STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

OFFICE OF AIR RESOURCES

AIR POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATION NO. 36

CONTROL OF EMISSIONS

FROM ORGANIC SOLVENT CLEANING

Effective 8 April 1996

Last Amended 19 July 2007

AUTHORITY: These regulations are authorized pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-

17.1-2(s) and 23-23, as amended, and have been promulgated pursuant to the 

procedures set forth in the R.I. Administrative Procedures Act, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 

42-35.
RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

OFFICE OF AIR RESOURCES

AIR POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATION NO. 36

CONTROL OF EMISSIONS 

FROM ORGANIC SOLVENT CLEANING 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

36.1 Definitions ...................................................................................................................................................1

36.2 Applicability ................................................................................................................................................4

36.3 Compliance Schedule...................................................................................................................................5

36.4 General Requirements..................................................................................................................................5

36.5 Requirements for Batch Cold Cleaning Operations.....................................................................................6

36.6 Requirements for Batch Vapor Cleaning Operations With Solvent/Air Interfaces......................................7

36.7 Requirements for In-line Cleaning Operations...........................................................................................10

36.8 Requirements for Batch Vapor Cleaning Operations Without Solvent/Air Interfaces...............................12

36.9 Compliance Specifications and Monitoring Requirements........................................................................14

36.10 Recordkeeping ...........................................................................................................................................17

36.11 Reporting Requirements ............................................................................................................................18

36.12 Exemption from Automated Parts Handling System Requirement ..........................................................23

36.13 General Provisions.....................................................................................................................................25
Appendix A................................................................................................................................................27

Answers .....................................................................................................................................................30
Page 1 of 30

RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

OFFICE OF AIR RESOURCES

AIR POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATION NO. 36

CONTROL OF EMISSIONS FROM ORGANIC SOLVENT CLEANING

36. Control of Emissions from Organic Solvent Cleaning

36.1 Definitions 

Unless otherwise expressly defined in this section, the terms used in this 

regulation shall be defined by reference to the Rhode Island Air Pollution Control 

General Definitions Regulation. As used in this regulation, the following terms 

shall, where the context permits, be construed as follows:

36.1.1 "Air Blanket" means the layer of air inside a solvent cleaning machine 

above the solvent/air interface. The centroid of the air blanket is 

equidistant from the sides of the machine.

36.1.2 "Automated Parts Handling System" means a mechanical 

device that carries all parts and parts baskets through the cleaning 

cycle at a controlled speed from the initial loading of contaminated 

or wet partscold cleanivng through the removal of the cleaned or 

dried parts. Automated parts handling systems include, but are not 

limited to, hoists and conveyors.

36.1.3 "Batch Cleaning" means the process in which individual parts or 

a set of parts move through an entire cleaning cycle before new 

parts are introduced into the solvent cleaning machine.

36.1.4 "Carbon Adsorber" means a bed of activated carbon which 

adsorbs solvent from an air-solvent gas-vapor stream.

36.1.5 "Clean Liquid Solvent" means fresh unused solvent, recycled 

solvent, or used solvent that has been cleaned of contaminants 

(e.g., skimmed of oils or sludge and strained of metal chips).

36.1.6 "Cleaning Capacity" means, for a cleaning machine without a 

solvent/air interface, the maximum volume of parts that can be 

cleaned at one time. In most cases, the cleaning capacity is equal 

to the volume (length times width times height) of the cleaning 

chamber.
Page 2 of 30

36.1.7 "Cold Cleaning" means an organic solvent cleaning process 

which cleans and removes contaminants or water from surfaces by

spraying, brushing, flushing, immersing, or drying parts. Cleaning 

machines that use heated, nonboiling solvent to clean the parts are 

classified as cold cleaning machines. Wipe cleaning is not 

included in this definition. 

36.1.8 "Dwell" means the technique of holding parts within the freeboard 

zone but above the vapor zone of the solvent cleaning machine. 

Dwell is used after cleaning to allow solvent to drain from parts or 

parts baskets back into the solvent cleaning machine.

36.1.9 "Dwell Time" is the amount of time that a part dwells in the 

freeboard zone of the solvent cleaning machine.

36.1.10 "Emission" means the release or discharge, directly or indirectly, 

of one or more air pollutants into the air.

36.1.11 "Freeboard Height" means; for a batch cleaning machine, the 

distance from the solvent/air interface, measured during the idling 

mode, to the top of the cleaning machine; for an in-line cleaning 

machine, it is the distance from the solvent/air interface to the 

bottom of the entrance or exit opening, whichever is lower, as 

measured during the idling mode.

36.1.12 "Freeboard Ratio" means the freeboard height divided by the 

width of the smaller interior dimension of the organic solvent 

cleaning machine.

36.1.13 "Freeboard Zone" means; for a batch cleaning machine, the zone 

within the solvent cleaning machine that extends from the 

solvent/air interface to the top of the solvent cleaning machine; for 

an in-line cleaning machine, it is the zone within the solvent 

cleaning machine that extends from the solvent/air interface to the 

bottom of the entrance or exit opening, whichever is lower.

36.1.14 "Hazardous Air Pollutant" means any pollutant which has been 

listed pursuant to Section 112(b) of the Clean Air Act 

Amendments of 1990 or which is listed in Table 1 of Rhode Island 

Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 22.

36.1.15 "Idling Mode" means the time period when a solvent cleaning 

machine is not actively cleaning parts and the sump heating coils, 

if present, are turned on.
Page 3 of 30

36.1.16 "In-line Cleaning" means an organic solvent cleaning machine 

that uses an automated parts handling system, typically a

conveyor,to automatically provide a continuous supply of parts to 

be cleaned. These units are fully enclosed except for the conveyor 

inlet and exit openings. In-line cleaning machines can be either 

cold or vapor cleaning machines.

36.1.17 "Leakproof Coupling" means a threaded or other type of 

coupling that prevents solvents from leaking while filling or 

draining solvent to and from the solvent cleaning machine.

