Engineered fluids for precision cleaning

It is also the lowest priced Novec Engineered Fluid, meeting demands for safe, heavy duty cleaning performance at a lower operating cost.

The Novec Engineered Fluids Range is compatible with a wide variety of materials and is said to provide high-performing alternatives to regulated solvents that are traditionally used for cleaning, including n-propyl bromide (nPB), Trichlororethlyene and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

3M says these substances have been subject to increased regulatory scrutiny due to their high Global Warming Potential (GWP) for HFCs, and their CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or toxic to Reproduction) potential.  Restrictions have been placed on their use including the Solvents Emissions Directive, the F-Gas Regulation and REACH regulations. Following a sunset date in April 2016, use of  Trichlororethlyene  is now banned and users of this chemical who have no prior authorisation could face significant fines. In September 2016 nPB was also included on the REACH draft authorisation list, which, if formalised could imply a sunset date and phase-down path similar to that of Trichlororethlyene. REACH has already deemed nPB as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC).  In comparison, Novec Fluids have zero Ozone Depletion Potential, low GWP ratings, and are non-flammable with low toxicity.

Novec Engineered Fluids is said to offer an alternative to aqueous cleaning, because they are non-corrosive, have fast cleaning and drying cycles and leave surfaces spot-free.  Furthermore, 3M says the range is energy-efficient and is ideal for cleaning machine units with relatively small footprints.