Solvent used in parts washing tank??

[John White]

I was wondering if there is any thing I can put in my automotive parts washing tank tht will float to the top and act as a vapor barrier to prevent the solvent from evaporating over a period of time?. I use stoddard parts washing solvent and over time it starts to evporate.

 

[hosspuller]

I have seen dip tanks with plastic balls. The balls reduce the surface area exposed and thus reduce evaporation. The smaller diameter the ball the more complete the coverage.

 

[Ed of all trades]

I just use diesel in mine, cheep, works well and does not evaporate.

 

[CalG]

I was wondering if there is any thing I can put in my automotive parts washing tank tht will float to the top and act as a vapor barrier to prevent the solvent from evaporating over a period of time?. I use stoddard parts washing solvent and over time it starts to evporate.

I wonder if packing peanuts would stand up to the solvent....worth a try...

 

[SPIKER]

packing peanuts will melt in most solvents. cant use that, might try shrink wrap over top to seal it up better it is cheap and can seal on the lid, only have the small pump areas that would evaporate from...

Mark

 

[John White]

I just use diesel in mine, cheep, works well and does not evaporate.

The thing with diesel is that it leaves a oily coat on every thing. I had a standared parts washing tub that held about 20 gals that I used for thirty years, solvent was .25 a gal back in the 70's and gradually went up over the years, the last 20 gal barrel I bought about 13 years ago I think was around $4 a gallon. (I still have a full drum of it). I retired and sold my large parts washer about a year ago and have just been using a old stainless kitchen sink sitting on a 20 gal drum. I just pour a little in a coffee can and wash what ever I want cleaned. But the other day I ran on to a nice Safety Clean tank. The type that sits on a 20 gal barrel. I want to pour my last 20 gal I have been saving (not all at one time) in this tank, and try and seal it and put a plug or rubber flap over the drain when not in use and try to prevent evaporation. I dont think it would evoparate nearley as fast in this type of tank as a open one with just a grate over it. Just seems like at one time someone made a chemical that would float to the top and act as a vapor barrier.