36.1.18 "Lip Exhaust" means a device installed at the top of the opening 

of a solvent cleaning machine that draws air and solvent vapor 

from the freeboard zone and removes the air and vapor from the 

solvent cleaning area.

36.1.19 "Organic Solvent Cleaning" means the process of cleaning 

contaminants or water from surfaces by cold cleaning or vapor cleaning 

using Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) or volatile Hazardous Air 

Pollutants.

36.1.20 "Primary Condenser" means a series of cooling coils on a vapor 

cleaning machine through which a chilled substance is circulated to 

provide continuous condensation of rising solvent vapors and, 

thereby, create a concentrated solvent vapor zone.

36.1.21 "Refrigerated Freeboard Chiller" means a control device 

mounted above the primary condenser coils consisting of 

secondary coils which carry a refrigerant to provide a chilled air 

blanket above the solvent vapor to reduce emissions from the 

solvent cleaning machine.

36.1.22 "Remote-Reservoir Cold Cleaning" means cold cleaning using 

equipment which pumps liquid solvent to a sink-like work area and 

then drains the solvent back into an enclosed container while parts 

are being cleaned, allowing no solvent to pool in the work area.

36.1.23 "Solvent/Air Interface" means, for a vapor cleaning machine, the 

location of contact between the concentrated solvent vapor layer 

and the air. If this location cannot be determined, it is assumed to 

be at the mid-line height of the primary condenser coils. For a cold 

cleaning machine, it is the location of contact between the liquid 

solvent and the air.

36.1.24 "Solvent Cleaning Machine" means any device or piece of 
Page 4 of 30

equipment that uses solvent liquid or vapor to remove 

contaminants from the surfaces of materials. Types of solvent 

cleaning machines include, but are not limited to, batch vapor, 

in-line vapor, in-line cold, and batch cold solvent cleaning 

machines.

36.1.25 "Solvent Vapor Zone" means; for a vapor cleaning machine, the 

zone that extends from the liquid solvent surface to the level that 

solvent vapor is condensed. This condensation level is defined as 

the midline height of the primary condenser coils.

36.1.26 "Sump" means the part of a solvent cleaning machine where the 

liquid solvent is located.

36.1.27 "Superheated Vapor System" means a system that heats solvent 

vapor to a temperature above the solvent's boiling point. Parts are 

held (dwell) in the superheated vapor to evaporate the liquid 

solvent on them before exiting the machine. Hot vapor recycle is 

an example of a superheated vapor system.

36.1.28 "Vapor Cleaning" means an organic solvent cleaning process in 

which contaminants or water are cleaned and removed from 

surfaces by condensing hot solvent vapor on the colder pieces. 

This definition includes vapor degreasing and drying.

36.1.29 "Working Mode" means the time period when the solvent 

cleaning machine is actively cleaning parts.

36.2 Applicability

36.2.1 The provisions of this regulation apply to any person who owns, leases, operates, 

or controls an organic solvent cleaning machine.

36.2.2 Wherever the term "Volatile Organic Compound" or "VOC" appears in 

Subsection 36.1.18 or Sections 36.2 through 36.12, read this to mean "Volatile 

Organic Compounds and Halogenated Organic Compounds" or "VOC and HOC".

36.2.3 The requirements in this regulation supersede the requirements in Air Pollution 

Control Regulation No. 18, entitled "Control of Emissions from Organic Solvent 

Cleaning". A facility must continue to comply with Regulation No. 18 until the 

applicable compliance date for the provisions of this regulation, as specified in 

Section 36.3.
Page 5 of 30

36.3 Compliance Schedule

Compliance with the provisions of this regulation shall be achieved by the following 

dates:

(a) Solvent cleaning machines that commenced construction or reconstruction 

before November 29, 1993, shall achieve compliance with this regulation 

by January 1, 1997.

(b) Solvent cleaning machines that commenced construction or reconstruction 

on or after November 29, 1993, shall achieve compliance with this 

regulation immediately upon startup or by April 8, 1996, whichever is 

later.

36.4 General Requirements

36.4.1 Equipment covers and dipping or rotating baskets must be constructed of 

nonporous or nonabsorbent material. Covers must form a tight seal with the sides 

of the solvent cleaning machine and have no gaps or holes.

36.4.2 When the solvent cleaning machine cover is open, drafts at the same elevation as 

the tank lip must not be greater than 40 m/min. (130 ft/min.) when measured 1 to 

2 meters (3 to 7 feet) upwind.

36.4.3 Leaks must be repaired immediately or the solvent cleaning unit shut down.

36.4.4 Equipment used in solvent cleaning must display a conspicuous summary of 

proper operating procedures consistent with minimizing emissions of organic 

solvents.

36.4.5 Any solvent spray must be a solid, fluid stream which is delivered at a pressure no 

greater than 10 pounds per square inch (psi) and which does not cause excessive 

splashing.

36.4.6 Spills shall be wiped up immediately. The wipe rags shall be stored in covered 

containers meeting the specifications in Subsection 36.4.12.

36.4.7 No porous or absorbent materials, such as sponges, fabrics, wood, or paper 

products, shall be cleaned in an organic cleaning machine.

36.4.8 Parts baskets or parts shall be drained under the cover and shall not be removed 

from the cleaning machine for at least 15 seconds or until dripping ceases and the 

pieces are visually dry, whichever is longer.

36.4.9 Parts having cavities or blind holes shall be tipped or rotated while draining 
Page 6 of 30

before being removed from the vapor zone.

36.4.10 Parts shall be oriented for best drainage.

36.4.11 When solvent is added to or drained from a solvent cleaning machine, the solvent 

shall be transferred using threaded or other leakproof couplings and the end of the 

pipe in the solvent sump shall be located beneath the liquid solvent surface.

36.4.12 Solvent, waste solvent, still bottoms, and sump bottoms must be stored in 

covered containers and waste solvent transferral or disposal must allow less than 

20 percent of the waste solvent (by weight) to evaporate into the atmosphere.

36.4.13 Each solvent cleaning machine and related air pollution control equipment shall 

be maintained as recommended by the manufacturer of the equipment.

