A Guide to Selecting the Right Solvent Recycling Equipment for Your Business

Selecting the appropriate solvent recycling equipment for your company is a crucial decision that can impact your business. With numerous factors to consider, from volume requirements to safety features, navigating the options can be overwhelming. In this guide, we will help cover the important points to help you make an informed choice for your solvent recycling needs. 

Volume Considerations

Knowing the volume of solvent that your company needs to recycle per week is a fundamental factor in determining the most suitable equipment for your process. For smaller operations, compact units like the Solvent Saver Batch (SSB) offer a practical solution. The SSB models come in the following sizes 8, 16, 32, 48, and 64 gallons. The Solvent Saver Batch Premium (SSBP) is a unit that is more suitable for more complex waste streams and is available in 16, 32, 55, 75, and 110 gallon sizes.

Larger companies with higher recycling volumes typically require high-capacity continuous systems such as Maratek’s Solvent Saver Continuous (SSC) units. These systems can handle outputs of 5 – 100+ gallons per hour and offer comprehensive automation features.

A fractional distillation column can be added to an SSC unit if your solvent stream requires a more complex distillation process. This can be used in situations where the components have similar boiling points or when higher purity is required.

Automation Features

The level of automation required in your solvent recycling process is another crucial consideration. The SSB is a cost-effective solution for companies with simple waste streams that only need minimal automation. In comparison, SSBP units are equipped with high level automation features like various sensors, autofill, touch screen PLC, and ethernet remote access.

SSC units come equipped with advanced automation features such as auto-fill, automatic clean solvent discharge, and automatic waste sludge discharge. These features work together to streamline the recycling process and minimize the need for manual intervention. Additionally, SSC units offer a wider range of automation options, including dual automatic filling, dual container collection, automatic sludge pump out, internal scrapers, and much more. The SSC also comes with remote ethernet or Wi-Fi PLC access with the option to have cellular access.

Do You Require Batch or Continuous Recycling?

Understanding the differences between batch and continuous recycling models is also important for selecting the right equipment. In batch recycling, the operator manually fills the distillation vessel and will need to return after a set period to collect the recovered solvent. Continuous recycling models use automation to fill and empty the unit at the push of a button, streamlining the entire process and enabling continuous operation.

Considering Your Boiling Points

The boiling points of the solvents present in your waste change which features of your recycling unit that you select. Solvents with high boiling points may require the addition of a vacuum to the unit to facilitate separation and recovery. By incorporating vacuum technology into your solvent recycling equipment, you can effectively recover chemicals that would otherwise require higher temperatures for separation at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption, maximizing efficiency, improving yields, and minimizing waste.

Safety Considerations

Prioritizing safety is paramount, which is why Maratek offers a variety of features to assist with safely processing waste containing riskier components such as nitrocellulose. Nitrocellulose is known for its potential to generate heat and release toxic fumes, posing significant safety risks if not handled properly. Choosing solvent recycling equipment equipped with safety features such as auto cooling, vacuum assistance, steel conical walls, and scrapers can mitigate these risks and ensure safe and efficient recycling.

We know that selecting the right solvent recycling equipment requires careful consideration. Maratek will work with you to understand your company's unique needs and prioritize efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. By working with us, you can select equipment that optimizes solvent recycling while minimizing costs and your environmental impact. Our talented sales and engineering team will help you with each step to determine the best solvent recovery system for your application.

Maratek has served industrial manufacturers for over 50 years by providing award-winning solvent recycling and recovery systems. We take pride in providing our customers around the world with high quality, reliable, and environmentally friendly solutions. If you are interested in learning more about our solvent saver series or other equipment solutions contact Maratek today.