 |
FAQ Solvokane™
Content
General
Application info
Get Solvokane™
Environment
Support
General
 The Solvokane™ –solvent series, based on the azeotropic, non-flammable mixture of Solkane® 365mfc (1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane) and t-DCE (1,2-dichloroethlylene), was developed and patented by Solvay Fluor GmbH to meet present and future demands of the precision cleaning industries.
The phase-out of conventional solutions (e.g. CFCs and HCFC´s) has triggered requirements for alternative products. Solvokane™ offers product characteristics which are very close to HCFC-141 b and CFC-113, with a Kauri Butanol (Kb) Index of 25. The cleaning intensity is in a perfect balance to more aggressive or inefficient standard solvents. Based on recent lab tests, the solvency power versus common contaminants is stronger than the Kb value (25) would suggest.
The Solvokane™ solvent series is a new generation of environmentally-benign solvents. They are colorless liquids without ozone depletion potential (ODP=0) and have many favorable properties which make them superior replacements for CFCs, HCFC´s to other traditional solvents.
Boiling points of the Solvokane™ solvent series are between 36°-38° C at atmospheric pressure (1.013 bar). Solvokane solvents have a density of 1.23 kg/dm³, a value that ensures sufficient mechanical strength for effective particle or dust removal, while not being too high in order to be cost effective.
Which safety aspect have to be considered when using Solvokane™?
When working with Solvokane™ series, safety equipment should be worn at all times. Listed below are general safety and health instructions. For more detailed information, please refer to our MSDS which can be ordered from our technical service.
Eye protection
Safety goggles must be worn when handling Solvokane™. These goggles will prevent any liquid from coming into contact with eyes, preventing possible damage.
Hand protection
Solvokane™ dissolves grease and oil. If it comes into contact with skin, it removes the protective film of grease and makes the contact area sensitive to cold and infection. Suitable safety gloves will provide adequate protection.
Inhalation protection
If a high concentration of Solvokane™ vapor is inhaled, it displaces necessary oxygen with a risk of possible asphyxiation. Ventilate the workplace to avoid high concentrations of this vapor. Pay attention for threshold limit values.
Do not smoke while handling Solvokane™.
Are there rules for safe use in vapor cleaning machines?
 Safely using Solvokane™ solvent in vapor degreasing applications:
Cleaning, defluxing, rinsing and drying processes are often performed by vapor degreasing machines. It is not uncommon for non-flammable liquids used in these machines to exhibit vapor flammability limits in air (usually expressed as the concentration in the air that can be ignited) but not have a flash point. Many solvents used in standard vapor degreasers have this distinct characteristic.
As a non-flammable liquid, Solvokane™ specialty solvent has no flash point.
The range in which Solvokane™ solvent may form flammable mixtures in air is small compared to other materials. As with any chemical, however, safety precautions do apply. Users should clear equipment of all vapors and liquids before performing any maintenance operations that could result in an ignition source. Users should also consider the possibility of the product’s vapor flammability to determine the guidelines for its safe handling in all other parts of the user’s operations.
The table below lists some of the more widely used substances and formulations that fall into this category. This includes Solvokane™, which can be used in machinery designed to operate with these materials.
The physical data allows for validation of the risk potential, and notes the narrow ex-limit window of Solvokane™ solvent in comparison to other solvents.
| Solvent |
Solvokane™ |
| Flash point |
None |
| LEL [Vol%] |
5.4 |
| UEL [Vol%] |
9.4 |
| Bp. [°C] |
36 |
| Solvent |
3M Novec ™ 72 DA |
3M Novec ™ 72 DE |
Vertrel® SMT |
| Flash point |
None |
None |
None |
| LEL [Vol%] |
5.9 |
6.7 |
8,0 |
| UEL [Vol%] |
14.7 |
13.7 |
13,0 |
| Bp. [°C] |
44 |
43 |
37 |
| Solvent |
Vertrel ® SDG |
Vertrel® MCAplus |
nPB |
| Flash point |
None |
None |
None |
| LEL [Vol%] |
7,0 |
6,0 |
3,0 |
| UEL [Vol%] |
14,0 |
11,0 |
8,0 |
| Bp. [°C] |
44 |
38 |
71 |
| Solvent |
HCFC 141b |
1,1,1-TCA |
Methylene Chloride |
| Flash point |
None |
None |
None |
| LEL [Vol%] |
7,6 |
6 |
6 |
| UEL [Vol%] |
17,7 |
15 |
15 |
| Bp. [°C] |
32 |
74 |
40 |
Are there different types of Solvokane™ available?
