Main applications

HFCs are used as solvents due to their specific properties that are: non- flammability , thermal and chemical stability , excellent dielectric properties, high material compatibility , low surface tension and viscosity, high liquid density , very low toxicity and a favourable environmental profile.

They were developed to replace mainly CFC 113 and HCFC 141b , that are controlled under the Montreal Protocol.
Quite often the HFC is blended with other fluids to obtain tailored properties for specific solvent - uses.

Main applications are:

• Precision Cleaning ( Degreasing )
• Electronic Assemblies Defluxing
• Particulate Removal
• Drying after Aqueous Cleaning
• as a Carrier Fluid
• as a Dielectric Coolant
• and in other high value in use applications

HFCs, particularly HFC 134a, are used for specialist extraction of extremely important natural active pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, flavours and fragrances; such as taxol for breast cancer treatment, from yew needles, evening primrose oil food supplement, and vanilla. The use of HFC134a compliments other methods of extraction, being both highly selective and allowing extraction to high quality and high yield.

Technical and safety aspects

Technical

Fluorocarbons used for solvents:

They were developed to replace mainly CFC-113 and HCFC-141b, that are controlled under the Montreal Protocol. Quite often the HFC is blended with other fluids to obtain tailored properties for specific solvent - uses.

Safety aspects

The listed solvent fluids are non-flammable excl. HFC-365mfc. This one however typically does not exhibit flammability characteristic under normal operating and storage conditions when formulated ready for use. The toxicity profile of mentioned fluids is low with related high average exposure guideline above 200 ppm.

Recovery and recycling

Modern precision cleaning equipment and converted CFC-113 / HCFC-141b systems are designed with integrated fluid recovery by low temperature cooling cascades, esp. for open top vapour degreaser. The recycling of HFCs (and PFCs for some special applications) in these units is basically more efficient as these fluids have a low vapour pressure and typically reduced drag-out losses.

Economic aspects

The economics of precision cleaning systems using HFCs is favourable versus traditionally used CFCs / HCFCs. This technology is installed in high-tech industries such as electronics, aeronautics/aerospace, precision mechanics, optics and medical device manufacturing. There are numerous SME companies involved as well as multinational companies following global production standards