There are countless solvent chemistries and technologies available today, but not all solvents are created equal in terms of safety and efficiency. It's time to upgrade from these harmful products to a safer, cleaner solution without losing performance with Novec™.
The Trouble with nPB, TCE, and Harmful Degreasers
With significant toxicity concerns on the use of the vapor degreasing solvents n-propyl bromide (nPB) and trichloroethylene (TCE) and a global phase-out of ozone depleting substances like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), many engineers are seeking a safer, more sustainable alternative. Lead the charge and make the safer choice with 3M™ Novec™.
Normal propyl bromide (nPB) has been used for decades as a replacement 1-1-1 Trichloroethane (TCE) and other harmful vapor degreaser solvents. Limited exposure to nPB in a vapor degreaser can lead to acute health concerns like dizziness, paresthesia, respiratory difficulty, mental confusion & more. However, extended exposure to n-propyl bromide can result in more serious long-term neurological damage, cancer, and permanent paresthesia.
n-propyl bromide is a powerful liquid degreaser solvent but the potential health ramifications should cause concern for employees and maintenance engineers who are responsible for vapor degreasers.
For legacy vapor degreasers it is possible for errant solvent vapors to escape containment and pose inhalation dangers. These TCE or nPB solvent vapors migrate away from the metal parts & the intended vapor zone and extend into the airspace of the workshop.
Why Use Novec™ 73DE to Replace nPB or TCE?
Novec™ 73DE from 3M™ is a premium fluid engineered for use in immersion cleaning or vapor degreasing. This specially formulated product provides very high solvency, low delivered surface tension and is non-flammable. Novec™ 73DE offers an excellent liquid replacement for ozone depleting chemistries, harmful and toxic solvents and even aqueous based cleaning solutions as it offers faster cycle times, reduced energy consumption, and improved cleaning performance for complex parts & components.
By using 3M™ NOVEC™ to replace n-propyl bromide (nPB), TCE and HCFCs you can:
More Eco Friendly
Eliminate the Global Warming Contribution from HCFC Usage
Safer Operation
Decrease Exposure to Toxic Cleaners like nPB and TCE
It is important to meet regulatory guidelines for safe solvent or degreaser usage not just to check the box at the EPA, but to ensure long-term protection for employees. Many solvents provide excellent surface cleaning performance, but at a cost detrimental to personnel.
3M™
Novec™ 73DE
nPB
(n-propyl bromide)
TCE
(trichloroethylene)
OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert issued
No
Yes
No
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Advisory issued
No
Yes
No
Use reporting required by U.S. EPA
No
Yes
Yes
Subject to phase-out in the EU
No
Yes
Yes
Margin of Safety
(At 10ppmv Exposure)
20
100x Exposure Guideline
1
Exposure Guideline
(8-hour weighted average threshold limit value)
195 ppm
0.1 ppm
10 ppm
Superior Wetting Performance vs. Aqueous Methods
Novec™ 73DE provides much lower surface tension compared to other liquid aqueous cleaning methods. This allows for much deeper and complete penetration for cleaning complex parts using less energy. Make the switch to the sustainable nPB replacement from 3M and obtain a greater cleaning fluid & degreaser performance today!
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