Surface World February 2020 Surface World February 2020 | Page 100

PRE-TREATMENT, SURFACE PREPARATION, DEGREASING & CLEANING WE ARE AT SURFACE WORLD LIVE 2020 Cleaning solvent regulations drive new product development – Novec 73DE Engineered Fluid Precision cleaning of metals and electronic components sounds like a pretty ordinary undertaking, however, it masks the importance of how vital it can be to have non-contaminated parts which, in their fi nal purpose, are either life-enhancing or ensure our lives continue to function smoothly in an ever evolving world. Whether it is cleaning automotive components, removing flux from printed circuit boards, which control aircraft systems, or, indeed, ensuring medical implants are free from contamination before surgery - selection of the right solvent determines the safety and effectiveness of a process. Increasing regulation of cleaning solvents has changed this industry in the last 20 years. The F-Gas regulation aims to reduce the emission of fluorinated greenhouse gases used in solvent cleaning applications, with prohibition of some HFCs and phasing down all other HFCs to only 21% of 2009-2012 levels by 2030. REACH regulations covering the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals have had a direct impact on nPB (n-propyl bromide). A sunset date of 4th July 2020 means that nPB can no longer be used without authorisation. Phasing down or outright banning of products with toxicity concerns has meant that supply chains have sought out safer, more environmentally friendly solutions, such as aqueous, segregated hydro-fluoro-ethers (HFEs) or hydro-fluoro-olefins (HFOs). In response to increasing market needs, 3M™ introduced a product to the market - Novec™ 73DE Engineered Fluid. It is a high performing, cost-effective replacement for n-propyl bromide (nPB), 98 trichloroethylene (TCE), and high global warming potential (GWP) hydro-fluoro- carbons (HFCs). It has three main applications: Cleaning solvent for heavy-duty vapour degreasing, immersion cleaning and spray cleaning. Solvent cleaner for heavy greases, oils, waxes, silicones and non-polar flux residues. Lubricant deposition applications where increased solvency is desired. Novec 73DE features and benefi ts: High solvency and low surface tension for maximum performance and better cleaning in components with complex geometries. Easy to maintain and use in a vapour degreaser with stable bath composition during extended use. Non-flammable and low in toxicity with an excellent safety profile for the working environment. SHOW GUIDE 2020 Non-conductive and non-corrosive with wide materials compatibility. Environmentally sustainable with low global warming potential (GWP) and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). Faster cycle times, lower energy usage and improved cleaning of parts compared to aqueous cleaning. As the UK’s sole distributor for 3M Novec Engineered Fluids, the team at Acota is highly experienced in helping clients select the best fluid for their requirements, whether it is for a new cleaning process or advising on how to implement a replacement solvent in an existing process. We welcome the opportunity for customers to trial a new solvent for their contaminant, either on their own premises or at one of our specialist cleaning events at 3M’s premises in Bracknell, Berkshire. Come and say hello to us on Stand Q5 and ask how we can help you. Telephone: [phone] Email: [email protected] Visit: www.acota.co.uk twitter: @surfaceworldmag