Solvent Equipment

What Is Vapour Degreasing?

Solvent-Based Precision Cleaning Explained

Vapour degreasing is a widely used solvent cleaning process in which components are cleaned using hot solvent vapours. Traditionally performed with chlorinated or fluorinated solvents such as Perchloroethylene, vapour degreasing remains a key method in industrial parts cleaning due to its simplicity and effectiveness.

✅ How Vapour Degreasing Works

The vapour degreasing process begins by heating a cleaning solvent until it reaches its boiling point, generating a dense vapour. When this hot vapour contacts a cooler surface—such as a metal component—it condenses into a liquid, releasing latent heat. This action dissolves oils, greases, waxes, and other surface contaminants.

As the component gradually reaches the same temperature as the vapour, condensation stops, and the cleaning action concludes. When removed from the vapour zone, the retained heat in the component evaporates any remaining solvent, leaving the part clean and dry—no rinsing or drying required.

✅ Modern Vapour Degreasing Techniques

In modern solvent cleaning systems, vapour degreasing often serves as the final rinse stage following immersion cleaning. This combination ensures superior results, especially on complex components with blind holes, recesses, or internal cavities.

Today's systems typically include:

• Boiling solvent immersion

• Ultrasonic agitation for enhanced cleaning power

• Final vapour rinse to ensure a residue-free finish

This multi-stage approach delivers consistent, high-purity cleaning with dry, contamination-free results—essential for sectors like aerospace, medical, electronics, and precision engineering.

✅ Types of Solvent Cleaning Equipment

Solvent cleaning machines are classified into three main types, as defined by European Standard EN12921:

🔒 Closed Solvent Cleaning Equipment (Types III–V)

• Cleaning, rinsing, and drying occur in a fully sealed chamber

• Suitable only for non-flammable solvents

• No operator exposure during the cleaning cycle

• Often includes carbon abatement systems

• No external venting required

🔐 Enclosed Solvent Cleaning Equipment (Types II–III)

• Process takes place within an enclosure, isolating the solvent from the operator

• Higher safety and containment compared to open systems

• Ideal for non-flammable solvents

• A common choice for mid-to-high volume precision cleaning

⚠️ Open Solvent Cleaning Equipment (Type I)

• Traditional, open-top degreasing systems

• Exposes solvent vapour to the operator

• Lower safety and environmental control

• Increasingly being phased out or upgraded due to regulatory concerns

✅ Explore Our Solvent Cleaning Equipment

We offer a complete range of solvent cleaning machines to suit different process needs and compliance standards:

• 🔹 Closed Automatic Systems – Fully sealed, high-performance cleaning

• 🔹 Enclosed Automatic Systems (Cleanseal) – Enhanced containment and safety

• 🔹 Open Manual Systems (Miniclean, Compac) – Simple, cost-effective cleaning for less demanding applications

👉 Click here to view our full equipment range or contact our team for expert advice and a tailored solution.

✅ Why Choose Vapour Degreasing?

• ✅ Ideal for precision cleaning of metal parts, PCBs, medical instruments, and more

• ✅ Leaves parts dry and residue-free

• ✅ Compatible with environmentally safer solvents like Tergo™ MCF and Tergo™ HDF

• ✅ Proven cleaning method with decades of industry use