Vertrel MCA Chemours Solvent

Vertrel MCA | A Chemours Precision Cleaning Solvent

Engineered Specialty Fluid- High Solvency, Non-flammable, Optimized for Critical Cleaning Processes

Vertrel MCA is a proprietary azeotrope of Vertrel™ XF hydrofluorocarbon (2,3-dihydrodeca-fluoropentane) and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene. It is ideally suited for use in vapor degreasing equipment. Its enhanced solvency power, compared to Vertrel™ XF alone, makes it particularly effective for precision and specialty cleaning with difficult soils. Vertrel MCA is ideally suited for critical cleaning applications in modern, tight vapor degreasing equipment. It has “zero” ozone-depletion potential and a moderate global warming potential. A medium-strength precision cleaning fluid, widely used in many critical cleaning, drying, and high-value specialty uses where consistent and reliable cleaning performance is the paramount objective.

Vertrel MCA has zero ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential. It can replace CFC-113, methylchloroform (1,1,1-TCA), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in many applications. Vertrel MCA is accepted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, as a substitute for ozone-depleting substances.

Vertrel MCA Recommended Cleaning Process

Vapor degreasing should be used for optimum cleaning effectiveness and economy. Modern vapor containment technology is recommended for both batch and in-line equipment. These systems have higher freeboard and a secondary set of low-temperature (–29°C [–20°F]) condenser coils to reduce vapor loss. Vertrel™ MCA has a broad range of cleaning capabilities. Table 1 lists some typical soils readily removed from parts in a short vapor degreasing cycle.

Table 1. Soils Cleaned with Vertrel MCA

Plastic and Elastomer Compatibility of Vertrel MCA

Vertrel MCA is compatible with most polymeric materials commonly encountered in degreasing of precision parts. Acrylic, ABS, and polycarbonate parts, particularly if under stress, may show slight cracking or crazing damage and should be tested. EPDM, butyl rubber, Buna-S, and neoprene are recommended for elastomeric parts.

Tables 2 and 3 summarize test results on short-term exposures of unstressed plastics and elastomers simulating a typical cleaning cycle. Long-term compatibility data simulating exposure of vapor degreaser construction materials is available from Miller-Stephenson upon request.

Table 2. Plastic Compatibility Immersion: 15 Minutes at Room Temperature

*Material composition varies depending upon compounding agents, plasticizers, processing, etc. Specific materials should be tested for compatibility with solvent.

Table 3. Elastomer Compatibility Immersion: 1 Week at 39°C (102°F)

*Swelling, but with low extractables

Elastomer swelling and shrinking will, in most cases, revert to within a few percent of original size after air drying. Swell, shrinkage, and extractables are strongly affected by the compounding agents, plasticizers, and curing used in the manufacture of plastics and elastomers. Therefore, prior in-use testing is particularly important.

Metals and Other Compatibility

Vertrel MCA was found compatible with aluminum, copper, and iron, with and without oil present, after exposure for 2 weeks at 120°C (248°F) in sealed tubes. Contact with highly basic process materials, pH 10 or above, is not recommended.

Safety/Flammability for Vertrel MCA

Vertrel MCA exhibits no closed cup or open cup flash point and is not classified as a flammable liquid by NFPA or DOT. In addition, the product has no vapor flammability limits in air. Flash point data and limits of flammability in air provide the user with additional information that should be used as elements of a fire risk assessment and to determine guidelines for the safe handling of volatile chemicals. Users should ensure compliance with NFPA standards and local fire codes.

Recovery

Due to the azeotropic nature of Vertrel MCA, the product is easily recoverable by off-line or in-line distillation equipment, such as a vapor degreaser or still. The presence of soil, however, may alter the characteristics of the material during the recovery operation. Recovery should be closely monitored to ensure operating levels are maintained. Users should test the spent Vertrel MCA to ensure proper classification for waste disposal.

Environmental Legislation

Vertrel™ specialty fluids have zero ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential (Table 7). They are used as alternatives to CFC-113, methylchloroform, HCFCs, and PFCs in many critical cleaning, drying, carrier fluid, and other high-value specialty uses where reliability is paramount. Vertrel™ MCA is accepted by the EPA under the SNAP program as a substitute for ozone-depleting substances.The components of Vertrel™ MCA are listed in the TSCA inventory. One component, HFC-43-10mee, is subject to the Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) and should be used only in the indicated applications. See SDS Regulatory Section. Vertrel™ MCA is not a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) and, therefore, not subject to NESHAP regulation. Vertrel MCA is not included in the SARA Title III Section 313 list of toxic chemicals and is not subject to SARA Title III (EPCRA) reporting requirements.

Miller-Stephenson – An Industrial Leader in Critical Cleaning

Miller-Stephenson started producing aerosols to clean electronics. Today, our mission has expanded to include cleaning answers that utilize the industry’s most innovative technologies. Miller-Stephenson has optimized clean solutions, and collaborates with equipment makers around the world. Customers can have cleaning studies with Miller-Stephenson fluids performed at no charge in our state-of-the-art applications laboratory. Our “best-practices” approach to critical cleaning makes Miller-Stephenson products more cost-effective than any competing technology. Lastly our product stewardship provides a complete solution, from choosing the right solvent through implementation with an emphasis on safety and environmental regulations.

To learn more about Vertrel™ and its ability to remove nPBs please click here. 

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Vertrel™ is a trademark of The Chemours Company FC, LLC