36.4.14 Operators must receive training in proper solvent cleaning procedures and, if 

requested by representatives of the Department or the EPA during an inspection, 

must complete and pass the applicable sections of the test on those procedures in 

Appendix A.

36.5 Requirements for Batch Cold Cleaning Operations

36.5.1 Cleaning machines shall be equipped with an attached cover that can be operated 

easily with one hand. Covers must be closed at all times except during parts entry

and removal. If the cold cleaning machine is equipped with a lip exhaust, the 

cover shall be located below the lip exhaust.

36.5.2 The solvent sump of a remote-reservoir batch cold cleaning machine must be 

equipped with a tight fitting cover that is kept closed at all times except during the 

cleaning of parts.

36.5.3 One of the following techniques shall be used to control solvent emissions from 

batch cold cleaning operations:

(a) A freeboard ratio greater than or equal to 0.75; or

(b) Water cover of at least four inches in depth if the solvent is insoluble in 

and heavier than water; or

(c) Another system of equivalent control that is approved by the Director and 

the EPA. Requests for equivalency determinations for control of cleaning 

machines installed before November 29, 1993 must be submitted no later 

than June 3, 1996. Requests for equivalency determinations for control of 

cleaning machines installed on or after November 29, 1993 must be 

submitted and approved prior to startup of the cleaning machine. Requests 
Page 7 of 30

shall include the following information:

(1) A complete description of process and control equipment;

(2) Testing procedures that will be used to demonstrate equivalency; 

and

(3) The date, time and location of the equivalency test.

36.5.4 If a flexible hose or flushing device is used, flushing shall be performed only

within the freeboard zone of the cold cleaning machine.

36.5.5 When an air- or pump-agitated solvent bath is used, the agitator shall be operated 

so that a rolling motion of the solvent is produced and splashing against the tank 

or parts being cleaned does not occur.

36.5.6 The height of solvent in a batch cold cleaner shall not exceed the manufacturer's 

fill-line for that machine.

36.6 Requirements for Batch Vapor Cleaning Operations With Solvent/Air Interfaces

36.6.1 Vapor cleaning machines shall be equipped with a cover that can be easily

operated without disturbing the vapor zone and that is attached to the vapor 

cleaning machine. Covers must be closed at all times except during parts entry

and removal. If the batch vapor cleaning machine is equipped with a lip exhaust, 

the cover must be located below the lip exhaust.

36.6.2 Each vapor cleaning machine shall be equipped with a primary condenser.

36.6.3 Each vapor cleaning machine, except those exempted as specified in Section 

36.12, which uses a solvent containing trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, 1,1,1-

trichloroethane, methylene chloride, chloroform, or carbon tetrachloride shall be 

equipped with an automated parts handling system, such as, but not limited to, a 

hoist or conveyor, that maintains a vertical conveyor speed of less than 2 inches 

per second (10 feet per minute).

36.6.4 Each vapor cleaning machine must be equipped with the following safety

switches:

(a) A condenser flow switch and thermostat to shut off the heat to the solvent 

if the condenser coolant is not circulating; and

(b) A vapor level control thermostat to shut off the heat when the vapor level 

rises above the height of the primary cooling coils; and
Page 8 of 30

(c) If the cleaning machine is equipped with a spray apparatus, a spray safety

switch to shut off the spray pump if the vapor level drops more than 4 

inches (10 cm) from the bottom of the primary condenser coil and to 

prevent spraying outside the vapor level; and

(d) A low solvent level safety switch to shut off the heating element if it 

should become exposed.

36.6.5 Each vapor cleaning machine shall have a freeboard ratio of at least 0.75.

36.6.6 Any vapor cleaning machine that has a solvent/air interface of 13 square feet (1.21 

square meters) or less and uses a solvent containing trichloroethylene, 

perchloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, methylene chloride, chloroform, or 

carbon tetrachloride must be equipped with one of the following control 

combinations:

(a) Refrigerated freeboard chiller and superheated vapor system; or

(b) Refrigerated freeboard chiller and freeboard ratio of at least 1.0; or

(c) Refrigerated freeboard chiller and carbon adsorber; or

(d) Refrigerated freeboard chiller and dwell; or

(e) Another system of equivalent control that is approved by the Director and 

the EPA. Requests for equivalency determinations for control of cleaning 

machines installed before November 29, 1993 must be submitted no later 

than June 3, 1996. Requests for equivalency determinations for control of 

cleaning machines installed on or after November 29, 1993 must be 

submitted and approved prior to startup of the cleaning machine. Requests 

shall include the following information:

(1) A complete description of process and control equipment;

(2) Testing procedures that will be used to demonstrate equivalency; 

and

(3) The date, time and location of the equivalency test.

36.6.7 Any vapor cleaning machine that has a solvent/air interface of greater than 13 

square feet (1.21 square meters) and uses a solvent containing trichloroethylene, 

perchloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, methylene chloride, chloroform, or 

carbon tetrachloride must be equipped with one of the following control 

combinations:
Page 9 of 30

(a) Refrigerated freeboard chiller, freeboard ratio of at least 1.0, and 

superheated vapor system; or

(b) Refrigerated freeboard chiller, superheated vapor system, and carbon 

adsorber; or

(c) Another system of equivalent control that is approved by the Director and 

the EPA. Requests for equivalency determinations for control of cleaning 

machines installed before November 29, 1993 must be submitted no later 

than June 3, 1996. Requests for equivalency determinations for control of 

cleaning machines installed on or after November 29, 1993 must be 

submitted and approved prior to startup of the cleaning machine. Requests 

shall include the following information:

(1) A complete description of process and control equipment;

(2) Testing procedures that will be used to demonstrate equivalency; 

and

(3) The date, time and location of the equivalency test.

36.6.8 Pieces shall be held in the vapor zone for at least 30 seconds or until condensation 

ceases, whichever is longer.

36.6.9 The workload shall not occupy more than half of the cleaning machine's open top 

area.

36.6.10 The vapor level shall not rise or drop more than 4 inches (10 cm) when the 

workload enters or is removed from the vapor zone.

