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Mechanical
Current Monday morning debate at my plant:
Background: We use MEK as a solvent to activate our vinyl/urethane adhesives in several bonding applications (hand lay-ups) throughout our processes. We also use it as a general solvent in other operations.
Question: Do we need to employ the use of dessicant material in the storage containers (ie 55 drums, 5 gallon pots, and qaurt-sized splash cans)? Is MEK really hydroscopic enough to warrant the expense and hassle of dessicants?
I contend that since it is not part of a controlled process, i.e. not using in measured quantities, the purity or "dryness" if you will is not really an issue. Any H20 adsorbed by the MEK will eventually flash off with the MEK w/o harming the bond strength of our adhesive.
Comments?
Thanks, and regards,
Jamie Gil
Design Engineer
ILC Dover, Inc.
Background: We use MEK as a solvent to activate our vinyl/urethane adhesives in several bonding applications (hand lay-ups) throughout our processes. We also use it as a general solvent in other operations.
Question: Do we need to employ the use of dessicant material in the storage containers (ie 55 drums, 5 gallon pots, and qaurt-sized splash cans)? Is MEK really hydroscopic enough to warrant the expense and hassle of dessicants?
I contend that since it is not part of a controlled process, i.e. not using in measured quantities, the purity or "dryness" if you will is not really an issue. Any H20 adsorbed by the MEK will eventually flash off with the MEK w/o harming the bond strength of our adhesive.
Comments?
Thanks, and regards,
Jamie Gil
Design Engineer
ILC Dover, Inc.