Does solvent waste affect the bottom line of your business? Your company can alter this by putting in place a management strategy that reduces expenses and boosts productivity. In today’s blog, let’s look at how a solvent recycler can be a part of your solvent management plan, saving your company time and money while giving you more chances to boost profits.
As per the research conducted by Marketwatch, Solvent Recycling Market Size is projected to Reach Multimillion USD by 2028, In comparison to 2021, at an unexpected CAGR during the Forecast Period 2022-2028.
Industrial solvents are a vital component of many industrial processes, but their use can also lead to significant costs and environmental impacts. Fortunately, solvent recycling offers a solution to these challenges, allowing businesses to reduce waste, cut costs, and improve environmental performance.
In this article, we’ll provide a few tips for managing industrial solvents using a solvent recycler, including best practices for selecting and operating these devices, as well as the benefits and common applications of solvent recycling.
What is Solvent Recycling?
Solvent recycling is the process of repurposing used solvents into new ones. Reusing solvents lowers overall solvent costs while also reducing the production of hazardous materials.
You can save a lot of money by recycling your used chemicals, solvents, and other chemical waste products for resale to the original producer. The money you will save on materials, equipment, and operating expenses will far outweigh the money you will spend less on disposal.
Why is it Important to Manage Industrial Solvents?
In a simple and quick retrofit, solvent washer technology allows for a complete transformation of your solvent production plant. It works with the systems you already have in place and requires almost no changes to your existing installations.
Solvent recovery units are intended to supplement or enhance existing process units. Always go for tried-and-true technology that is simple to maintain and adaptable to a wide range of solvent streams from traditional to emerging technologies.
Industrial solvents are used in a wide range of manufacturing processes to dissolve, dilute, or extract other substances. While these solvents are essential for many industries, their use also presents a range of environmental and financial challenges.
For example, improperly managed industrial solvents can contribute to air pollution, water contamination, and other negative environmental impacts. They can also be expensive to dispose of, especially if they are considered hazardous waste.
Effective management of industrial solvents is critical for businesses that want to reduce their environmental footprint and cut costs. With proper solvent management techniques, businesses can conserve valuable resources, minimize waste, and comply with relevant environmental regulations.
Moreover, using a solvent recycler can help businesses recover up to 90% of the solvent they use, which can result in significant cost savings over time.
What are the Advantages of Using Solvent Recovery
- Substantially Reduces the need to buy new solvents
- ROI in a matter of months on disposal costs
- Makes regulatory reporting easier to understand.
- Having control over hazardous waste liability is improved.
- Reduces the amount of hazardous waste stored on-site.
- It saves your company a lot of money.
- Spend less money by purchasing and using only the solvents you require.
- Reduces your solvent consumption and costs by up to 80% while maintaining performance.
With the right solvent recycler unit, you can drastically reduce the amount of money spent on solvents and waste disposal. You may believe that the greatest benefit provided by solvent recycling is cost reduction, but this is only one part of the picture.
Solvent Recycler Simplifies Your Daily Task
A solvent distillation unit will streamline the process flow for your lab technicians’ daily activities.
When your lab is equipped with a solvent recycler, you won’t need to take used solvents to the basement or stockroom for disposal. Many labs, whether for histology, veterinary, or chemistry, are housed in older structures, necessitating the storage of flammables in basement spaces or outside facilities.
Recycled solvents stay in your lab, saving technicians the time-consuming task of going back and forth to collect more clean solvents and discard waste. Your cycle time is significantly shortened, and the overall process flow is enhanced.
You will Need Less Staff for Solvent Management
Staffing is a common concern for lab managers. Solvent recyclers can make labs more efficient by requiring less staff. The amount of time needed to buy and dispose of solvents can be reduced.
Additionally, because fractional distillation recyclers are automated, they can complete entire cycles without the assistance of a technician (in many cases, this is done overnight).
In actuality, recyclers only need attention once a week for less than a half-hour (dependent, of course, on how much solvent a lab uses). Additionally, these devices are simple to use.
There will be Less Solvent Waste
A closed unit also avoids evaporation, which is an added benefit. In open trays, xylene is frequently kept in laboratories. In this environment, a significant amount of xylene is lost before it is even used once because of its low boiling point and rapid evaporation.
Additionally, recycling solvent prevents you from throwing it away after just one use. Instead, you use it a lot more than once and create much less waste, which exponentially lowers the amount of solvent you need to buy.
For more details read our blog on- Understanding the Advantages of Solvent Recycling Equipment for Your Business
The Best Way to Recycle Industrial Solvents
Recycling solvents can generate great income for your business. It can make that expensive liability a source of income. Being a smart business owner, you must always prioritize your bottom line. Discover how your company can reduce disposal costs by reading this blog till the end.