36.6.11 Sprays shall be used only within the vapor zone.

36.6.12 Cleaning machines shall be operated so that water cannot be visually detected in 

the solvent exiting the water separator.

36.6.13 Each cleaning machine that uses a lip exhaust shall be designed and operated to 

route all collected solvent vapors through a properly operated and maintained 

carbon adsorber that meets the requirements of Subsection 36.9.5.

36.6.14 The exhaust ventilation rate shall not exceed 20 m3/min per m2(65 cfm per ft2) 

of solvent/air interface, unless necessary to meet OSHA requirements. If a carbon 

adsorber is used to meet the requirements of Subsection 36.6.6 or 36.6.7, the 

exhaust ventilation rate shall be at least 15 m3/min per m

2

(50 cfm per ft2) of 

solvent/air interface.
Page 10 of 30

36.6.15 During startup of each vapor cleaning machine, the primary condenser shall be 

turned on before the sump heater.

36.6.16 During shutdown of each vapor cleaning machine, the sump heater shall be 

turned off and the solvent vapor layer allowed to collapse before the primary

condenser is turned off.

36.6.17 To minimize solvent carry-out, pieces shall be removed from the vapor cleaning 

machine at a rate less than 2 inches per second (10 feet per minute).

36.7 Requirements for In-line Cleaning Operations

36.7.1 Cleaning machines must be equipped with covers that completely cover machine 

openings. Covers must be in place at all times when the conveyors and exhausts 

are not being operated. If the cleaning machine is equipped with a lip exhaust, the 

cover must be located below the lip exhaust.

36.7.2 Each in-line vapor cleaning machine shall have a primary condenser.

36.7.3 The automated parts handling system shall move parts at a speed of no more than 

2 inches per second (10 feet per minute).

36.7.4 The following safety switches must be installed and operated:

(a) A condenser flow switch to shut off the heat if the condenser coolant is not 

circulating; and

(b) A vapor level control thermostat to shut off the heat when the vapor level 

rises above the height of the primary cooling coils; and

(c) If the cleaning machine is equipped with a spray apparatus, a spray safety

switch to shut off the spray pump or conveyor if the vapor level drops 

more than 4 inches (10 cm) from the bottom of the primary condenser coil 

and to prevent spraying outside the vapor level; and

(d) A low solvent level safety switch to shut off the heating element if it 

should become exposed.

36.7.5 Each in-line cleaning machine shall have a freeboard ratio of at least 0.75.

36.7.6 Each in-line cleaning machine must be equipped with a drying tunnel, a rotating 

(tumbling) basket, or another device that prevents cleaned pieces from carrying 

solvent liquid or vapor out of the unit.

36.7.7 Any in-line cleaning machine installed before November 29, 1993 must be 
Page 11 of 30

equipped with one of the following control combinations:

(a) Refrigerated freeboard chiller and freeboard ratio of at least 1.0; or

(b) Refrigerated freeboard chiller and dwell; or

(c) Carbon adsorber and dwell; or

(d) Another system of equivalent control system that is approved by the 

Director and the EPA. Requests for equivalency determinations must be 

submitted no later than June 3, 1996. Requests shall include the following 

information:

(1) A complete description of process and control equipment;

(2) Testing procedures that will be used to demonstrate equivalency; 

and

(3) The date, time and location of the equivalency test.

36.7.8 Any in-line cleaning machine installed on or after November 29, 1993 must be 

equipped with and operate one of the following control combinations:

(a) Refrigerated freeboard chiller and a superheated vapor system; or

(b) Refrigerated freeboard chiller and carbon adsorber; or

(c) Another system of equivalent control that is approved by the Director and 

the EPA. Requests for equivalency determinations for control of cleaning 

machines installed on or after November 29, 1993 must be submitted and 

approved prior to startup of the cleaning machine. Requests shall include 

the following information:

(1) A complete description of process and control equipment;

(2) Testing procedures that will be used to demonstrate equivalency; 

and

(3) The date, time and location of the equivalency test.

36.7.9 The size of entrance and exit openings shall be minimized so that there is a 

clearance of no more than four inches on each side between the largest piece 

cleaned and the edges of the opening of the cleaning machine.

36.7.10 Each in-line cleaning machine that uses a lip exhaust shall be designed and 
Page 12 of 30

operated to route all collected solvent vapors through a properly operated and 

maintained carbon adsorber that meets the requirements of Subsection 36.9.5.

36.7.11 The exhaust ventilation rate shall not exceed 20 m3/min per m2(65 cfm per ft2) of 

solvent/air interface, unless necessary to meet OSHA requirements. If a carbon 

adsorber is used to meet the requirements of Subsection 36.7.7 or 36.7.8, the 

exhaust ventilation rate shall be at least 15 m3/min per m2(50 cfm per ft2) of 

solvent/air interface.

36.7.12 The cleaning machine shall be operated so that water cannot be visually detected 

in the solvent exiting the water separator.

36.7.13 During startup of each vapor in-line cleaning machine, the primary condenser 

shall be turned on before the sump heater.

36.7.14 During shutdown of each vapor in-line cleaning machine, the sump heater shall 

be turned off and the solvent vapor layer allowed to collapse before the primary

condenser is turned off.

36.7.15 Any spraying operations shall be done only within the vapor zone or within a 

section of the in-line cleaning machine that is not directly exposed to the room air.

36.8 Requirements for Batch Vapor Cleaning Operations Without Solvent/Air Interfaces

The owner or operator of a batch vapor cleaning machine which does not have a 

solvent/air interface must comply with the requirements specified below.

36.8.1 A log of solvent additions and deletions shall be maintained for each cleaning 

machine.

36.8.2 Solvent emissions from each cleaning machine which does not have a solvent/air 

interface shall not exceed the amount calculated using Equation 1:

EL = 85.5 * (Vol)0.6 Equation 1

Where:

EL = the average monthly emission limit for any three month period 

(pounds/month)

Vol = the cleaning capacity (volume) of the cleaning machine 

(cubic feet)

36.8.3 The owner or operator of a batch vapor cleaning machine that does not have a 

solvent/air interface shall demonstrate compliance with the emission limit 
Page 13 of 30

calculated with Equation 1 on the first operating day of every month using the 

following procedure:

(a) A fill-line must be marked on the first month the measurements are taken. 

