United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air and Energy Engineering
Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Research and Development
EPA/600/SR-95/049
May 1995
EPA Project Summary
SAGE 2.1, Solvent Alternatives
GuidE: User's Guide
Kenneth R. Monroe
This guide provides instruction for
the use of the SAGE (Solvent Alterna-
tives GuidE) software system, version
2.1. SAGE recommends solvent replace-
ments in cleaning and degreasing op-
erations. The system leads the user
through a question-and-answer ses-
sion. The user's responses allow the
system to develop a list of alternative
chemistries and processes. The user
may then review brief descriptions of
the alternatives on the computer
screen. If any of the alternatives are of
interest, the user may request SAGE to
generate a detailed report for each. The
report includes general information,
safety/environmental concerns, indus-
trial case studies for the selected alter-
native, and information on state techni-
cal assistance programs in the user's
geographical location that can provide
additional information.
This Project Summary was developed
by EPA's Air and Energy Engineering
Research Laboratory, Research Tri-
angle Park, NC, to announce the avail-
ability of this manufacturing tool for
the identification of pollution preven-
tion solvent cleaning options. (See
user's guide ordering information at
back.)
Background
In 1992, EPA initiated a program to
assist in the selection of low-polluting in-
dustrial surface cleaning alternatives. The
objective of the program was to make the
identification of cleaning options simple,
yet based on the latest technical and eco-
nomic feasibility information. This objec-
tive could be most easily accomplished,
using a computer-based logic tree format.
The resulting system, called SAGE (Sol-
vent Alternatives GuidE), uses the speed
and capability of the computer to evaluate
a large number of operating parameters
and conditions to identify the most viable
surface cleaning option for many situa-
tions.
The System
SAGE, Version 2.1, is a further enhance-
ment of earlier SAGE versions. It provides
additional substitution options and selec-
tion criteria to make the final determina-
tion easier. SAGE is not a data base; it is
a personal computer (PC)-based logic tree
system that evaluates the user's operat-
ing scenario, then identifies alternative sol-
vent chemistries and processes that best
suit the defined operating and material
requirements. The system asks a series
of questions concerning the user's opera-
tion (e.g., part size, present processing
chemistry, part cost, production rate, and
contaminants or soils). Based on the an-
swers provided, a limited number of rec-
ommended options are shown that repre-
sent the most probable alternate cleaning
chemistries and/or processes. A report is
then generated by SAGE, presenting the
recommended options and important tech-
nical parameters for implementing the op-
tions. The SAGE Version 2.1 system pro-
vides information on environmental con-
siderations to be taken into account, regu-
lations that must be addressed when us-
ing each alternative, safety requirements,
economic considerations, equipment re-
quirements, and other information that
must be considered before implementing
the recommended alternatives. Finally,
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SAGE includes examples of case studies
with a similar operating scenario and re-
quirements.
SAGE is designed for use by both tech-
nical and nontechnical individuals ranging
from shop foremen to government regula-
tory agency personnel. It requires only a
286-level machine and, if a hard-copy re-
port is required, a printer. The SAGE sys-
tem is scheduled for continued upgrade
throughout 1995 and 1996, with semian-
nual release of new versions during this
period. Subsequent versions will incorpo-
rate additional substrate cleaning require-
ments and additional technical data. Fur-
ther, a process and facility design capabil-
ity, an economic and cost projection ca-
pability, and a summary of regulations by
state will be incorporated and continually
improved as data are acquired.
While the final selection of a process
alternative must ultimately be made by
the user, SAGE can provide the user with
the information needed to make that
choice. For more information on SAGE,
call the EPA Control Technology Center
at (919) 541-0800.
Kenneth R. Monroe is with Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC
27709.
Charles H. Darvin is the EPA Project Officer (see below).
The complete report, entitled "SAGE 2.1, Solvent Alternatives GuidE: User's
Guide," (OrderNo. PB95-503207, includes the diskette; Cost: $90.00, subject to
change) will be available only from:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
Telephone: 703-487-4650
The EPA Project Officer can be contacted at:
Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
United States
Environmental Protection Agency
Center for Environmental Research Information
Cincinnati, OH 45268
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
BULK RATE
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
EPA
PERMIT No. G-35
EPA/600/SR-95/049
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