Chemicals known as solvents can dissolve, suspend, or extract other substances from their environment. Chemicals used in industry, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are the most prevalent in modern society.
People who live or work close to industrial facilities, those who work in the industries that produce or use them, and those who work in carpet, furniture, and paint stores frequently come into contact with them. People may also be exposed to them while being or working near dry cleaners and auto service stations.
It is crucial to your business that you understand how to properly dispose of solvent waste. Additionally, it can be challenging to know where to dispose of solvents; however, this is why you employ third-party businesses for tasks like:
- Using Old Isopropyl Alcohol Again
- Waste Management of Acetone
- Disposing of hazardous waste, including waste thinners
But these moving expenses can add up. However, what if there was a way to almost eliminate disposal costs? The majority of businesses will simply classify them as overhead expenses.
What if your business could, for instance, reuse paint thinner and benefit from lower costs? Using a solvent recycler not only helps your business produce less waste but also increases revenue.
The Benefits of Recycling Solvents
Recycling industrial solvents can provide numerous benefits to businesses, including cost savings, improved efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. By recycling solvents, businesses can reduce their solvent purchases, lower their waste disposal costs, and minimize their carbon footprint. In addition, many solvent recyclers are designed to be energy-efficient, meaning that businesses can reduce their overall energy consumption.
Recycling solvents can also improve the quality of the solvent and the final product. By removing impurities and contaminants, recycled solvents can perform better in manufacturing processes and result in higher-quality products. Additionally, recycled solvents are often more consistent in composition, which can reduce production errors and rework.
For more details read our blog on –How to Recycle Your Used Industrial Solvents
How Solvent Recycler Works
Solvent recyclers use a variety of methods to remove impurities and contaminants from used solvents. The most common method is distillation, which involves heating the solvent to boiling and then condensing the vapor back into a liquid. Distillation can remove a wide range of impurities, including water, oils, and solids.
Some solvent recyclers also use filtration to remove contaminants. In these systems, used solvents are passed through a filter that removes impurities based on size or other characteristics. Other solvent recyclers use chemical processes to break down contaminants or separate different components of the solvent.
Overall, solvent recyclers are designed to be easy to use and maintain. They typically consist of a distillation or filtration chamber, a control panel, and safety features like automatic shut-off and overpressure protection.
Top Tips for Effective Solvent Recycling
Effective solvent recycling requires careful planning and execution. Here are a few tips to help businesses get the most out of their solvent recycling efforts:
- Choose the right solvent recycler for your needs. Consider factors like the volume and type of solvent you use, your budget, and any environmental or safety regulations you need to comply with.
- Implement a comprehensive solvent management plan. This should include procedures for solvent purchasing, use, and disposal, as well as employee training and safety protocols.
- Monitor and maintain your solvent recycler regularly. This can include cleaning, calibration, and regular maintenance checks to ensure that the machine is operating effectively.
- Test your recycled solvent to ensure that it meets your quality standards. This can involve conducting tests on the solvent’s purity, viscosity, and other characteristics.
- Consider outsourcing your solvent recycling to a third-party provider. This can be a good option for businesses that do not have the resources to manage solvent recycling in-house.
By following these tips, businesses can maximize the benefits of solvent recycling and ensure that their operations are as efficient and environmentally-friendly as possible.
Common Solvent Management Mistakes to Avoid
Effective solvent management requires attention to detail and a commitment to best practices. Unfortunately, there are several common mistakes that businesses can make that can result in higher costs, environmental impacts, and safety risks. Some common solvent management mistakes to avoid include:
- Failing to properly label and store solvents. This can lead to confusion and potentially hazardous situations.
- Neglecting to monitor and maintain solvent recycling equipment. This can lead to equipment failure, reduced efficiency, and unsafe working conditions.
- Using the wrong solvent for a specific application. This can result in production errors, lower-quality products, and wasted resources.
- Failing to properly train employees on solvent use, handling, and disposal. This can increase the risk of accidents and environmental harm.
- Disposing of solvents inappropriately. This can lead to environmental contamination and potential legal consequences.
By avoiding these common mistakes, businesses can ensure that their solvent management practices are safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
Best Practices for Maintaining Your Solvent Recycler
Proper maintenance of a solvent recycler is critical to ensure that it operates effectively and safely. Here are a few best practices for maintaining your solvent recycler:
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. This can include tasks like cleaning, calibration, and replacement of worn parts.
- Train employees on the proper use and maintenance of the solvent recycler. This can include safety procedures, troubleshooting techniques, and emergency response protocols.
- Regularly inspect the recycler for signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. This can include checking for leaks, unusual noises, or other indicators of a problem.
- Keep the recycler clean and free from debris. This can help prevent contamination and ensure that the recycler operates efficiently.
- Document all maintenance and repair activities for the recycler. This can help with compliance with environmental regulations and ensure that the recycler is operating effectively over time.