Solvent shall be added to bring the level to the same fill-line on the first 

operating day of each month thereafter; and

(b) Confirm that only clean liquid solvent is in the vapor cleaning machine; 

and

(c) Using the records of solvent additions and deletions for the previous 

month required in Subsection 36.8.1 and Equation 2, determine monthly

solvent emissions:

E = SA - LSR - SSR Equation 2

Where:

E = the total solvent emissions for the previous month (pounds)

SA = the total amount of solvent added to the cleaning machine during the 

previous month (pounds)

LSR = the total amount of liquid solvent removed from the 

cleaning machine during the previous month (pounds)

SSR = the total amount of solid waste removed from the cleaning 

machine during the previous month (pounds)

(d) The SSR should be determined using either engineering calculations or 

EPA reference method 25d.

(e) The average monthly emissions for the previous three month period shall 

be calculated according to Equation 3:

E3-month = E1+ E2 + E3 Equation 3 

3

Where:

E3-month = average monthly solvent emissions during the previous three 

month period

E1, E2, E3 = solvent emissions for each of the three most recent months, 

calculated using Equation 2.
Page 14 of 30

(f) The cleaning machine is in compliance with the average monthly emission 

limit if E3-month, calculated using Equation 3, is less than or equal to EL, 

calculated according to Equation 1.

36.9 Compliance Specifications and Monitoring Requirements

The owner or operator of a solvent cleaning machine shall monitor the following 

parameters and record the results:

36.9.1 The cover of each batch vapor or in-line cleaning machine shall be visually

inspected monthly to confirm that it is opening and closing properly, that it 

completely covers the cleaning machine's openings when closed, and that it is free 

of cracks, holes, and other defects.

36.9.2 The speed of automated parts handling systems shall be monitored according to 

the following specifications:

(a) Determine the speed by measuring the time it takes for the conveyor to 

travel a measured distance. The speed is the distance in inches divided by

the time in seconds, or the distance in feet divided by the time in minutes; 

and

(b) Monitoring shall be performed on a monthly basis. If no exceedances of 

the speed requirements specified in Subsection 36.6.3 and 36.7.3 occur in 

a year, then future hoist speed monitoring may be conducted on a quarterly

basis; and

(c) If a speed greater than that specified in Subsections 36.6.3 and 36.7.3 is 

measured, the automated parts handling system must be adjusted so that 

this specification is met; and

(d) If a speed greater than that specified in Subsections 36.6.3 and 36.7.3 is 

measured while monitoring is being conducted on a quarterly basis, then 

monthly monitoring must be resumed until another year passes without 

any exceedances.

36.9.3 If a refrigerated freeboard chiller is used, the temperature at the coldest point of 

the centroid of the chilled air blanket shall be no greater than 30% of the solvent's 

boiling point, measured in oF, and shall be monitored weekly according to the 

following specifications:

(a) The temperature shall be monitored while the batch vapor or in-line 

cleaning machine is operating in the idling mode; and
Page 15 of 30

(b) A thermometer or thermocouple shall be used to measure the temperature 

at the centroid of the air blanket; and

(c) If the temperature at the coldest point of the centroid of the air blanket 

exceeds 30% of the solvent's boiling point, measured in oF, the chiller 

shall be adjusted so that this specification is met.

36.9.4 If a superheated vapor system is used, the temperature of the solvent vapor at the 

centroid of the superheated vapor zone shall be maintained at least 10EF above 

the solvent's boiling point and shall be monitored weekly according to the 

following specifications:

(a) The temperature shall be monitored while the batch vapor or in-line 

cleaning machine is operating in the idling mode; and

(b) A thermometer or thermocouple shall be used to measure the temperature 

at the centroid of the superheated solvent vapor zone; and

(c) If the temperature at the centroid of the air blanket is less than 10EF above 

the solvent's boiling point, the system shall be adjusted so that this 

specification is met.

36.9.5 If a carbon adsorber is used, the concentration of solvent in the exhaust shall not 

exceed 25 ppm. Compliance with this requirement shall be determined using the 

following methods:

(a) Within 60 days of initial startup of the carbon adsorber, the solvent 

concentration in the carbon adsorber exhaust shall be tested using EPA 

Test Method 25. Each test shall consist of 3 separate one-hour samples, 

and the arithmetic mean shall be used to determine initial compliance. 

The results shall be reported to the Office of Air Resources within 60 days 

of the test.

(b) Continuing compliance shall be determined weekly using the following 

procedure:

(1) The concentration of solvent in the exhaust shall be measured 

while the cleaning machine is in the working mode and is 

exhausting to the carbon adsorber; and

(2) An easily accessible sampling port shall be provided that is located 

on the exhaust outlet at least 8 stack or duct diameters downstream 

and 2 stack or duct diameters upstream of any flow disturbance 

such as a bend, expansion, contraction, or outlet. The sampling 

port must not be downstream of any other inlet; and
Page 16 of 30

(3) Solvent concentration shall be measured at the sampling port using 

a colorimetric detector tube capable of detecting 25 ppm with an 

accuracy of + 25% or better; and

(4) Colorimetric detector tubes must be used according to the 

manufacturer's instructions; and

(5) If the carbon adsorber's exhaust exceeds 25 ppm then the 

desorption cycle shall be adjusted or the carbon canister replaced in 

order to bring the exhaust concentration below 25 ppm; and

(6) If desorption of the carbon adsorber is required, the carbon 

adsorber shall not be bypassed during the desorption cycle.

