Main applications

PFCs are utilised as dielectric liquids for indirect contact cooling of electronics to achieve high rates of heat transfer in either free or forced convection as well as evaporation cooling mode. These power electronics cooling modules are typically completely sealed with no fluid losses, and maintenance free.

Technical and safety aspects

Technical

Where water is not applicable and an inert dielectric liquid is required PFCs provide an extremely effective solution with high heat transfer coefficient and excellent materials compatibility. This keeps the component temperatures lower and thus reduces failure rates of high sophisticated electronics and increased reliability. At the same time, components can be packed closer together to maximise power density and minimise equipment size. PFC-5-1-14 (C6F14 - Perfluorohexane) is the preferred replacement of niche market dielectric heat transfer applications using CFC-113. Based on the inert properties and high dielectric strength (>15kV/mm) PFC liquids have also been specified also in international military standards for radar cooling.

Safety aspects

Exceedingly stable, PFCs have been designed to be compatible with sensitive materials of construction such as metals, plastics and elastomers. They are clear, colourless, odorless, non-flammable and practically non-toxic liquids.

Recovery and recycling

Since PFCs are inert liquids mainly used in closed system heat transfer applications they are typically recovered, recycled and reused as the product market value is very high for these speciality chemicals.

Economic aspects

PFCs for heat transfer are selected when conventional water or silicone oil solutions are not feasible. The key benefits of more effective cooling of electronic systems with PFCs are reduced size and increased system reliability.

These high-end heat transfer applications are realised by niche market, and essential in order to support a global market demand for energy efficient power electronics.