Non photochemically reactive wash = nil VOC?

[Lukew]

We have trialed numerous bio blanket/ roller washes, and have given up because the shinohara auto wash is pathetic,, it was not a fault of the product itself as it works fine manualy,
So we are onto a Non photochemically reactive wash, and have been told that its low to no VOC beacause its non photochemically reactive, (it still has 900g/l liquid hydrocarbons)
I'm not going to disclose the compant name , but I can say that I was looking on varns website at their california wash which is also non photochemically reactive, but it lists a content of VOC g/L 788.. now if that has such a high VOC content, How can another company using petrolium products manage a low VOC rating?

When I asked said "comapany" about their wash befor we trialed , did it offer the same health and environmental benefits as a vegetable based wash, with below 100g/l VOC their answer was yes, as its 67 celcius flash and non photochemically reactive so it doesn't form VOC's..
Can anyone in the know please tell me if I've just been feed a whole load of hogwash..

Thanks,,,

 

[Asures]

Luke,

We're a manufacturer of solvents of various types (High and Low VOC). Understand that there are particular solvents such as acetone and a few others that are V.O.C. exempt. If you incorporate a solvent of such in the wash blend, it reduces V.O.C.'s and doesn't necessarely compromise cutting power. That's not a good or bad thing, it is what it is.

I would encourage you to communicate with the technical department of that particular solvent. I would be hesitant as you are with respect to utilizing that product.

http://www.Gansink.com

 

[keldrewett]

You still battling away there i see Luke. I thought you may have left there by now??

 

[Lukew]

Yeah Kel, a few more weeks and I will be finished up there..
The non-photochemical reactive wash that we are using works but its cutting power was less then the vegetable based washes..
Going green isn't easy especially if your machines don't have the adjustability

Over the next year I will be looking at opening up my own shop, down south, and will be back in touch, with the aim to create a totally green print shop..

 

[keldrewett]

Let me know when you are ready Luke and i'll look after you mate.

 

[jlind]

Luke:
That comment by Mr. Sures is something to think about.
While going green might sound like a good idea, you want to make sure you stay away from acetone.
Might I suggest a little screening test for choosing what washes to evaluate. Take an old blanket and mark an area with a pen. Measure the caliper of this area with a machinist micrometer or a blanket gauge. Soak a rag with the cleaning material in question and let it sit on that blanket spot for an hour or 3. Cover it up so it can't evaporate....Then measure the caliper again. If the blanket swells more than 3%, reject the stuff and move on to the next product.

John Lind
Cranberry Township, PA
724-776-4718

 

[keldrewett]

Luke:
That comment by Mr. Sures is something to think about.
While going green might sound like a good idea, you want to make sure you stay away from acetone.
Might I suggest a little screening test for choosing what washes to evaluate. Take an old blanket and mark an area with a pen. Measure the caliper of this area with a machinist micrometer or a blanket gauge. Soak a rag with the cleaning material in question and let it sit on that blanket spot for an hour or 3. Cover it up so it can't evaporate....Then measure the caliper again. If the blanket swells more than 3%, reject the stuff and move on to the next product.

John Lind
Cranberry Township, PA
724-776-4718

John, The problem with that test is in the real world a blanket does not come into contact with the wash for 1-3 hours. I agree with staying away from Acetone though.

 

[jlind]

I know that three hours is a long time, but this is just a screening test to look for a rapid onset of a problem that will develop over a longer time. Other things besides acetone will cause nasty swelling, and this quick test will give you a heads up.

John Lind
Cranberry Township, PA
724-776-4718

 

[Lukew]

Yes I too agree there probably should be some testing doe prior to use..
the rag test seems better then the industry standard test though..
which is cut a small peice of blanket and insert it into the test bottle lid filled with XXX brand wash then leave for 24/48 hours and then check that the swell/shrinkage is within the given specs.. this seems overboard to me and as kell said the problem with this is, the wash isn't in contact with the rollers/blankets for an extended period of time,,
But in saying that over a period of time and multipule washups if the wash fails the swell tests there is a good chance your rollers are going to start showing effects of swelling etc..

 

[BWells4]

Low Voc 100%Biodegradable washes by Pitman Company

Low Voc 100%Biodegradable washes by Pitman Company

We have a product coming to market in November that has a VOC level of 50 GrLtr, Flash Point over 200 Degrees and is 100% Biodegradable. It will be available first in UV then in traditional in December.
Please contact the Pitman Company to get on the list for a free sample. This product will be the center of our Performa Enviromentally friendly product line called 1st and 50 UV wash, or BW1171 wash for regular inks.

Bruce Wells
Pressroom Specialist
Pitman Company

 

[Asures]

Luke,

I would encourage you to get references from other users of that particular product. Everyone is going to brag or boast about the success of their product. The truth is that there are various types of "Low VOC" solvents and what works in one shop does not necessarely work in another.

The Shinohara autowash system is kind of a bummer. It only has solvent capability with no water rinsing ability. All of your major solvent manufacturers (Even Gans Ink) promote a second step rinse to assist in extracting any excess solvent residues from the roller train. Printers in So. California been fighting this battle since 2006 and seen the pros and cons of the product you're looking into. These products work as people are being driven towards the "Green" or "Rule 1171 Compliant" products in California.

You must understand that the operating window of these new generation washes is significantly smaller than the "High VOC" solvents that we all cut our teeth on. Feel free to e-mail me or call me directly and I'll be happy to get into specifics as the solvent formulator for my company..

spontaneaous rag fires - tinting of the plates - color fluctuation.... I would rather not promote any brand product but state my experiences and provide references for users of Gans washes.

 

[Green Printer]

Luke,



spontaneaous rag fires - tinting of the plates - color fluctuation.... I would rather not promote any brand product but state my experiences and provide references for users of Gans washes.

Aaron Sures
Gracol 7 Expert
Pressroom Technical Specialist
Gans Ink & Supply Company
323.867.3677 Direct Cell
[email protected]

What would cause s spontaneous rag fire?

 

[Asures]

As for the rag fires, many of these Low VOC solvents are ester based products. Very much like linseed oil, if the shop rags are soiled in these washes and then buried in the bottom of the barrel, from lack there of oxygen - they have been known to smolder.

Many of the recognized manufacturers are formulating their products with anti oxidants, alternative oils such as mineral oils, or even creating water based cleaners.

It really has been an educating experience in Souther California and seeing first hand what poor house keeping can do..