36.9.6 If dwell or a superheated vapor system is used, the actual dwell time shall not 

exceed the minimum dwell time. Minimum and actual dwell time shall be 

determined using the following procedures:

(a) For units without a superheated vapor system, the minimum dwell time 

shall be determined for each part type or parts basket or for the most 

complex part type or parts basket using the following procedure:

(1) Determine the amount of time necessary for the part or parts basket 

to cease dripping once placed in the vapor zone. The part or parts 

basket used for this determination must be at room temperature 

when placed in the vapor zone; and

(2) The minimum dwell time required for parts to remain in the 

freeboard zone above the vapor zone is calculated as 35 percent of 

the time determined in Paragraph (a)(1) of this subsection.

(b) The minimum dwell time for a cleaning machine equipped with a 

superheated vapor system shall be determined according to the 

specifications of the manufacturer of the control equipment; and

(c) On a monthly basis, the actual dwell time that parts are held in the 

freeboard zone above the vapor zone shall be measured; and

(d) If the actual dwell time is less than the minimum dwell time determined 

using the applicable procedure in Paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection 

for a particular part or parts basket, the automatic parts handling system 

must be adjusted so that this specification is met.

36.9.7 Safety switches must be tested semiannually.
Page 17 of 30

36.9.8 Alternative monitoring procedures may be used if approved by the Director and 

the EPA.

36.10 Recordkeeping

36.10.1 The owner or operator of a batch vapor or in-line organic cleaning machine shall 

maintain the following records for the lifetime of the cleaning unit:

(a) Owner's manuals or written maintenance and operating procedures for the 

cleaning machine and air pollution control equipment; and

(b) Date of installation of the cleaning machine and its control devices; and

(c) Records of the content of each solvent used in the cleaning machine; and

(d) If dwell or superheated vapor is used, the minimum dwell times 

determined using the procedures specified in Paragraph (a) or (b) of 

Subsection 36.9.6; and

(e) Records of training provided to solvent cleaning machine operators.

36.10.2 The owner or operator of a batch vapor or in-line organic cleaning 

machine shall maintain the following records for a period of five years:

(a) Amount and type of solvent used in each cleaning machine each 

year; and

(b) Results of monitoring required under Section 36.9; and

(c) Information on the actions taken to comply with Subsections 

36.9.2(c), 36.9.3(c), 36.9.4(c), 36.9.5(b)(5), and 36.9.6(d). This 

includes records of written or verbal orders for replacement parts, a 

description of the repairs made, and the additional monitoring 

conducted to demonstrate that monitored parameters have returned 

to acceptable levels; and

(d) The dates that carbon adsorber beds are desorbed; and

(e) The dates that the carbon adsorber bed is changed; and

(f) The date and type of each equipment malfunction (or leak) and the 

date it is repaired; and

(g) If any safety switches are activated, the date and the reason why the 
Page 18 of 30

switch was triggered; 

(h) The results of semiannual safety switch tests; and

(i) For batch vapor machines which have been exempted from the 

automated parts handling system requirements of Subsection 

36.6.3, a log of additions and deletions of solvent from the 

exempted vapor cleaning machine, as required in Subsection 

36.12.4. 

36.10.3 The owner or operator of a batch vapor cleaning machine without a 

solvent/air interface complying with the emission limits in Section 36.8 

must maintain the following records for five years:

(a) A log of solvent additions and deletions, as required in Subsection 

36.8.1; and

(b) Monthly emissions, average monthly emissions for each 3 month 

period, and the calculations of those values according to the 

procedure specified in Subsection 36.8.3; and

(c) The amount of solvent in the solid waste removed from the 

cleaning machine, calculated using the procedure specified in 

Subsection 36.8.3(d); and

(d) The method used to determine the cleaning capacity of the cleaning 

machine.

36.10.4 The owner or operator of a batch cold cleaning machine shall maintain 

records of training provided to cleaning machine operators for the lifetime 

of the unit and shall maintain the following records for a period of five 

years:

(a) Amount and type of solvent used in each cleaning machine each 

year and

(b) The date and type of each equipment malfunction (or leak) and the 

date it is repaired.

36.10.5 All records specified in Subsections 36.10.1 through 36.10.4 shall be made 

available to the Department or the EPA for inspection upon request.

36.11 Reporting Requirements

36.11.1 Initial Notification Report
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(a) The owner or operator of an organic solvent cleaning machine 

installed before November 29, 1993 that uses a solvent containing 

trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 

methylene chloride, chloroform, or carbon tetrachloride must 

submit an Initial Notification Report to the Division no later than 

August 29, 1995. This report must include the following 

information:

(1) The name and address of owner or operator; and

(2) The address of the solvent cleaning machine(s); and

(3) The type of the solvent cleaning machine (cold, batch 

vapor, or in-line), the area of the solvent/air interface, and 

the type of existing controls; and

(4) The date of installation of the solvent cleaning machine(s) 

and related control devices. If the dates of installation are 

not known a letter certifying that installation was prior to, 

or after, November 29, 1993 is acceptable; and

(5) The anticipated compliance approach for each solvent 

degreaser; and

(6) An estimate of the amount of solvent used annually in each 

solvent cleaning machine.

(b) The owner or operator of an organic solvent cleaning machine 

installed on or after November 29, 1993 that uses a solvent 

containing trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, 1,1,1-

trichloroethane, methylene chloride, chloroform, or carbon 

tetrachloride must submit an Initial Notification Report to the 

Division 120 days before startup of the cleaning machine or by

January 31, 1995, whichever is later. This report must include the 

following information:

(1) The name and address of owner or operator; and

(2) The address of the solvent cleaning machine(s); and

(3) The type of solvent cleaning machine (cold, batch vapor, or 

in-line), the solvent/air interface area, and the type of 

existing controls; and
Page 20 of 30

(4) The facility's anticipated compliance approach for each 

solvent cleaning machine; and

(5) The expected commencement date of the construction or 

reconstruction; and

(6) The expected completion date of the construction or 

reconstruction; and

(7) The anticipated date of startup of the solvent cleaning 

machine; and

(8) An estimate of the amount of solvent which will be used 

annually in each solvent cleaning machine.

36.11.2 Compliance Notification Report

(a) The owner or operator of an organic solvent cleaning machine 

installed before November 29, 1993 must submit a Compliance 

Notification Report to the Division no later than March 1, 1997. 

