Kreussler FAQ on the topic "Flash point of SENSENE solvent"

22.03.2024

Safechem, the manufacturer of the solvent "SENSENE", sent a product warning regarding the flash point of the solvent to business partners and customers on 8 March 2024. According to the manufacturer, the flash point is not 65 °C as stated in the safety data sheet, but can be up to 58 °C according to the latest test results. With a flash point between 55 °C and 60 °C, a solvent becomes a category 3 hazardous material under transport law. A flash point of 60 °C and below also means that the textile cleaning machine is no longer being used as intended. For this reason, manufacturers of dry cleaning machines such as Böwe and Multimatic have stopped supporting the use of SENSENE and recommend that users carry out a flash point test in accordance with DIN ISO 2719 as soon as possible. Associations such as DTV, FATEX and EFIT (Germany) as well as the FFBP (France) have also published recommendations to carry out flash point measurements immediately and to switch off the cleaning machines immediately at values of 60 °C or below or lower than those specified on the rating plate.


1.    To what is the reduction of the flash point attributed?

The manufacturer Safechem explains the reduction in the flash point of  SENSENE by stating that one of the components used in the solvent has a lower flash point than stated by the manufacturer in the corresponding safety data sheet, which affects the flash point of the overall  SENSENE product.

2.    Why this cannot happen with Kreussler's SOLVONK4 solvent

The patented SOLVONK4 solvent from Kreussler is a halogen-free, organic solvent with a purity of over 99 %. This means that different components with different flash points are not mixed together, but that the product consists of a single pure substance; this ensures that the flash point always remains the same. Such a super-pure substance has many other advantages: for example, its composition remains unchanged even after numerous cleaning cycles, in contrast to modified hydrocarbon solvents, which consist of substances with different polarities and therefore different water solubilities. As a result, some parts of the hydrocarbon solvents remain in the water separator, which leads to a significantly higher solvent loss.

In contrast to other solvents, SOLVONK4 does not require labelling and is neither a dangerous material nor a hazardous substance (CLP); it has also been dermatologically tested as "very good" and is biodegradable.

In many cases, its cleaning performance exceeds that of perchloroethylene. In contrast to perchloroethylene, it cleans delicate textiles with accessories such as buttons, piping or sequins much more gently and therefore with a significantly lower risk of possible damage. SOLVONK4 is not only effective against lipophilic, but also hydrophilic, i.e. water-bound soiling. Cleaned textiles show only minimal creasing, which minimises the finishing effort, and have a pleasant and smooth feel.

It becomes SYSTEMK4 with three complementary products: The brushing agent  PRENETTK4 contains neither fragrances nor VOCs. In combination with dry cleaning detergent concentrate CLIPK4 and water and stain repellent agent VINOYK4, almost all textile cleaning requirements can be covered with just four products. Kreussler also offers the right special solutions for special cases such as leather.

3.    What is the alternative to cleaning in solvent?

The most sustainable alternative to traditional dry cleaning is wet cleaning, invented by Kreussler. Since 1991, the original Lanadol wet cleaning has been the benchmark for the most environmentally friendly cleaning of non-washable textiles. The research project was triggered not only by the significantly better cleaning performance of water, but also by the concerns that arose in the 1980s about the potential environmental and health damage caused by the perchloroethylene used in dry cleaning.

The approach of using water as a "solvent" is radical – after all, the swelling and deformation of sensitive fibres such as silk and wool is one of the reasons why highly sensitive items were treated with solvents in dry cleaning instead of washing them in the traditional way. On the other hand, the vast majority of stains are water-soluble. Kreussler's solution: biodegradable, extremely powerful special cleaning agents form a protective shield of special colloids around each individual fibre during wet cleaning, thus eliminating any risk of swelling, shrinking and felting.

Various processes and a cleverly designed product range enable the wet cleaner to thoroughly but gently clean practically all textiles labelled as non-washable: From silk and wool to fur and leather, Lanadol ensures vibrant colours, fragrant freshness and a soft feel. Combined with machine technology specially developed in co-operation with Miele, the original Lanadol wet cleaning process has been the most environmentally friendly alternative to dry cleaning with solvents for 33 years.

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