Trichloroethylene Replacement - 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids Helping You Make The Switch
What is Trichloroethylene? - Trichloroethylene is a chemical compound classified as a chlorinated hydrocarbon often used as a precision cleaning solvent. It is a non-flammable and colourless liquid. Trichloroethylene can be purchased under various trade names and is also is also referred to as Trike and Tri, and by the acronym TCE.
3M™ Novec™ fluids strike an outstanding balance between all your precision cleaning needs and can be used in traditional vapour degreasing and immersion systems or they can be used in aerosol or hand wipe cleaning of industrial components, ranging from sophisticated electronics to precision mechanical assemblies.
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Understanding Trichloroethylene
Trichloroethylene, a Category 2 Carcinogen
Trichloroethylene is classed as a Category 2 Carcinogen and carries with it a number of carcinogenic risk phrases including R-45 Risk Phrase May Cause Cancer, R36/38 - Irritating to eyes and skin. R67 - Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Novec fluid does not carry any of these Risk Phrases. Learn More
Trichloroethylene, a CMR
Trichloroethylene is also classed as a CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reproductive Toxin) by the Solvent Emissions Directive. Novec HFE-72DE fluid is not classed as a CMR. Learn More
Trichloroethylene Exemptions
The Solvent Emissions Directive allows exemption below 1 (one) tonne per annum consumption for Trichloroethylene and requires substitution in shortest possible time. Novec HFE-72DE fluid has a 2 (Two) Tonne per annum exemption and no requirement to be substituted. Learn More
Trichloroethylene Global Warming Potential
Trichloroethylene has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 140 (100 year ITH, IPCC 1995) Novec HFE-72DE fluid has a GWP of 40. Learn More
Trichloroethylene Extraction
Trichloroethylene Requires Extraction of Vapours and must comply with the emission limit of 2mg/m3. Novec HFE-72DE fluid does not require Extraction and has an Emission Limit of 75 mg C/Nm3. Learn More
Trichloroethylene Consumption
Trichloroethylene consumes much higher volumes of Solvent. Novec HFE-72DE fluid has beneficial properties (Surface tension, vapour pressure, viscosity, heat of vaporisation & boiling point which ensure far less solvent is used in a like-for-like comparison. In conjunction with Novec not requiring extraction, total solvent usage is reduced dramatically. Learn More
Want to learn more about our potential Trichloroethylene alternative?
How do I comply with ultrasonic cleaning legislation & regulation?
Why should I use Novec to replace my current ultrasonic cleaner?
Are you confused by the legislation & restrictions surrounding Trichloroethylene or Methylene Chloride or HFC Solvents used in your ultrasonic cleaning? Are you concerned by the quantity of nPB you are consuming? Or are the huge volumes of water being consumed in your aqueous cleaning becoming a hidden cost? Take a look at our comparison overview.
What equipment do I require?
Tell me about the ultrasonic cleaning process.
Want to know more about the ultrasonic cleaning process? Let our video demonstrations guide you through a start to finish process and see the advantages of vapour degreasing cleaning systems over aqueous cleaning.
How can I improve health & safety when cleaning with solvent?
Traditional ultrasonic cleaning solvents such as Trichloroethylene and nPB carry a number of carcinogenic risk phrases and some are also classed as CMRs (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reproductive Toxin). Let us help you understand the risks, their impacts and ways to overcome them.