Compliance Notification Reports for organic solvent cleaning 

machines installed on or after November 29, 1993 must be 

submitted no more than 60 days after startup of the cleaning 

machine or by June 7, 1996, whichever is later. 

(b) Compliance Notification Reports shall contain the following 

information:

(1) The name and address of the owner or operator; and

(2) The address of the solvent cleaning machine; and

(3) A statement, signed by the owner or operator, stating that 

each cleaning machine is in compliance with this 

regulation; and

(4) The control equipment used to achieve compliance for each 

cleaning machine; and

(5) If a refrigerated freeboard chiller or superheated vapor is 

used, the dates and results of weekly temperature 

monitoring for the first month after the compliance date; 

and

(6) If a carbon adsorber is used, the date and results of weekly
Page 21 of 30

measurements of the solvent concentration in the exhaust 

for the first month after the compliance date; and

(7) If dwell is used, the minimum dwell times and the actual 

dwell times measured for the first month; and

(8) For vapor cleaning machines without solvent/air interfaces, 

a description of the method used to determine the cleaning 

capacity of the machine and the results of the monthly

solvent emissions calculation for the month beginning with 

the compliance date.

36.11.3 Exceedances and Exceedance Reports

(a) The following occurrences are considered exceedances and must 

be reported on the facility's Exceedance Report:

(1) An exceedance has occurred if the requirement in 

Subsection 36.9.5(b)(6) has not been met; or 

(2) An exceedance has occurred if the requirements in 

Subsections 36.9.1, 36.9.2, 36.9.3, 36.9.4, 36.9.5 or 36.9.6 

are not met and are not corrected within 10 working days of 

detection. Once adjustments or repairs have been made, 

parameters must be remeasured to demonstrate that the 

parameter is within the acceptable limits; or

(3) If a vapor cleaning machine does not have a solvent/air

interface, an exceedance has occurred if the three month 

average monthly emission limit is not met in any month;

(4) If a vapor cleaning machine has been exempted from the 

automated parts handling system requirements, an 

exceedance has occurred if the three month emission limit, 

S, as calculated using Equation 4, is not met in any month.

(b) The owner or operator of a batch vapor or in-line cleaning machine 

shall initially submit Exceedance Reports semiannually, except 

when the Department determines on a case-by-case basis that more 

or less frequent reporting is necessary.

(c) If an exceedance occurs, Exceedance Reports must be submitted 

quarterly until a request to reduce the reporting frequency as 

specified in Subsection 36.11.3 (f) has been approved.
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(d) The Exceedance Report shall be received by the thirtieth day

following the end of each exceedance reporting period. Initial 

reporting periods are January 1 - June 30 and July 1 - December 

31.

(e) Exceedance Reports shall include the following information for 

actions taken to comply with Subsections 36.9.1, 36.9.2, 36.9.3, 

36.9.4, 36.9.5, or 36.9.6:

(1) Records of written or verbal orders for replacement parts, a 

description of the repairs made, additional monitoring to 

demonstrate that monitored parameters have returned to 

acceptable levels; and

(2) If an exceedance has occurred, the reason for the 

exceedance and a description of the actions taken to correct 

the exceedance; and

(3) If an exceedance has occurred, the dates the cleaning 

machine or control equipment was repaired, retested, and 

returned to service; and

(4) If an exceedance has not occurred or the cleaning and 

control equipment has not been inoperative, repaired, or 

adjusted, this information must be stated in the report.

(f) If a facility is required to submit Exceedance Reports on a 

quarterly (or more frequent) basis, the submittal frequency may be 

reduced to semiannual with the Director's approval, if the 

following requirements are achieved:

(1) The facility has demonstrated a full year of compliance 

without an exceedance; and

(2) The owner or operator continues to comply with the 

recordkeeping and monitoring requirements specified in 

this regulation.

36.11.4 Annual Compliance Reports

The owner or operator of a batch vapor or in-line solvent cleaning machine shall 

submit an annual report to the Office of Air Resources by February 1 of each year 

for the previous calendar year. This report shall include the following:

(a) A signed statement from the facility owner or his designee stating that, 
Page 23 of 30

"All operators of solvent cleaning machines have received training on the 

proper operation of solvent cleaning machines and their control devices 

sufficient to pass the test required in Appendix A."

(b) An estimate of solvent consumption for each solvent cleaning machine 

during the reporting period.

(c) For each machine complying with Section 36.8, the average monthly

solvent consumption and the average monthly emissions for each 

consecutive three month period, calculated using Equation 3.

(d) For each batch vapor cleaning machine that has received an exemption 

from the automated parts handling system requirements, as specified in 

Section 36.12, the solvent emissions during each three month period, 

calculated using Equation 5.

36.12 Exemption from Automated Parts Handling System Requirement

36.12.1 The owner or operator of a batch vapor cleaning machine may apply for an 

exemption from the automated parts handling system requirement in 

Subsection 36.6.3. Exemptions shall limit solvent emissions from the 

cleaning machine during any three month period after the compliance date 

to the amount calculated using Equation 4:

S = 92 * A Equation 4

Where:

S = The amount of solvent, in pounds, that can be emitted from that cleaning 

machine during any three month period after the compliance date specified in 

Section 36.3

A = The area of the solvent/air interface for that machine, in square feet.

36.12.2 Exemption requests shall be submitted to the Division by the following 

dates:

(a) December 1, 1996 for vapor cleaning machines that commenced 

construction or reconstruction before November 29, 1993, and

(b) 30 days prior to startup or May 8, 1996, whichever is later, for 

vapor cleaning machines that commenced construction or 

reconstruction on or after November 29, 1993.
Page 24 of 30

36.12.3 Exemption requests shall include the following information:

(a) The name and address of the facility; and

(b) An identification of the vapor cleaning machine for which the 

exemption is being requested; and

(c) The area of the solvent/vapor interface, in square feet, of the vapor 

cleaning machine; and 

(d) The three month emission limit, S, calculated using Equation 4; 

and

(e) A statement, signed by the owner or operator of the facility, that 

emissions of solvent from the vapor cleaning machine will not 

exceed the three month emission limit, S, during any three month 

period after the compliance date in Section 36.3.

