Safic Features Premium Degreaser in the African Cleaning Review

SAF-POWER is a versatile, highly concentrated degreaser for effective cleaning of almost any surface.

SAF-POWER is based on a balance of biodegradable, non-ionic and anionic surfactants, coupling agents, chelating and soil suspending inorganics. SAF-POWER contains a special sodium salt, which improves the products effectiveness over a wide range of applications as an anionic surfactant and as a powerful hydrotrope or solubilizer, especially because of its uniquely high solubility in aqueous solutions and its ability to be successfully blended with solvents like white spirits, or paraffin.

Research on Saf Power

Biodegradability testing on Saf Power

Saf Power has been formulated with the European Union water frame directive in mind that requires that less than 20% of the surfactants remain undegraded in 28 days. Surfactants where chosen that comply with this.

Research has been done at the University of the Witwatersrand under the supervision of Dr Ewa Cukrowska of the department of Environmental Analytical Chemistry that confirms that the surfactants biodegrade as indicated. Less than 15% was not biodegraded by day 28.

The surfactants, when blended together, showed slightly slower degradation. It was found that Saf Power was within the European Union requirements as less than 20% of the Saf Power remained undegraded by day 28.

The research emphasizes, however, the need to analyze the final blended product and not merely claim biodegradability based on the raw material components used as these materials, when blended, may interact in a way that slows the biodegradation process.

Toxicity testing on Saf Power

In order to be used in the Niger Delta, Saf Power had to undergo toxicity testing to ensure that toxicity was below acceptable levels. The Department of Petroleum Resources approved it on the 28th of November 2003. The letter of approval is available on request.

Bioaccumulation

None of the materials used in the manufacture of Saf Power bioaccumulate. No nonyl phenyl ethoxylates are used – this is a very common material used in degreasers and cleaners in South Africa and it bioaccumulates.

Splitting Emulsions

Saf Power was developed to have a quick split emulsion to allow the oil phase to separate quickly after the degreasing process. This allows the oil to be removed leaving more environmentally acceptable wastewater.

Research on Saf Power and our other products is ongoing and as more information becomes available, it will be published. If any of the points above require further discussion please contact doug@safic.co.za and he will gladly assist you.

Lerato Kubuzie

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