Yes, adapted to different applications there are various types of Solvokane™ available:
Solvokane™
Solvokane™, our standard or “basic” solvent is an azeotropic mixture of Solkane® 365mfc and t-Dichloroethylene and does not show a flash point, certified by test according to DIN/EN/ISO 13736 by PTB Germany. It can be used for a number of applications or as a starting point for more complex or customized solvent formulations.
Commercial availability in 235kg drums or 22kg pails.
Solvokane™-E1.5
Solvokane™-E1.5 is Solvokane™ with a small portion of Ethanol which has increased solvency capabilities especially for contaminants common in the electronics industry such as brazing fluxes. Like normal Solvokane™ the product has no flash point. Physical properties are very comparable to those of Solvokane™ while Solvokane™-E1.5 also forms an azeotrope.
Commercial availability in 235kg drums or 22kg pails.
Solvokane™-S
Solvokane™-S is Solvokane™ with a small content of a special surfactant.
Solvokane™-S is designed for drying applications and typically operates in a 3 stage vapor degreasing / drying unit together with normal Solvokane™ in the final rinse.
Packaging will be in 235kg drums or 22kg pails.
Where to get the comparison of the different thermophysic datas of Solvokane™ - types?
Please contact us by phone/ fax or e-mail to get the last version of the safety data sheet:
Solvay Fluor GmbH
Postfach 220
30002 Hannover
Germany
Telephone: +49-(0)511-857-2444
Telefax: +49-(0)511-857-2178
e-mail: solvents@solvay.com
| |
SOLVOKANE™ |
SOLVOKANE™-E1.5 |
SOLVOKANE™-S |
| Molecular weight |
MG |
[kg/kmol] |
127,85 |
131,4 |
127,85 |
| density at 25 °C |
|
[kg/dm³] |
1,225 |
1,22 |
1,225 |
| boiling point |
|
[°C / 1013 mbar] |
36 |
35,8 |
36 |
| freezing point |
|
[°C] |
-42,6 |
-42,6 |
-42,6 |
| flashpoint |
|
|
no |
no |
no |
| heat of vaporisation |
ΔH |
[kJ/kg @ temp.] |
209 |
228 |
209 |
| specific heatcapacity |
Cpl |
[kJ/kgK] l=25°C |
1,309 |
1,355 |
1,315 |
| solubility of water |
|
[% @ 20°C] |
0.085 |
0,095 |
0,173 |
| solubility in water |
|
[% @ 20°C] |
S365mfc = 0.095
t-DCE = 0.239 |
S365mfc = 0.095
t-DCE = 0.239 |
S365mfc = 0.095
t-DCE = 0.239 |
| surface tension |
|
[mN/m q 20°C] |
17,8 |
17,9 |
18,8 |
| viscosity liquid |
|
[mPa*s @ 25°C] |
0,53 |
0,46 |
0,47 |
| refractive index (20°C) |
|
[20°C] |
1,325 |
1,325 |
1,326 |
| Autoignition temperature |
|
[DIN EN 14522] |
> 600 °C (T1) |
> 600 °C (T1) |
> 600 °C (T1) |
| Kauri Butanol index |
|
|
25 |
21,7 |
21,7 |
| vapor pressure |
|
|
|
|
|
| 0 °C |
|
[mbar] |
360 |
226 |
243 |
| 25 °C |
|
[mbar] |
770 |
701 |
706 |
| 50 °C |
|
[mbar] |
1690 |
1689 |
1678 |
| EX-limits |
|
|
|
|
|
| LFL (Vol%) 20 |
|
|
5,4 |
3,8 |
4,0 |
| UFL (Vol%) 70 |
|
|
9,4 |
13,7 |
12,5 |
What is Solvokane™?
Solvokane™
Our standard or “basic” solvent is an azeotropic mixture of Solkane® 365mfc and t-Dichloroethylene and does not show a flash point, certified by test according to DIN/EN/ISO 13736 by PTB Germany. It can be or is used for a number of applications as a starting point or component for more complex or customized solvent formulations.
Commercial availability in 235kg drums or 22kg pails.
What is Solvokane™-S?
Solvokane™-S
Solvokane™-S is Solvokane™ with a small content of a special surfactant. Solvokane™-S is designed for drying applications and typically operates in a 3 stage vapor degreasing / drying unit together with normal Solvokane™ in the final rinse.
Commercial availability in 235kg drums or 22kg pails.
What is Solvokane™-E1.5?
Solvokane™-E1.5
Solvokane™-E1.5 is a combination of Solvokane™ with a small portion of Ethanol which has increased solvency capabilities especially for contaminants common in the electronics industry such as brazing fluxes. Like normal Solvokane™ the product has no flash point. Physical properties are very comparable to those of Solvokane™ while Solvokane™-E also forms an azeotrope.
