The end of an era: Geiss looks at the alternatives to trichloroethylene now that its use has finally come to an end

摘要

So it finally happened; after years of reviews, product reclassification and argument (both rational and otherwise), trichloroethylene as a solvent species arrived on Annex. 14 of the REACH Regulations this month. The latest phase out or "sunset" date will be 36 months from now whereupon all operators will be required to substitute an alternative. It must be said that the demise of trichloroethylene has, to a certain extent, been exacerbated by its misuse. The continued utilisation of poor "tank" type systems originally designed for the less onerous 1.1.1 trichloroethane, the miss selling of the solvent itself - a marketing philosophy based more upon traditional volume sales rather than best advice values and finally the reluctance of operators to invest in modern technology have all contributed to an increasing awareness of the product's weaknesses in an industrial environment where Health & Safety and environmental issues have risen inexorably to the top of the political agenda.