Industrial facilities that rely on solvents face a unique set of safety challenges. From flammable vapors and fire hazards to operator exposure and regulatory compliance, managing solvent use safely is a critical responsibility for manufacturers across industries such as flexographic printing, chemicals, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and battery manufacturing.
Modern solvent recovery systems play an increasingly important role in reducing these risks. When designed with safety as a priority, engineered systems help facilities move beyond manual handling and reactive controls toward safer, more controlled operations.
Solvents are essential to many manufacturing processes, but they also introduce inherent risks. Many solvents are flammable, volatile, and hazardous when improperly handled. In busy production environments, even small lapses such as spills, vapor buildup, or inconsistent operating procedures can lead to serious incidents.
Facility safety is not just about protecting assets; it is about safeguarding people, maintaining uptime, and meeting increasingly strict safety and environmental regulations. This is why solvent management strategies must be built around prevention rather than response.
Traditional solvent handling and disposal methods often expose facilities to unnecessary hazards, including:
As solvent volumes increase, these risks multiply, particularly in high-output industrial environments.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical safety requirement, but it is only the last line of defense. Relying solely on PPE places the burden of safety on operators rather than on the process itself.
Engineering controls address hazards at their source. Closed-loop systems, automation, and controlled operating conditions significantly reduce exposure and human error, providing a safer and more reliable approach to solvent management.
Engineered solvent recovery systems are designed to safely separate and reclaim solvents while limiting operator involvement.
These systems help improve facility safety by:
When properly designed, solvent recovery becomes a predictable, repeatable, and safer operation.
Not all solvent recovery systems offer the same level of protection. Safety-focused design features play a critical role in reducing operational risk, including:
These features shift safety from procedural dependence to built-in system protection.
Safety and compliance go hand in hand. Regulations governing flammable liquids, explosive atmospheres, and hazardous waste continue to evolve worldwide.
Certified solvent recovery systems such as ATEX and Class I Division I explosion-proof designs, help facilities meet regulatory requirements while simplifying audits and inspections. Compliance with global electrical and safety standards also supports multi-site and international operations.
Automation is a key driver of safer solvent recovery operations. Automated systems reduce the need for constant operator interaction, minimizing exposure to hazardous materials.
Remote PLC monitoring, alarms, and data logging provide visibility into system performance while enabling proactive maintenance. This not only improves safety but also enhances reliability and process consistency.
Improving safety often delivers sustainability benefits as well. On-site solvent recovery helps facilities:
Safer solvent management supports both environmental responsibility and long-term business resilience.
Maratek takes a Safety-First approach to solvent recovery system design. With decades of experience, Maratek engineers and manufactures custom solvent recycling systems that prioritize:
Maratek’s engineered-to-order systems are deployed globally across a wide range of industries, helping manufacturers improve safety, compliance, and operational performance.
If your facility handles flammable or hazardous solvents, an engineered solvent recycling system can significantly reduce risk, improve compliance, and lower operating costs.
Maratek designs custom solvent recycling systems built for hazardous environments, with safety-driven engineering, advanced automation, and proven performance.
Contact Maratek today to discuss your solvent recycling requirements and learn how a safety-first engineered solution can help you build a safer, more efficient operation. Speak with a Maratek expert about your solvent recycling system.