Commercial availability in 235kg drums or 22kg pails.
Is Solvokane™ flammable?
Solvokane™ series shows no flash point according DIN 13736 and ASTM D93.
Despite the absence of a flashpoint, vapor from Solvokane™, when in contact with air, can form explosive mixtures. Lower and upper limits are noted in the table below. A number of conventional solvents, such as HCFC 141b, Trichlorethylene (TCE) or Methylenechloride (MC) show comparable flammability behavior. But the window of Solvokane™ between lower and upper explosion limits is much narrower.
Standard precautions should be applied in form of good ventilation, grounding of equipment filling/refilling and pumping and avoiding contact with open fire or electrical sparks.
Does Solvokane™ has ex-limits to consider?
See chart below for comparison of the flashpoint according DIN 13736 and ASTM D93 and the datas of ex-limit window:
| |
SOLVOKANE™ |
SOLVOKANE™-E1.5 |
SOLVOKANE™-S |
| flashpoint |
no |
no |
no |
| EX-limits |
|
|
|
| LFL (Vol%) 20 |
5,4 |
3,8 |
4,0 |
| UFL (Vol%) 70 |
9,4 |
13,7 |
12,5 |
How strong is the solvency power of Solvokane™ solvents?
The table below shows the Kauri Butanol values for each Solvokane™ -type.
The ASTM Kauri-Butanol method measures the relative power of solvents. This method provides an index which ranks solvents according to their ability to dissolve other materials. Although Solvokane™ has a moderate Kb value, its solvency effect is more efficient than this value indicates, due to its polarity and chemical affinity.
| |
SOLVOKANE™ |
SOLVOKANE™-E1.5 |
SOLVOKANE™-S |
| Kauri Butanol index |
25 |
22 |
22 |
What are typical applications for Solvokane™ solvents?
 The Solvokane™ solvent series can be used for a wide range of applications. For example, it is used in vapor degreasing or vacuum cleaning machines to treat a wide variety of materials and parts. It can be used as a soil removal agent, removing such contaminants as particles or greases easily, quickly leaving no residues. This is a basic requirement in hard disc drive or PCB (Printed Circuit Boards) cleaning, as well as in optical lens production. Excellent results were also achieved in oil removal. I.e. Solvokane™ also removes a wide range of different types of silicone oils, something that may not be achieved with standard solvents. Solvokane™-S is our drying agent for effective water displacement drying. Solvokane™-S is typically used in combination with Solvokane™.
 Solvents of the Solvokane™ solvent series are not as aggressive as other standard chlorinated solvents, making it possible to remove soils without attacking assemblies. Due to the boiling point, fast and efficient drying can be achieved after the cleaning procedure, which helps to decrease manufacturing time.
Solvokane™ solvent series used as a carrier fluid is another advantageous application, especially during production of ball bearings where it is necessary to place anticorrosive agents on products’ surfaces.
Precision Cleaning
Precision cleaning applications are characterized by the highest requirements for cleanliness of sensitive parts. They usually occur in the final assembly stages of a production process and typically involve parts composed of mixed materials. The physical properties of the Solvokane™ series include low surface tension, good creeping properties and excellent material compatibility.
 Defluxing Electronics
A larger selection of construction materials is used today to manufacture smaller, tighter and more powerful components. While so-called “no-clean” fluxes are gaining momentum in some applications, they may not be an option for others; and often they may need post treatment. Solvokane™-E1.5 is a suitable option for many cleaning tasks in this segment.
Cleaning of Optical Parts and Assemblies
Fibre optic products, lenses and camera assemblies all require diligent yet sensitive cleaning methods. Solvokane™ is very suitable for these applications, either as a pure substance or as a part of a customized formulation.
Degreasing
While hydrocarbon or aqueous systems are typically used for coarse or heavy duty cleaning, many require more precise and delicate cleaning methods. Solvokane™ is exceptionally suited for these applications. Due to the individual boiling point a drying step is automatically included, making additional energy-intensive drying steps using hot air systems unnecessary. This is not only cost-effective, but also helps decrease the manufacturing time.
Fluid Carrier
Solvokane™ with it respective formulations is also used to dissolve and precisely dispose of specialized fluorinated lubricants or coatings. Solvokane™ solvent series effective solvency against fluorinated lubricants or polymers makes it an excellent choice for hard-disk-drive manufacturers or the medical industry.
How stable is Solvokane™ during usage?