By following these best practices, businesses can maximize the lifespan of their solvent recycler and ensure that it operates safely and efficiently.
Choosing the Right Solvent Recycler for Your Needs
Choosing the right solvent recycler is essential to ensure that your solvent recycling efforts are effective and efficient. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a solvent recycler:
- The type and volume of solvent you use. Some solvent recyclers are better suited for specific types of solvents or for different volume requirements.
- The recycling method used by the recycler. Different methods, such as distillation or filtration, may be better suited for certain types of solvents or for specific contaminants.
- The recycler’s energy efficiency and environmental impact. Some solvent recyclers are designed to be more energy-efficient or to minimize their environmental impact.
- The recycler’s safety features and ease of use. Consider factors like automatic shut-off, overpressure protection, and user-friendly controls.
- The recycler’s cost and availability. Factor in the upfront cost of the recycler, as well as ongoing costs like maintenance and supplies.
By considering these factors, businesses can select a solvent recycler that meets their specific needs and budget.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Solvent Recycler
Using a solvent recycler is a straightforward process, but it does require careful attention to detail and adherence to best practices. Here is a general step-by-step guide to using a solvent recycler:
- Collect used solvent in a dedicated collection container.
- Pour the used solvent into the solvent recycler’s collection tank.
- Turn on the recycler and select the appropriate settings for the solvent and the contaminants to be removed.
- Allow the recycler to run its cycle, which typically involves heating the solvent to boiling and then condensing the vapor back into a liquid.
Benefits of Using a Solvent Recycler
There are several benefits to using a solvent recycler for managing industrial solvents, including:
- Reduced solvent waste and disposal costs: By recycling solvents, businesses can reduce the amount of waste they generate and the associated disposal costs.
- Improved environmental performance: Solvent recycling reduces the amount of hazardous waste generated by industrial operations, which can help businesses meet environmental regulations and reduce their carbon footprint.
- Improved product quality: Solvent recycling can help businesses achieve more consistent product quality by ensuring that solvents are properly purified and free of contaminants.
- Improved worker safety: By reducing the need for manual handling of solvents and minimizing the risk of spills and accidents, solvent recyclers can improve worker safety and reduce the risk of injury.
Common Applications for Solvent Recycling
Solvent recycling is a versatile process that can be used in a wide range of industrial applications. Some common applications for solvent recycling include:
- Cleaning and degreasing of parts and equipment: Solvents are commonly used for cleaning and degreasing metal parts and equipment in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.
- Paint and coating removal: Solvents can be used to remove paints and coatings from metal and other surfaces in a variety of industrial applications.
- Printing: Solvents are used as carriers and cleaners in the printing industry for tasks like cleaning rollers and plates.
- Electronics manufacturing: Solvents are used for cleaning and degreasing of electronic components during manufacturing.
- Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing: Solvents are used in the production of pharmaceuticals and chemicals, and solvent recycling can help reduce costs and improve efficiency in these applications.
By understanding the common applications for solvent recycling, businesses can determine whether it is a viable option for their specific needs and applications.
Conclusion
Solvent recycling is a powerful machine for managing industrial solvents, allowing businesses to reduce waste, cut costs, and improve environmental performance.
By following the tips and best practices outlined in this article, businesses can select and operate solvent recyclers effectively, while also taking advantage of the many benefits of solvent recycling, such as improved product quality, worker safety, and environmental performance.
Whether you’re in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, or any other industry that uses industrial solvents, solvent recycling can be a valuable addition to your operations, helping you to achieve your goals more efficiently and sustainably.
If your solvent is not recycled, it will go to waste. Alternatively, you are wasting money by collecting solvent waste. This is not only bad for the environment but also a waste of resources. According to the EPA, approximately 90% of solvents are not recycled, which means that many businesses are losing money by not recycling their solvent. Are you among them?
If your company uses a solvent recycler, it could end up repurposing up to 90% of used solvents. Every year, this translates to thousands of dollars in profit margin for your company. Simply by reusing the solvent. Give it a thought!
About Solvent Waste Management
Since 1994, Solvent Waste Management, Inc. has assisted many companies in a variety of different industries not only improving their operations but also reducing costs.
Solvent Waste Management Inc. designs and manufactures solvent distillation equipment that cleans contaminated solvents, allowing users to restore and continuously reuse solvents – thereby saving money on the cost of disposal and the cost of new solvents.
Model SW8 Solvent Recovery System
Model SW30 Solvent Cleaning Machine
Model SW55 Solvent Recycler Machine
Model SW70 Solvent Recovery Equipment
Solvent Waste Management designs and manufactures solvent recycling equipment that cleans contaminated solvents in such a way that the customer can reclaim and reuse solvents again and again, thus saving on both the cost of solvent disposal and the cost of new materials.