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Solvents: Basics and Hazards

What are Solvents?

Solvents are chemical compounds used to dissolve, dilute or extract other substances. They are used in a wide variety of applications, including analytical, industrial, household, cleaning, paints and varnishes, the printing industry and many other areas.

Solvents can be liquid or gaseous and have different chemical properties. There are many different solvents. Here are some examples of commonly used substances:

1. Water is the universal solvent and is used in many fields, especially when it comes to aqueous solutions.

2. Alcohols such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol are often used as solvents in cleaning products, disinfectants and in the pharmaceutical industry.

3. Hydrocarbons such as gasoline, kerosene and mineral oils serve as solvents in industry, for example in paints, varnishes, adhesives and cleaning agents.

4. Esters such as ethyl acetate or ethyl acetate are used in paints, varnishes, adhesives and printing inks.

5. Halogenated solvents: These include compounds such as trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene and dichloromethane. They are used in the chemical industry, cleaning and metal processing.

Which Solvents are used in HPLC?

In an HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) system, special solvents are usually used that are suitable for the chromatographic separation of samples. Some of the most common solvents for HPLC are the following:

1. Acetonitrile (CH3CN): Acetonitrile is the most commonly used solvent in HPLC. It is polar, has a low viscosity and good elution power, making it ideal for many analytical separations.

2. Methanol (CH3OH): Methanol is also commonly used in HPLC. It is also polar and has a similar elution power to acetonitrile.

3. Water (H2O): Water is used as a mobile phase or as a component of the mobile phase in many HPLC applications. It serves as a universal solvent and allows the dissolution of a wide variety of compounds.

4. Tetrahydrofuran (THF): THF is used for specific applications in HPLC. It is an aprotic solvent and can be used in the analysis of compounds that are not well soluble in polar solvents.

5. Ethanol (C2H5OH): Ethanol is occasionally used in HPLC, especially for special applications or in the analysis of certain compounds.

The choice of solvents for HPLC depends on several factors, such as the type of sample, the separation conditions and the desired analytical goals. The exact composition of the mobile phase is determined by the specific HPLC method and the purpose of the analysis.

Where and how can Solvent Vapors escape?

Solvent vapors can escape from different locations depending on where the solvent is located and how it is used:

1. Open containers: If a solvent is stored in an open container, the vapors can escape directly from the container. It is therefore important to close the container reliably when not in use. The best way to do this is to use hermetically sealed closures made of solvent-resistant material with an appropriate seal.

2. Leaky closures: Solvent vapors escape even through the smallest openings or leaks. These often occur in solvent containers in HPLC when hoses and capillaries are connected to the vessel. Closures such as Safety Caps from SCAT Europe prevent such leaks by hermetically sealing all connections and the container itself.

3. Surface evaporation: Solvent residues can evaporate and give off vapors if they are on surfaces and are not hermetically covered. If solvents are disposed of via a funnel, for example, the funnel surface often remains wetted with solvent residues, which gradually evaporate into the ambient air. SCAT safety funnels therefore have an additional seal and a hinged lid to securely close the wetted surfaces.

4. Ventilation and air conditioning systems: In work environments where solvents are used, solvent vapors can escape through leaks or poorly maintained ventilation and air conditioning systems.

5. Spraying and evaporation processes: When solvents are used in spraying or evaporation processes, the vapors can be released into the air during the process. Evaporation is even accelerated by the process.

6. Improper disposal: If solvents are disposed of improperly, for example by pouring them down the drain or throwing them in the household waste, vapors can be released.

It is important to take appropriate precautions to minimize the release of solvent vapors. This includes proper storage, use of closed containers, good ventilation, use of personal protective equipment and compliance with applicable regulations for handling solvents.

To prevent escaping vapors: collect solvent waste safely! Solvent vapors escape even through the smallest openings or leaks. Safety Waste Caps from SCAT Europe hermetically seal the container and all connections.

What Dangers do Solvent Vapors pose?

Solvent vapors can pose a variety of hazards, especially when inhaled over a long period of time or in high concentrations. Some potential hazards include:

1. Health effects: Some solvent vapors can affect health if inhaled. They can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, skin or eyes. With prolonged or repeated exposure, they can lead to respiratory diseases, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness or even organ damage. The European list of occupational diseases lists solvents as the cause of numerous diseases and long-term consequences.

2. Fire and explosion hazard: Many solvents are highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with oxygen when sufficiently concentrated in the air. The vapors ignite easily at ignition sources such as open flames, sparks or hot surfaces, which can lead to fires or explosions.

3. Environmental effects: Solvents can enter the environment and contaminate soil, water and air. This can have both direct effects on the environment and cause long-term damage.

4. Workplace safety: Work environments where solvents are used pose a risk of occupational accidents, especially if adequate safety precautions are not taken. This can lead to injuries to employees and significant subsequent costs.

How do I protect myself from Solvent Vapors?

The following measures can be taken to protect yourself from solvent vapors:

1. Personal protective equipment (PPE): When working with solvents, wear suitable personal protective equipment, such as respiratory masks, safety goggles, gloves and protective clothing. These help to minimize direct contact with the vapors.

2. Good ventilation: Make sure that the work area is well ventilated to ensure good air circulation. TRGS 526 applies to work in laboratories. According to point 6.2.5, an air exchange rate of 25 m3/h per m2 of usable space in the laboratory should be ensured. In colloquial terms, this corresponds to an air exchange rate of 8. The air exchange rate and the associated costs can be reduced if the risk assessment shows that the protective measures taken are permanently sufficient and effective for the intended activities. One such measure is, for example, the consistent use of hermetically sealing caps such as Safety Caps from SCAT Europe.

3. Avoiding escaping solvent vapors: Hermetically sealed screw caps (e.g. SCAT Safety Caps / Safety Waste Caps) prevent solvent vapors from escaping even when hoses or capillaries are connected. The air exchange rate can be reduced as described under point 2.

4. Storage and handling: Store solvents in suitable, well-sealed containers and keep them away from heat sources and open flames. Ensure safe handling to avoid leakage or spillage of solvents.

5. Working techniques: Use appropriate working methods to minimize exposure to solvent vapors. This includes avoiding spraying or evaporation processes in enclosed spaces and working in well-ventilated areas.

6. Training and information: Stay informed about the potential dangers of solvent vapors and complete appropriate training in the safe handling of solvents. Observe the safety data sheets of the chemicals used and the applicable safety regulations.

7. Dispose of solvent waste in accordance with local rules and regulations. Avoid improper disposal methods that may result in the release of solvent vapors.

In general, it is important to observe the safety measures and regulations in your specific work environment and to work closely with your employer/safety officer to ensure safe handling of solvents.

Correct disposal: SCAT safety funnels have an additional seal and a hinged lid to securely seal the wetted surfaces. The ball valve closes automatically after filling.

How can solvent vapors be bound?

Activated carbon is an effective agent that is able to bind solvent vapors through adsorption. By using activated carbon filters or activated carbon beds in ventilation and exhaust systems, the solvent vapors can be adsorbed and bound from the air. The activated carbon used by SCAT Europe specifically for the adsorption of solvent vapors has by far the highest performance parameters on the market, with an internal surface area of ​​1,500 m²/g according to DIN / ISO 9277 and a CTC adsorption rate of > 90% according to ASTM D 3467.

SCAT Safety Waste Cap with exhaust air filter: Three layers of activated carbon provide optimal protection.

It is important to know that activated carbon for solvents does not adequately bind the vapors of acids and alkalis. Since acids and alkalis are also found in laboratory waste, SCAT uses two additional layers of activated carbon in its exhaust air filters, which also absorb these substances.