06-096 C.M.R. ch. 130, § 5 - In-line Vapor Cleaning Machines

This Section applies to in-line vapor cleaning machines.

A. In-line vapor cleaning machines shall be equipped with:

(1) Either a fully enclosed design or a working and downtime mode cover that completely covers the cleaning machine openings when in place, is free of cracks, holes and other defects, and can be readily opened or closed without disturbing the vapor zone;

(2) A switch (thermostat and condenser flow switch) which shuts off the sump heat if the coolant is not circulating;

(3) Sides which result in a freeboard ratio greater than or equal to 0.75;

(4) A vapor up control switch;

(5) An automated parts handling system which moves the parts or parts baskets at a speed of 11 feet (3.4 meters) per minute or less when the parts are entering or exiting the vapor zone. If the parts basket or parts being cleaned occupy more than 50% of the solvent/air interface area, the speed of the parts basket or parts shall not exceed 3 feet per minute;

(6) A device that shuts off the sump heat if the sump liquid solvent level drops to the sump heater coils;

(7) A vapor level control device that shuts off the sump heat if the vapor level in the vapor cleaning machine rises above the height of the primary condenser;

(8) A permanent, conspicuous label summarizing the operating procedures contained in Subsection 5C, below;

(9) A primary condenser; and

(10) Each machine that uses a lip exhaust shall be designed and operated to route all collected solvent vapors through a properly operated and maintained carbon adsorber such that the concentration of organic solvent in the exhaust does not exceed 25 parts per million.

B. In addition to the requirements of Section A, the operator of an in-line vapor cleaning machine shall use one of the following devices or strategies:

(1) A freeboard ratio of 1.0 or greater and a superheated vapor system;

(2) A freeboard refrigeration device operated to ensure that the chilled air blanket temperature is no greater than 30 percent of the solvent's boiling point and a freeboard ratio of 1.0 or greater;

(3) Dwell and a freeboard refrigeration device operated to ensure that the chilled air blanket temperature is no greater than 30 percent of the solvent's boiling point. Dwell shall be not less than 35 percent of the dwell time determined for the part or parts; or

(4) Dwell and a carbon adsorber which reduces solvent emissions in the exhaust to a level not to exceed 25 ppm at any time. Dwell shall be not less than 35 percent of the dwell time determined for the part or parts.

C. In-line vapor cleaning machines shall be operated in accordance with the following procedures:

(1) Waste solvent, still bottoms, and sump bottoms shall be collected and stored in closed containers. The closed containers may contain a device that allows pressure relief, but does not allow liquid solvent to drain from the container;

(2) Parts shall be oriented so that the solvent drains freely from the parts. Cleaned parts shall be drained at least 15 seconds or until dripping ceases, whichever is longer. Parts having cavities or blind holes shall be tipped or rotated while the part is draining;

(3) Parts baskets or parts shall not be removed from the in-line vapor cleaning machine until dripping has ceased;

(4) Flushing or spraying of parts using a flexible hose or other flushing device shall be performed within the vapor zone of the in-line vapor cleaning machine or within a Section of the machine that is not exposed to the ambient air. The solvent spray shall be a solid fluid stream, not an atomized or shower spray;

(5) Sponges, fabric, wood, leather, paper products and other absorbent materials shall not be cleaned in the in-line vapor cleaning machine;

(6) Spills during solvent transfer and use of the in-line vapor cleaning machine shall be cleaned up immediately, and the wipe rags or other sorbent material shall be immediately stored in covered containers for disposal or recycling;

(7) Use no workplace fans near the degreaser opening, and ensure that exhaust ventilation does not exceed 20 m³/min/m² of degreaser opening, unless a higher rate is necessary to meet OSHA requirements;

(8) During startup of the in-line vapor cleaning machine the primary condenser shall be turned on before the sump heater;

(9) During shutdown of the in-line vapor cleaning machine, the sump heater shall be turned off and the solvent vapor layer allowed to collapse before the primary condenser is turned off;

(10) Spraying operations shall be done in the vapor zone or within a Section of the machine that is not exposed to the ambient air;

(11) When solvent is added to or drained from the in-line vapor cleaning machine, the solvent shall be transferred using threaded or other leakproof couplings and the end of the pipe in the solvent sump shall be located beneath the liquid solvent surface; and

(12) Minimize openings during operation so that entrances and exits silhouette workloads with an average clearance between the parts and the edge of the degreaser opening of less than 10 cm (4 in) or less than 10 percent of the width of the opening.

Notes

06-096 C.M.R. ch. 130, § 5