Solvent query

[rsser]

Hi Brains Trust,

A cleaning job I have requires the use of a non-flammable solvent or a high-flashpoint solvent.

What would that translate to by way of product names?

TIA.

[echnidna]

do you mean a paint thinner or a cleaning agent?

[rsser]

Don't know Bob; the words following 'the use of a ...' are a quote from a manual.

Is detergent a non-flammable solvent? Is a high flashpoint solvent something that evaporates quickly?

[astrid]

what are you cleaning?
Meths fits the description!
more info please
astrid

[Cruzi]

Metho is a low flash point solvent, shellite and Acetone also fall into this area.

This means they are highly flammable.

Turps fares better, think Kero also has relatively high flash point, but again, they are flammable, next highest after them I think, is diesel.

Diesel and Kero are both used to clean engine parts.

[astrid]

Ern might be cleaning somthing that gets hot so an oily solvent will leave a residue. That wont matter with a fast evaporating solvent?
He's being mysterious
astrid

edit
sorry cruz, your right getting my flash pointsmixed up
but hes still being mysterious

[Pusser]

Diesel and kerosine are not particularly high flashpoint fuels. The range of products called diesel have flash points around 60 to 64 degrees. Kerosine which is the next fraction in the distilling process is just a light diesel and has a slightly higher flashpoint. the 60 to 64 range is important as tratment and handling rules change at 62 degrees C. If they are combustable below 62 degrees then they are flammable liquids. Kerosene is flammable, some diesels are and some are not.

Most diesels and kerosenes will leave a residue of oil, wax and in the case of diesel sulphur.

[mobjack68]

If you are worried about the residue, clean the problem with whatever you need to use and then use an automotive brake cleaner spray to clean the residue. the brake cleaner might just fill the bill to remove it to begin with. Good solvency, med evaporation an cleans rather nicely.

[rsser]

Many thanks Brains Trust and I apologise for being mysterious Astrid.

I'm trying to restore an expensive motorbike chain; spray lube has dried gumming up the plates and producing kinking. I can't soak it as the solvent is likely to get past the sealing rings and destroy the grease around the pins and bushes. I can't wire brush it out as that would damage the rubber rings.

Cruzi's deduction is spot on.

Maybe a light touch will work: toothbrush with kero or diesel.

Thanks again for all your suggestions and info.

[Harry72]

Hi strength detergent will do the job... be amazed at what "Jiff" can do.

[Sebastiaan56]

Water fits the description.

[astrid]

hot water and detergent?

astrid

[Bob38S]

Windex cleaners - surface and glass works really well.

Try some on a chux [slightly damp only] on your computer keys - you'll be surprised as to what the original colour really was.

[echnidna]

Nifti from a supermarket and a toothbrush