operating level or else a 42 in. (1066 mm) railing must be
by drafts from sources such as windows, doors, fans, unit
provided in accordance with 29 CFR § 1910.23(c)(3) and
heaters, ventilators, or adjacent spray booths. Normal air
(e)(1). Pit ventilation shall be designed to provide a minimum
circulation (at velocities not exceeding 50 ft (15.24 m)/min) is
oftwoairchangesperminutewheneveradegreaserisinstalled
recommended and should not be confused with direct drafts
in a pit more than 18 in. (457 mm) deep.
such as those listed in the preceding sentence. Drafts should be
6.2.8 Degreasers shall be equipped with means to prevent
diverted from the top of the degreaser by the use of baffles
solvent vapors from overflowing, such as a vapor level control
located on the windward side of the degreaser.
device (vapor safety thermostat) sensitive enough to shut off
6.1.3 No degreaser shall be installed in areas where solvent
the heat input if the solvent vapor level rises above the primary
vapors may reach open flames or high-temperature surfaces
condensing coils.
above350 °F(176 °C).Solventdegreasingequipmentshallnot
be installed in the proximity of welding and heat treating 6.2.8.1 The vapor safety thermostat is typically set at a
operations or space heaters unless adequate ventilation of the temperature 20 % to 30 % below the boiling point of the
degreaserorothermeansareprovidedtopreventsolventfumes solvent (based on the boiling point in °F) except for very low
from contacting the high-temperature source. boiling solvents (for example, methylene chloride). For these
6.1.4 Gas-heated degreasers (provided with natural draft solvents, the vapor safety thermostat should be set at ambient
ventilation of combustion tube) shall not be located in an area temperature +10 °F, but never higher than 100 °F (38 °C).
where the general mechanical exhaust system produces nega- Recommended temperatures for vapor safety thermostat set-
tive pressure, unless positive exhausting of combustion prod- tings can be determined from Appendix X1, or from the
ucts by mechanical means is provided. solvent supplier.
D3698 − 04 (2020)
6.2.9 Degreasers shall be equipped with safety devices in 7.1.5 Check that all degreaser covers are in place during
the boiling sump that can shut off the heat input if the solvent heat-up as well as cool-down.
level drops too close to the heating coils (sump level control
7.1.6 Turn on the heat supply and adjust the settings as
device) or if the solvent becomes too contaminated (sump
necessary. Adjust the heat balance in the degreaser so that the
safety thermostat).
level of the vapor remains constant. A proper balance is
6.2.9.1 A sump level control device is designed to prevent
achieved if solvent vapors are generated at the same rate they
heat input unless there is adequate solvent in the boiling sump.
are condensed by work entering the vapor zone and by the
Such devices may be mechanical (liquid level sensor) or condensers.
thermostatic (liquid level safety thermostat). The liquid level
7.1.7 Once the vapor level reaches the condensing coils,
sensor should interrupt heat input if the liquid level is less than
check to ensure the flow of condensed solvent through the
2 in. above the heating coils. Liquid level safety thermostats,
water separator and its return to proper degreaser compart-
usedonelectricallyheateddegreasers,areattachedtotheupper
ments.
surface of the heating coil with a maximum recommended
7.1.8 Check all gages and thermometers for proper opera-
setting of 20 °F above the boiling point of the solvent.
tion.
6.2.9.2 Degreasers should also be equipped with a sump
7.1.9 Begin vapor degreasing of work items.
safety thermostat immersed in the boiling liquid. If the
7.1.10 Check condenser coolant flow and adjust coolant
degreaser is equipped with an auxiliary still, then the degreaser
flow or temperature, or both, to maintain temperature to ensure
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 Ifreclamationofsolventwillbeconductedusingthe
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
...