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File description: Solvents Your name: (optional) Many.
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I have found a very good solvent that is water soluble, non-toxic, not
flammable (in liquid form), bio-degradable, etc. It's called Citrol
and is put out by Schaeffer (SP?) from Missouri. The local mines use
it extensively.
The spray is flammable due mostly to the propellant. I put some of
the liquid in a cup and tried to light it with a match and couldn't.
The 5 gal bucket is about $ 90, but I diluted mine 12 to 1 with water
and it works well on greasy auto parts. They say you can dilute to 20
to 1 but I suspect that would be pretty weak.
Very pungent odor of citrus, but not overwhelming at all and not
toxic. Don't need gloves but use the latex ones anyway. Bonus is
automatic hand cleaner that rinses off with water.
Anyone else use this?
Walt Goddard
Get it at...
Don Smeltzer
Coal Township, Pennsylvania
717-648-4246
If that doesn't work, check out Schaeffer's website at
http://www.schaefferoil.com/
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The "citrol" solvent (not really a solvent --- it's a *solute*, which is
dissolved in a solvent---water, in this case) is available from many
different sources in varying forms. Several different lubricating oil
companies distribute it, and they get it from places like
Schaeffer Oil (see http://www.schaefferoil.com/products/specialty.html) or
Cargill (see http://www.techoils.cargill.com/products/dlimonene.htm).
But these places will only sell you a tank car load or at least a 55-gal
drum. If you want the pure compound, which has the common name
"D-limonene" (i.e. (R)-1-methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)cyclohexene) you can get
it in 1qt, 1gal, or 5gal pails from The Chemistry Store at
http://www.chemistrystore.com/dlimonene.htm
One gallon will cost you $9.59; 5 gallons is $42.63. I suspect that the
pure stuff will go a long way! It has the fortunate EPA label of "GRAS",
i.e. "generally regarded as safe", which saves you a bunch of shipping
headaches.
This stuff is used for *all* sorts of applications, including dog shampoo,
insecticides, hand cleaners, industrial degreasers, etc. It's "GRAS"
rating makes it very easy to procure and dispose of (down the drain).
You can find all sorts of information on the web by searching for the word
"limonene".
-Lee "yes, I am a chemist" Daniels
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Richard,
I cannot really comment about simple green as a tank solvent, but
I have been using super Agitene in my 30 gal parts washer for a
couple years now, and it is just great. Works like a champ,
actually smells good, is easy on the skin, not supposed to cause
cancer, not flammable, does not appear to evaporate, but a bit
pricey.
I am still on my original fill (no changes or added solvent) with
no sign of solvent deterioration. I don't know how long it will
last, but even at this point, I would refill the tank with super
Agitene. It actually is very pleasant "stuff" to be around.
regards,
doug
Get it at...
If you have a Graingers close by, it's $40 for 5 gallons...
McMaster Carr & MSC also carry it but you pay shipping.
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