Oregon Environmental Systems

Protecting The Planet...One System At A Time

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Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How long does it take?
  2. What do I do with the remaining waste?
  3. Are they safe?
  4. What does Class I, Division I mean?
  5. How good is the recycled solvent?
  6. Do I need liners?
  7. What kind of warranty do I get?
  8. There's so many systems! How do I choose?
  9. Why do I need a Vacuum Generator?
  10. Are there any codes that we need to follow?
  11. Are they easy to use?
  12. What kind of maintenance is required?
  13. Do you have a list of solvents that I can recycle?
  14. Isn't it easier to just use a waste hauler for everything?

How long does it take?

It depends on many different factors, such as the type of solvent, the type of residue, humidity, pressure, elevation, etc. Our systems have been designed to be as efficient as possible and under "normal" working conditions and the expected batch time is between 3-8 hours. As can be expected, the bigger the machine, the longer it will take. Users seeking repetitive or continuous use will benefit from our C series which can seperate the diathermic oil from the still for quick exchange of residue, eliminating the need to wait for the system to cool and then reheat again, efficiently speeding up your recycling process.

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What do I do with the remaining waste?

You will treat the residue the same as you are currently treating your hazardous waste. However, utilizing one of our recycling systems can actually lower your rating, so companies that are a LQG or an SQG can benefit greatly from the reduce paperwork and requirements. The lower your classification the more lenient the laws are and how apply to your company. Here's a great EPA compliance information site.

You can also have your waste tested for corrosiveness, ignitibility, toxicity, and reactivity. If your waste passes these test it could be deemed non-hazardous.

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Are they safe?

Absolutely. Our systems have multiple safety devices built into the system. In addition, our Class I Division I explosion proof models are safe for even "hazardous" environments. Our systems have been reviewed by the highest standards of the ECC (The European UL) under EN 50014, EN 50015, and EN60079-14

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What does Class I, Division I mean?

If a recyler is not certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory for use in a normal location, it did not pass the test for normal locations (U.S Fire Code requires that a solvent distillation unit must be used only in locations in accordance with its listing). If your recycler didn't pass the test, you must build a special room to house your potentially "hazardous" unit.

Basically if all of your other equipment is normal, you do not need a Class I, Division I unit. However, if you are surrounded by special devices marked Class I, Division I, you will need one of our explosion proof systems.

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How good is the recycled solvent?

The quality of the distilled solvent should match your virgin specifications and will be void of any colors from the contaminants. Our units typically will recover 95-100% of the solvent that is in processed.

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Do I need liners?

It only makes sense to use our solvent recycler liners in your waste management program. Liners:

  • Increase the efficiency of our systems
  • Improves your recycled solvent's quality
  • Reduces your contact with hazardous materials
  • And frankly.... it sure beats sticking your head in a condenser full of nasty waste residue to scrape it all out.

We're not saying that you have to use them and we've designed a tilting mechanism on our units for ease of use... but we sure wouldn't operate our systems without them.

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What kind of warranty do I get?

Our standard one year warranty.

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There's so many systems! How do I choose?

This can be a very difficult question, as there are many variables the you will need to consider. However we're here to make the decision easier for you. Please give us a call at 866.867.6622 and after a few quick questions, we'll be able to select a system to match your needs.

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Why do I need a Vacuum Generator?

A vacuum generator lowers the atmospheric pressue in the system, reducing the temperatures needed to distill your solvent. In general:

The use of vacuum generator is required if you are recycling of solvents which have boiling points higher than 302°F/150°C (Verify the security sheet (MSDS) of the product that is to be recycled.).

The use of vacuum generator is not advisable for the recycling of solvents which have boiling points lower than 212°F/100°C (Verify the security sheet (MSDS) of the product that is to be recycled.)

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Are there any codes that we need to follow?

Yes, if your solvent is considered Flammable or Combustible. NFPA 30, NFPA 33, NFPA 70. In additon, check with your fire marshal in your area for any other restrictions that your area may have. Also, have a licensed electrician wire your recycler properly to ensure that all of your local codes are met.

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Are they easy to use?

Very easy. We pre-program our units to match your solvent needs. All you need to do is pour in the solvent, close the lid, turn it on, then walk away. Our recyclers are automatic leaving you free to concentrate on your customers and your business. Reprograming the unit is also easy. If you can program your VCR, you can reprogram your recycler.
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What kind of maintainence is required?

Every 1000 hours or year, whichever comes first, our systems should have the diathermic oil changed. Depending on amount of use, the top seal may need to be replaced after a couple years.

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Do you have a list of solvents that I can recycle?

Yes:

Acetone
Acetontrile
Aircraft Engine Oil
Alcohol, Isopropyl
Alcohol, Ethyl
Benzene
Butyl Gellosolve
Cyclohexane
Cyclonexanol
Chloroform
Carbon Tetracnloride
Cyclohexanone
Diesel Fuels
Dimethylformamide
Ethylbenzene
Ethylene Glycol
Ethanol
Ethyl Gellosolve
Ethyl Acetate
Furfuraloehyde
Hexenes
Isopropanol
Isobutanol
Jp-4 Jet Fuel
Kerosene
Methanol
Methyl Cellgsolve
Methylene Dichloride
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone
Methyl Acetate
Monochlorobenzene
Mineral Oils
Mineral Spirits
Naphtha
n-Pentane
n-Hexane
n-Heptane
n-Propanol
n-Butanol
n-Methl-2-Pyrrolidone
n-Butyl Acetate
Octanes (Gasoline)
Perchloroethylene
Pyrdne
sec-Butanol
Toluene
Thichloroethylene
Trimethylbenzene
Turpentine
Xylene
1,1,1 Trichloroethane
1,2 Dichloroethane

If you didn't see your chemical on the list, don't panic! Just give us a call or send us your MSDS and we'll get back to you right away.

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Isn't it easier to just use a waste hauler for everything?

Answer these questions:

  1. Do you spend more than $100 in disposal costs?
  2. Do you spend more than $100 in purchasing virgin solvent?
  3. Are you a SQG or a LQG?
  4. Do you have 10 minutes in your day to lower your expenses?

If you answered yes to any of these questions the answer is no. Through recycling you can:

  • Lower your disposal costs
  • Reduce your need to buy virgin solvent
  • Lower your classification

All of this will save you money... who knew protecting the environment could be so cost effective?

In addition be careful choosing a waste hauler. "Out of sight" does not mean "out of mind". Your name and EPA identification number are tied to your waste. If they spill it or it leaks, the cleanup costs are yours. Just a few gallons spilled on the ground can cost you your business. It's a "cradle to grave" responsibility so wouldn't you rather reduce your liability by reducing your waste?

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