Low VOC Printing Press Wash Formulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low VOC press washes are inefficient in cleaning printing ink and paper residue from rollers and printing equipment while complying with South Coast Air Quality Management District regulations, and they can cause corrosion and slow evaporation, affecting the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A wash formulation with >45% water, 10-50% PCBTF, 0.1-10% VOC solvents, 0.1-5% surfactants, and 0.1-5% corrosion inhibitors, which effectively cleans printing equipment without causing corrosion and has improved evaporation properties, ensuring compliance with VOC regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If low VOC press washes are used to comply with SCAQMD regulations, then environmental safety is improved, but cleaning efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wash formula combines multiple solvent components (PCBTF, VOC solvents, and water) with surfactants and corrosion inhibitors to create a composite cleaning solution that achieves both regulatory compliance and effective cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the concentration parameters of various components (10-50% PCBTF, 0.1-10% VOC solvents, 45-80% water, 0.1-5% surfactants) to optimize the balance between VOC content for compliance and cleaning efficacy
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low VOC press washes are used to comply with SCAQMD regulations, then environmental safety is improved, but evaporation rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adjusts the solvent composition parameters, specifically using PCBTF combined with VOC solvents and water in optimized ratios, to achieve faster evaporation while maintaining low VOC compliance
3Productivity
If traditional press washes are used for effective cleaning, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but corrosion of metal parts worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Corrosion inhibitors are introduced as intermediary substances that mediate between the cleaning action of the wash and the metal surfaces, preventing direct corrosive interaction while allowing effective ink and residue removal
Solution Approach 2:
The wash formula incorporates corrosion inhibitors as a composite component alongside solvents and surfactants, creating a multi-functional solution that provides both cleaning and protective functions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides improved cleaning efficiency and evaporation rates, comparable to non-regulation compliant washes, while preventing corrosion and ensuring environmental and workplace safety, thus enhancing the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
A wash comprising a mixture of 10-50% PCBTF [Parachlorobenzotrifluoride]; 0.1-10% of a 100% VOC solvent per EPA CFR Promulgated Test Method 24
Implementation Method 2
0.1-5% surfactants, for example sodium monooleate and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate
Implementation Method 3
0.1-5% corrosion inhibitors such as Tinsco EWSci from Marott Graphics or NA SUL 729 from King Industries
Implementation Method 4
The press washes of the present invention preferably comprise >45% water, more preferably >50% water and most preferably >55% water
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is drawn to a wash that will effectively clean printing related equipment such as a printing press, including all of its components, of materials used in the printing process, including printing inks, paper, and fountain solutions.