Chemicals and Solvents

3M Novec is a popular brand of specialty fluids used for cleaning, cooling, and fire suppression applications. However, due to environmental concerns, the production and use of some Novec products are being phased out. As a result, many businesses that rely on these products are seeking alternatives that can deliver similar performance while being more environmentally friendly. In this blog post, we will explore the top 3 alternatives to 3M Novec phase-out.

Why Is 3M Discontinuing 3M Novec Solvents?

According to an official statement from 3M, “…accelerating regulatory trends focused on reducing or eliminating the presence of PFAS in the environment…”(1)
3M has manufactured many of their PFAS in Belgium facilities. In early 2022, 3M found itself in the middle of a pollution scandal, which led to a plant shut-down for an extended period. (2)
This issue has resulted in a shortage of Novec solvents in supply chains worldwide and a surge in prices for the remaining available material. Companies operating in mission-critical industries, such as aerospace and medical device manufacturing, were left scrambling to secure short-term supply through any means possible and to qualify replacement solvents.

Can 3M Novec Solvents be Replaced?

Yes, alternatives do exist for 3M Novec solvents, and Chemtronics has a number of options to fit various application requirements. In the Novec product line, 3M has offered a number of azeotrope and near-azeotrope solvent blends that offer advantages. Lab Pro Inc offers Chemtronics Tri-V Solvents as higher performance and lower cost alternatives to 3M Novec cleaners.

The Top 3 - 3M Novec alternatives that you need

1. Electro-Wash Tri-V Degreaser

Electro-Wash Tri-V Precision Cleaner is a nonflammable cleaner that quickly removes flux, grease, oils, dirt, dust, and other contaminants from electronic components and assemblies. It removes all types of oil and grease while evaporating quickly and leaving no residues. Tri-V nPB replacement chemistry is an innovative chemistry that does not contain n-propyl bromide, TCE, hazardous air pollutants or ozone depleting compounds.

Removes oils, greases, silicones, refrigerant oils, fluxes, adhesives and other common industrial contaminants. Used for cleaning medical instruments, implants and other devices including orthopedic implants, monitoring devices, oxygen and gas lines. This solvent can be used as a carrier fluid like for silicone-based lubricant coatings.

2. Flux-Off Tri-V

Tri-V Flux Remover is an extra strength nonflammable solvent that removes heavy and encrusted flux deposits. This solvent system is engineered to remove all types of flux types while evaporating quickly and leaving no residues. Tri-V replacement chemistry is an innovative new chemistry that does not contain any n-propyl bromide, TCE or any ozone depleting compounds.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Nonflammable, can be used on energized equipment
• Powerful cleaning agent to remove R, RA, RMA, and synthetic fluxes
• Removes encrusted fluxes and white residues
• Penetrates to clean hard to reach areas
• Evaporates quickly and leaves no residues, minimizes down time
• Does not contain n-propyl bromide, trichloroethylene, or perchloroethylene
• Stabilized for metals such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and brass
• Noncorrosive, safe for sensitive metals

3. Max-Kleen Tri-V

Max-Kleen™ Tri-V removes of all types of soils from electronic circuits and relays. Tri-V nPB replacement chemistry is an innovative chemistry that does not contain any n-propyl bromide, TCE, any hazardous air pollutants or ozone depleting compounds. It is the ideal solvent for most electronic applications. This extra-strength cleaner evaporates quickly without leaving a residue behind.
Removes oils, greases, silicones, refrigerant oils, fluxes, adhesives and other common industrial contaminants. Used for cleaning medical instruments, implants and other devices including orthopedic implants, monitoring devices, oxygen and gas lines. This solvent can be used as a carrier fluid like for silicone-based lubricant coatings.

Max-Kleen Tri-V is a true azeotrope, so both the liquid and vapor phases maintain the same composition. It acts as a single component product, so will not fractionate as it boils. This avoids any performance changes as it is used over a long period of time, or is run through a separate reclamation unit.

With a 2025 Phase-Out, Why Replace 3M Novec Now?

As mentioned above, there has been a global shortage of 3M Novec solvents throughout most of 2022 because of issues with their Belgium facilities. With the latest announcement, there is no reason to assume the situation will improve.
On top of that, it is clear in 3M’s announcement that stockpiling will be discouraged:
“3M will manage customer last time buy requests based on availability of supply, and we will work with customers to determine specific needs and put in place an action plan to help ensure an orderly transition. 3M does not currently anticipate stockpiling these products.” (1)
To avoid being at the mercy of global demand and a highly limited supply, end-users who wish to retain control over their supply of high-precision solvents for critical cleaning should take steps to identify and qualify replacements as soon as possible. Delaying this process could leave them vulnerable to market fluctuations and unpredictable supply chain disruptions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the phase-out of 3M Novec products has forced many businesses to seek alternatives that are more environmentally friendly. The top 3 alternatives to 3M Novec are fluorinated ketones, hydrofluoroolefins, and hydrofluoroethers. These fluids offer similar properties to Novec, such as low toxicity, high thermal stability, and non-flammability, while also being more environmentally friendly. Whether you need a cleaning agent, a refrigerant, or a fire suppression agent, these alternatives are the way to go.

Where to purchase Chemtronics Vapor Degreasers 

Lab Pro can provide you with all your Chemtronics Vapor degreasers and Novec alternative requirements. Various sizes and types are available and ready to ship.

About Lab Pro

For over 40 years, Lab Pro Inc. has been committed to delivering the highest quality vapor degreasers, hand tools, chemicals, lab equipment, distance learning kits, lab supplies, and cleanroom PPE apparel to medical device companies and laboratories worldwide. To learn more, visit the biggest Lab Supply showroom in California, or contact us online or at 888-452-2776.

References

(1) 3M Announcement Letter, Dec. 20, 2022, David N. Schneider, VP Chemicals and Semiconductor, 3M Company, Electronics Materials Solution Division.
(2 )The Brussels Times, by Lauren Walker, 8 March 2022, “Belgium rejects 3M appeal and tightens regulations on hazardous chemicals”. https://www.brusselstimes.com/209902/belgium-rejects-3m-appeal-further-tightens-standards-regarding-hazardous-pfas