Emulsifiable solvent engine degreasers are a special class of solvent-based cleaning agents formulated with oil-soluble solvents and emulsifying agents (surfactants) that allow the degreaser to mix with water after application.
This combination lets them dissolve heavy oil and grease effectively and then rinse away with water, carrying the dissolved contaminants off the surface.
They serve as a bridge between pure solvent-based degreasers (like petroleum or chlorinated types) and water-based cleaners, offering high cleaning power with easier rinsing and reduced solvent residue.
⚙️ Definition
An emulsifiable solvent engine degreaser is a semi-solvent, semi-aqueous cleaner formulated with hydrocarbon solvents (often petroleum distillates) and non-ionic or anionic surfactants, designed to form an emulsion with water during rinsing.
When water is added, the mixture turns milky, enabling oil and dirt particles to be suspended and washed away easily.
🧪 Chemical Composition / Ingredients
Typical formulation components include:
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Base Solvent: Light or medium petroleum distillates (e.g., mineral spirits, kerosene, naphtha).
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Emulsifiers / Surfactants: Nonionic surfactants (e.g., ethoxylated alcohols) or anionic surfactants (e.g., sulfonates) for water compatibility.
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Corrosion Inhibitors: Protect metal parts during and after cleaning.
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Additives: Stabilizers, defoamers, or fragrances.
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Optional water (in concentrate form): To pre-dilute for safer handling or ease of rinsing.
Chemical Principle:
When the emulsifiable solvent is applied, it dissolves oil and grease. Upon rinsing with water, surfactants create an oil-in-water emulsion, lifting contaminants off the surface.
⚗️ Properties
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Solvency Power: High — dissolves oils and tar effectively.
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Water Compatibility: Forms a stable emulsion when mixed or rinsed with water.
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Residue-Free: Rinses cleanly without oily film.
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Corrosion Protection: Contains inhibitors for short-term protection after cleaning.
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Moderate Volatility: Slower evaporation than pure solvents.
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Appearance: Clear to slightly cloudy liquid; turns milky upon water contact.
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Odor: Mild petroleum or citrus-like, depending on formulation.
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Biodegradability: Some modern formulations use biodegradable surfactants.
🧰 How It’s Used
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Apply Directly: Spray, brush, or mop onto cool engine surfaces.
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Dwell Time: Let sit for 5–15 minutes to dissolve oil and grease.
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Agitate (if needed): Scrub stubborn deposits with a brush.
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Rinse with Water: Use a low- or medium-pressure water jet; degreaser emulsifies and carries away grime.
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Dry: Allow to air-dry or wipe clean.
Used widely in automotive service centers, industrial maintenance, and equipment cleaning, especially where rinse water disposal systems are available.
🧫 Production and Formulation Notes
Manufacturing involves:
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Selecting appropriate solvents (usually low-aromatic petroleum fractions).
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Mixing with emulsifiers and surfactants under controlled agitation.
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Adding corrosion inhibitors and stabilizers to ensure long-term stability.
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Testing for emulsion stability, cleaning efficiency, pH, and solvent power.
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Packaging in bulk containers or concentrate bottles for dilution before use.
⚠️ Precautions
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Flammable: Contains hydrocarbon solvents—keep away from open flames.
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Skin & Eye Irritation: Avoid prolonged contact; wear gloves and goggles.
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Environmental: Wastewater containing emulsified oil must be disposed of per local regulations.
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Storage: Keep sealed and stored in a cool, dry, ventilated place.
✅ Advantages
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Combines strong solvent cleaning power with easy water rinsing.
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Leaves no greasy residue.
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Economical—often sold as concentrates for dilution.
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Safer than pure aromatic or chlorinated solvent types.
❌ Disadvantages
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Flammable, depending on solvent used.
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May form stable oil-water emulsions that are harder to treat in wastewater.
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Less aggressive on baked-on carbon than aromatic or chlorinated types.
