Solvent cleaning and vapor degreasing

With significant toxicity concerns and the increased regulatory scrutiny on the use of n-propyl bromide (also known as nPB or 1-BP), many engineers are seeking a safer nPB alternative that doesn’t sacrifice perfomance.

Unlike nPB, 3M Novec fluids provide:

• Higher margin of safety for workers
• Improved cleaning performance
• Low environmental impact

Mindful manufacturers are concerned about the continued use of trichloroethylene (TCE or TRIKE), which is classified as a Category 2 carcinogen. If you are looking for a TCE replacement to safeguard your workers and don’t want to sacrifice performance, 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids could be your solution.

3M Novec fluids are:

• Not targeted for regulatory phase-out
• Higher margin of safety for workers
• High performance, low maintenance
• Low environmental impact

As stricter environmental standards have been adopted under international protocols, solvent cleaning has moved from older hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) to hydrofluorcarbons (HFCs), which are non-ozone depleting. However, both have high global warming potential (GWP), and treaties like the Montreal Protocol have been amended to begin the phasedown of HFCs in the coming years.

Those still looking to replace HCFCs can skip the intermediate step to HFCs – and users of HFCs can get a jump on the phasedown – by transitioning directly to a low-GWP alternative.

3M Novec fluids are:

• Not targeted for regulatory phasedown or phase-out
• Low environmental impact (zero ODP and low GWP)
• High margin of safety for workers

The aqueous cleaning systems many businesses use today have the environmental advantage over old systems that used ozone-depleting solvents. But with advances in technology and the introduction of more sustainable cleaning solutions like 3M Novec Engineered Fluids, manufacturers can gain advantages without the use of larger, more complex and more energy intensive solutions.

3M Novec fluids help provide:

• Improved cleaning performance
• Shorter cleaning and drying cycles
• Lower total cost of ownership
• Lower energy use
• Smaller equipment footprint

As we search for ways to build a better, healthier future, environmental and worker safety regulations evolve and change. With the need to find alternatives to n-propyl bromide (nPB), trichloroethylene (TCE), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorcarbons (HFCs), more engineers are looking for safe and sustainable cleaning solvents like 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids.

Your reputation for quality depends on effective cleaning processes. If your operation is suffering from insufficient cleaning with your current solution, or changes in your product require new cleaning solutions, consider 3M Novec Engineered Fluids. Our Novec fluids excel for circuit board cleaning, cleaning medical and electrical components and for removing cutting oils.

Sustainable 3M Novec cleaning and vapor degreasing solvents are an outstanding alternative with low global warming potentials and no ozone depletion potential. By making 3M Novec Engineered Fluids part of your system, you are making a choice that will enhance your reputation, get you ahead of changing environmental regulations, and help prevent harm to the world we all share.

Expanding your business is a perfect time to make a mindful choice regarding your solvent cleaning or vapor degreasing solution. Whether you’re working with a new product or expanding an existing line, 3M Novec fluids offer value over the long term, with no compromises in performance or safety.