36.12.4 The owner or operator of a facility which is granted an exemption to the 

requirements of Subsection 36.6.3 shall maintain a log of additions and 

deletions of solvent from the exempted vapor cleaning machine.

36.12.5 The owner or operator of a facility which is granted an exemption to the 

requirements of Subsection 36.6.3 shall demonstrate compliance with the 

three month emission limit, S, calculated using Equation 4 on the first 

operating day of every month using the following procedure:

(a) A fill-line must be marked on the machine on the first month the 

measurements are taken; and 

(b) On the first day of each month thereafter, the machine shall be 

filled to the fill-line with clean liquid solvent; and

(c) On the first day of each month, using the log of solvent additions 

and deletions required in Subsection 36.12.4, calculate solvent 

emissions for the most recent three month period with Equation 5:

EA = SA - SR Equation 5

Where:

EA = solvent emissions during the three month period (pounds)

SA = the total amount of solvent added to the cleaning machine during the 

three month period (pounds)
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SR = the total amount of solvent removed from the cleaning 

machine during the three month period (pounds)

(d) The cleaning machine is in compliance with the three month 

emission limit if solvent emissions in the three month period, EA, 

calculated using Equation 5, are less than or equal to S, calculated 

according to Equation 4.

36.12.6 If the three month emission limit, S, is exceeded two times, an automated 

parts handling system must be installed within 60 days of the end of the 

three month period in which the second exceedance occurred.

36.13 General Provisions

36.13.1 Purpose

The purpose of this regulation is to limit emissions from organic solvent 

cleaning operations.

36.13.2 Authority

These regulations are authorized pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-17.1-2(s) 

and 23-23, as amended, and have been promulgated pursuant to the 

procedures set forth in the R.I. Administrative Procedures Act, R.I. Gen. 

Laws Chapter 42-35

36.13.3 Application

The terms and provisions of this regulation shall be liberally construed to 

permit the Department to effectuate the purposes of state law, goals and 

policies.

36.13.4 Severability

If any provision of this regulation or the application thereof to any person 

or circumstance, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the 

validity of the remainder of the regulation shall not be affected thereby.

36.13.5 Effective Date

The foregoing regulation, "Control of Emissions from Organic Solvent 
Page 26 of 30

Cleaning”, as amended, after due notice, is hereby adopted and filed with 

the Secretary of State this _29th day of ___June________, 2007_ to 

become effective twenty (20) days thereafter, in accordance with the 

provisions of Chapters 23-23, 42-35, 42-17.1, 42-17.6, of the General 

Laws of Rhode Island of 1956, as amended.

W. Michael Sullivan, PhD., Director

Department of Environmental Management

Notice Given on: February 21, 2007

Public Hearing held: March 23, 2007

Filing Date: June 29, 2007

Effective Date: July 19, 2007
Page 27 of 30

Appendix A

Test of Operator Knowledge of Solvent Cleaning Procedures

General Questions

1. What is the maximum allowable speed for parts entry and removal?

A. 28 feet per minute

B. 10 feet per minute

C. 36 feet per minute

D. No limit

2. How do you ensure that parts enter and exit the solvent cleaning machine at the speed 

required in the regulation?

A. Program on computerized hoist monitors speed.

B. Can judge the speed by looking at it.

C. Measure the time it takes the parts to travel a measured distance.

3. Identify the sources of air disturbances?

A. Fans

B. Open doors

C. Open windows

D. Ventilation vents

E. All of the above

4. What are the three operating modes?

A. Idling, working, and downtime

B. Precleaning, cleaning, and drying

C. Startup, shutdown, off

D. None of the above

5. When can parts or parts baskets be removed from the solvent cleaning machine?

A. When they are clean

B. At any time

C. When dripping stops

D. Either A or C is correct

6. How must parts be oriented during cleaning?

A. It does not matter as long as they fit in the parts basket.

B. So that the solvent pools in the cavities where the dirt is concentrated.

C. So that solvent drains from them freely.
Page 28 of 30

7. During startup, what must be turned on first, the primary condenser or the sump heater?

A. Primary condenser

B. Sump heater

C. Turn both on at same time

D. Either A or B is correct

8. During shutdown, what must be turned off first, the primary condenser or the sump 

heater?

A. Primary condenser

B. Sump heater

C. Turn both on at same time

D. Either A or B is correct

9. In what manner must solvent be added to and removed from the solvent cleaning 

machine?

A. With leak proof couplings

B. With the end of the pipe in the solvent sump below the liquid solvent surface.

C. So long as the solvent does not spill, the method does not matter.

D. A and B

10. What must be done with waste solvent, still bottoms, and sump bottoms?

A. Pour down the drain

B. Store in closed container

C. Store in a bucket

D. A or B

11. What types of materials are prohibited from being cleaned in solvent cleaning machines 

using halogenated HAP solvents?

A. Sponges

B. Fabrics

C. Paper

D. All of the above

12. When can a cover be open?

A. While parts are in the cleaning machine

B. During parts entry and removal or when an in-line conveyor is operating

C. At all times

D. Never

13. Covers must be maintained in what condition?

A. Free of holes

B. Free of cracks

C. So that they completely seal cleaning opening

D. All of the above
Page 29 of 30

Control Device Specific Questions

Freeboard Refrigerated Chiller

1. What temperature must the freeboard refrigerated chiller achieve?

A. Below room temperature

B. 50EF

C. Below the solvent boiling point

D. 30 percent of the solvent's boiling point

Dwell

2. Where must the parts be held for the appropriate dwell time?

A. In the vapor zone

B. In the freeboard zone above the vapor zone

C. Above the cleaning machine

D. In the immersion sump
Page 30 of 30

Answers

General Questions

1. B

2. A or C

3. E

4. A

5. C

6. C

7. A

8. B

9. D

10. B

11. D

12. B

13. D

Control Device Specific Questions

1. D

2. B