parts washer fluid questions
Can someone expand on this?
I have a parts washer I picked up a while back. Haven't used it yet because I have the same question as the OP. But my concerns were having to do with flammability, cost, odors, etc. but particularly, can these things be a fire hazard? What about the pump itself causing a spark, or static electricity, etc? I do recall that these parts washers have an automatic means of shutting the lid if exposed to flame or heat.
An outfit called "Safety Clean" services industial washers,, an uses a Hi-flash cleaner,, you may be able to purchase some from them..
Everyone in the business I know, generally uses Varsol,, it will light with an open flame, and evaporate, so keeping the lid closed while not in use is recommmended,, but I never did, and never had a fire.. where you put it is a high consideration, Varsol is relatively low odor, low cost, low evap, low flash, avail by the gal,, at Walmart paint depts..
There is supposed to be a "woods metal", low-melt point fastener to hold the lid open,, and it releases the lid with low temp,, fire in the basin,, closing off oxygen..
I have never heard or read of a pump, or switch, or static causing a fire thru decades of trade magazines,, but I'm sure it's happened,, that's when the lid closes..
cheers..
