Vendor Partnerships Solve Customer Problems

Many environmentally friendly chemicals have been created to replace ones that have been banned or restricted by the government. Because of the high cost of these replacement solvents, it is critical that the use and recovery be tightly controlled.

GE Aircraft Engines wanted to use environmentally friendly solvents to remove a wax backing from small parts that had been drilled and cut using high energy lasers. Since no single company had the expertise to solve the problem, three vendors worked together to create a unique solution. Petroferm’s solvent knowledge, Detrex’s degreasing equipment and PRI’s solvent recovery expertise were integrated to create a solution. Working with this vendor team, GE identified a potential solvent blend and extensive testing was performed to insure the performance and recovery characteristics of the blend.

Distillation and recovery involved a multi-step process. One component of the blend distilled at atmospheric conditions while the other required distillation under ultra high vacuum and very high temperatures. By running the higher vacuum and limiting distillation temperatures, almost total recovery of the multi-component solvent was possible.

PRI created a compact unit that was a self contained Class 1, Division 2 enclosure that will require no modifications to the existing manufacturing area where it will be installed. A text and graphics display screen provided complete information on the status of the equipment and contained complete operating and troubleshooting information.

PRI always tries to form a close association with their customer. In this case, it took a partnership with the customer and two other vendors to be able to provide a total solution to the problem. Creative problem solving is just one more reason why PRI should be your solvent recovery partner.