|
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
The definition of a Volatile Organic Compound by the EU Solvent Emissions Directive is “any organic compound having at
20°C a vapour pressure of 0.01kPa or more, or having a corresponding volatility under the particular conditions of use.”
The emissions of solvents are being limited, but why?
Emissions need to be controlled because many solvents undergo chemical reactions in the atmosphere, which cause a
number of indirect effects, in particular the formation of ozone. Elevated concentrations of ozone in air can impair human health
and can damage some building materials, forests, vegetation and crops. The European Solvent Emissions Directive
(1999/13/EC) of 11 March 1999 aims for a 57% reduction on the 1999 figures for solvent emissions by the specified solventusing
industries by 2007.
As environmental concerns increase and the pace quickens towards the transition to solvent-free and low-VOC materials,
practical solutions need to be found. Electrolube, as a responsible manufacturer, is continually investing in R&D so that our
product range evolves to meet and exceed our customer’s expectations through this period of change.
|
Benefits of Cleaning
The effective cleaning of PCBs and metal parts
increases the reliability of the assemblies and allows
coating and encapsulating operations to be carried
out with full confidence.
The primary benefit of cleaning is that all
contamination is removed from the assembly
ensuring high reliability and long life. Shiny solder
joints and contaminant free products enhance the
manufacturer’s reputation.
|
|
Typical Application
Cleaning has been used for many years within the
electronics industry to remove potentially corrosive
flux and other residues from PCBs.
Today, even though ‘no-clean’ fluxes have been
introduced, many electronics manufacturers still
clean their PCBs. Screens and stencils always
need cleaning to ensure accurate solder and
adhesive printing.
Applications are extremely varied, but the following
list does give some indication of the main areas of use:
|
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Domestic appliances
|
- Medical
- Military
- Industrial control systems
|
The common feature of these applications is the requirement for high reliability.
Manufacturers are under constant pressure to provide exceptional reliability at low cost.
The Electrolube cleaners in small packs include products for hand cleaning PCBs, screens and stencils, glass, contacts, ink removal and general degreasing. Drying cloths are also available as well as impregnated wipes in sachets and tubs. |
|