Resistance tests show a good chemical and physically stability of Solvokane™ - types. Even treatment at 100°C (under pressure due to normal boiling point of 37°C) for weeks did not lead to any decomposition.
All Solvokane™ types (except Solvokane™-S) form azeotropes. In properly working two- or three-stage cleaning machines no separation of components was observed.
The drying procedure with Solvokane™-S is specific and requires that the surfactant stays in the first stage of the process. The vapor of boiling Solvokane™-S is Solvokane™ which is then combined with the Solvokane™ content in stages 2 and 3.
Which Solvokane™ type is recommended for degreasing or oil removement?
Degreasing or oil removement
While hydrocarbon or aqueous systems are typically used for coarse or heavy duty cleaning, many require more precise and delicate cleaning methods. Solvokane™ is exceptionally suited for these applications. Due to the relatively low boiling point a drying step is automatically included, making additional energy-intensive drying steps using hot air systems unnecessary. This is not only cost-effective, but also helps decrease the manufacturing time.
Which Solvokane™ type is recommended for water displacement?
For water displacement Solvokane™-S is recommended.
Solvokane™-S is Solvokane™ with a small content of a special surfactant. Solvokane™-S is designed for drying applications and typically operates in a 3 stage vapor degreasing / drying unit together with normal Solvokane™ in the final rinse. Packaging will be in 235kg drums or 22kg pails.
Which Solvokane™ type is recommended for defluxing?
Solvokane™-E1.5 is recommended for defluxing applications.
Solvokane™-E1.5 is a combination of Solvokane™ with a small portion of Ethanol which has increased solvency capabilities especially for contaminants common in the electronics industry such as brazing fluxes.
Get Solvokane™
For technical or sales information please refer to
Solvay Fluor GmbH
Postfach 220
30002 Hannover
Germany
Telephone: +49-(0)511-857-2444
Telefax: +49-(0)511-857-2178
e-mail: solvents@solvay.com
www.solvay-fluor.com
Or one of our subsidiaries
Solvay Chemicals, Inc.
Headquarters
3333 Richmond Avenue
Houston, Texas 77098
Phone +1 713 525-6566
Fax: +1 713 525-7805
Solvay Fluor Korea CO.: LTD
5th Fl. Donghwa Bldg. 58-7
Seosomun-Dong, Jung-Gu
Seoul, 100-736, Korea
Phone +82 2 757 5353
Fax: +82 2 756 0354
Prices
To get an offer for the different Solvokane™ types please contact our sales department:
Solvay Fluor GmbH
Postfach 220
30002 Hannover
Germany
Telephone: +49-(0)511-857-2444
Telefax: +49-(0)511-857-2178
e-mail: solvents@solvay.com
Please look for international solvent responsibilities here:
http://www.solvay-fluor.com/contact/bymarket/0,0,-_EN-1000145,00.html
Package size
The standard package size for all Solvokane™ types is:
235 kg net returnable drums
22 kg net returnable drums
Sampling dimensions on special request are:
12 kg net metal one way drum
6 kg net metal one way drum
1 kg net metal one way drum
Environment
After the phase-out of CFC 113 and HCFC 141b in Europe and other parts of the world, solutions for some solvent applications remain uncertain. After CFC 113 production was discontinued, HCFC 141b and, in some markets, HCFC 225, were considered good alternatives for many applications. HCFC ´s, however, have a residual ODP and are governed by phase out schedules.
The challenge now is to find solvent formulations to meet the needs of any given specific application. Solvokane™-series provides the opportunity to adjust a number of parameters to obtain the desired properties. With the environmental issue concerning ozone depletion leading to an accelerated phase-out of HCFCs, the contribution to global warming by greenhouse gases becomes more and more a topic of interest. Consequently, the Global Warming Potentials (GWP) of the new solvents used must be taken into consideration, as well as their material compatibility and safety related properties like toxicity and flammability.
Solvokane™-series shows advantages in comparison to other solvents according emission, health protection, safety and environmental issues like ODP and GWP. When using solvents, national and respectively regional regulations, such as the European regulation EC 842/2006 on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases have to be considered.
In case of further questions please contact our technical service.
Is Solvokane™ toxic?
Please refer to our material safety data sheets see for detailed toxicological data.
Support
We offer a technical support for our customers to find the right choice meeting your requirements. We are happy by choosing the right equipment or conditions to achieve best results in your processes. Also we offer assistance in questions of regulations. For individual examinations our lab experts are ready to help.
Solvay Fluor GmbH
Postfach 220
30002 Hannover
Germany
Telephone: +49-(0)511-857-2444
Telefax: +49-(0)511-857-2178
e-mail: solvents@solvay.com
|
