ACESOLVE

Solvents for the Insulating Glass Manufacturing Industry

In the manufacturing of insulating glass, chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents (e.g. methylene chloride) are often used to remove sealant residues. Because of the potential carcinogenic effect of these solvents, legal restrictions have been introduced in many fields of application. Alternatively, we offer ACESOLVE solvents:

Sealants based on polysulfide (Thiokol) and butylene rubber

Acesolve PS:

Solvent for general use in the removal of polysulfide and polyisobutylene from surfaces, rotating sealing tables, sealing machinery, etc..

Acesolve PS is a slowly evaporating solvent. Compared to the fast evaporating solvent methylene chloride it offers the advantage of a longer treatment time. Its initial dissolving action maybe somewhat lower compared to methylene chloride. As ACESOLVE PS shows a strong solvent effect on plastics, paints and seals, we recommend a compatibility test prior to itslarge scales use. Teflon based materials (e.g. Kalrez* and Zalak*) are resistant seal materials; rubber and Viton may be attacked by ACESOLVE PS.

Specification

Use and application

Uncured sealant residues can be removed easily by ACESOLVE PS. Cured residues should be removed mechanically as far as possible (e.g. using a safety razor blade) until only a thin layer is left. After applying ACESOLVE PS for a certain time the residues will swell and can be removed easily. As the product evaporates very slowly there will be sufficient time for this process.

ACESOLVE PS can be also used to clean parts of sealant mixing machines (e.g. mixer tubes and pistols). The degree of cleaning achieved depends on the state of cure of the polysulfide sealant. Fully cured sealant deposits as found in mixer elements which have been in use for a long time will not be dissolved in any solvent, they will only swell. To dissolve cured polysulfide sealants a solvent additive must be used which cracks the sealant bonds chemically (e.g. 1 part Naftosolve N* in conjunction with 9 parts ACESOLVE PS).

As ACESOLVE PS evaporates very slowly, remainders of the solvent should be removedprior to use by either blowing out with compressed air or by base purging. This is especially important when Naftosolve N* has been added to ACESOLVE PS.

Sealants based on polyurethane

ACESOLVE PU:

Solvent for general use in the removal of polyurethane from surfaces, rotating sealing tables, sealing machinery, etc..

ACESOLVE PU is also a slowly evaporating solvent. Compared to the fast evaporating solvent methylene chloride it offers the advantage of a longer treatment time. As ACESOLVE PU also shows a strong solvent effect on plastics, paints and seals, we recommend a compatibility test prior to its large scales use. Teflon based materials (e.g. Kalrez* and Zalak*) are resistant seal materials; rubber and Viton may be attacked by ACESOLVE PU.

Specification

Use and applications

Uncured sealant residues can be removed easily by ACESOLVE PU. It can be also used to clean parts of sealant mixing machines (e.g. mixer tubes and pistols). The degree of cleaning achieved depends on the state of cure of the polyurethane sealant. Fully cured sealant will not be dissolved in any solvent, they will only swell.

As ACESOLVE PU evaporates very slowly, remainders of the solvent should be removedprior to use by either blowing out with compressed air or by base purging.

Handling

ACESOLVE PS and ACESOLVE PU are labelled as irritating. When using ACESOLVE solvents we recommend the use of suitable gloves. Fur further Health & Safety information please refer to the latest Material Safety Data Sheet.

Storage

ACESOLVE solvents should be stored between 5 and40 °C in tightly closed containers. The minimum shelf life then is 1 year.

*registered trade mark of Messrs. DUPONT and CHEMETALL