In the construction, road building, roofing and waterproofing industries, bitumen build-up is a common problem. If you work in one of these sectors, you will know how important a strong, effective cleaning fluid is to maintain machinery and equipment. However, many hardy cleaning solutions are both hazardous for operators and the environment.
For years, these industries have relied on hazardous fluids such as Diesel and Kerosene for bitumen cleaning, however, these substances pose significant risks to the worker. In the first instance they contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which contribute to air pollution and pose health hazards, which could lead to respiratory problems and skin irritation.
With a flashpoint of 40°C, Kerosene is also defined as a Class Three Flammable Liquid under the Australian Dangerous Good Code, and a Hazardous Chemical as per the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, which means it can present a risk of injury to workers, if not managed appropriately.
Additionally, if these fluids seep into the ground, they can potentially contaminate soil and water sources endangering wildlife and ecosystems. From a bottomline perspective, the hazardous nature of these substances necessitates strict handling and transport, and disposal protocols, adding to operational costs and complexities.
To meet the Australian road and infrastructure market’s need for a tough and high-performing but safer cleaning fluid, Recochem has developed Recosol 195. It offers an innovative solution specifically designed to address the environmental and health concerns associated with traditional bitumen cleaning fluids. Recosol 195 is a premium, non-hazardous, biodegradable, and renewable cleaning fluid that does the job without compromising the health of your workers and your sustainability goals.
“Historically, cleaning bitumen has often involved fluids that are readily available, such as Diesel, Kerosene, or Specialty products containing strong solvents such as D Limonene,” says James McAllister, Business Development Manager - Special Projects, Recochem. “These fluids all work to some extent however they are all hazardous as illustrated by the fact that they require several GHS pictograms. Further, overexposure to these fluids can cause dizziness, incoordination, and long-term health effects. They also have strong odours.”
By contrast, Recosol 195 is a strong solvent, low odour, and can dissolve bitumen and asphalt readily. Due to the high Flash Point (>170°C), the evaporation rate is slower.
Before and after - the cleaning power of Recosol 195 on a bitumen covered tank.
Cobar Shire Council, who approached Blackwoods needing assistance in finding a nonhazardous solution. “They required a product that was as effective as Kerosene,” says, Corey O’Keefe, Account Manager, Blackwoods Dubbo. With the help of Blackwoods’ Hygiene and Cleaning division and Recochem, trials of Recosol 195 resulted in favourable outcomes.
“The results were remarkable. So much so, another council who trialled this product have now requested quotes on 200L and 1000L units." Corey went on to say, “The council was extremely happy with the results. Recosol 195 has since been a successful solution for other Councils, with feedback unanimous that it’s a much more pleasant fluid to work with, because of its low odour.”
At Blackwoods, we constantly search out partners that are pushing the boundaries of innovation to develop safer, more sustainable, and effective solutions. Recosol 195 represents more than just an alternative to traditional bitumen cleaning methods, it embodies a shift towards sustainable innovation and safety in industrial operations.
As our customers continue to seek safer solutions and materials to perform their tasks, we will continue to ensure we have strong partnerships with companies like Recochem, so that you can meet your sustainability goals by procuring nonhazardous materials while running a safe and successful business.
Safer for workers
Unlike Diesel or Kerosene, Recosol 195 is non-toxic and doesn’t emit VOCs, ensuring a safer working environment and reducing the risk of health issues associated with traditional cleaning fluids. With no GHS pictograms, and a flash point of 170°C, this solution is both highperforming and provides a safetyfirst application for your workers.
Effective cleaning
While it is kinder on the environment, Recosol 195 doesn’t compromise on effectiveness. A Kauri-butanol (Kb) value serves as an internationally standardised indicator of the solvent power of a hydrocarbon solvent. This measure reflects a fluid's solvency capacity, where a higher Kb value indicates a more potent solvent. Recosol 195, with its Kb value of 54, demonstrates greater solvent strength compared to Kerosene and Diesel, which have Kb values of 34 and 32, respectively. This makes it highly effective at removing bitumen.
Cost-effective
By mitigating the risks of environmental contamination and health hazards, Recosol 195 can reduce the long-term costs associated with workplace safety and environmental compliance. Its efficiency also means you require less product for cleaning, further reducing your costs.