PFAS, the Recent 3M Announcement and Options for Critical Cleaning

PFAS, the Recent 3M Announcement & Options for Critical Cleaning Why is 3M Discontinuing Novec Solvents? • 3M claims reason is “…accelerating regulatory trends…” • • • • but… Belgium plant was shut down March 2022 Did not meet strict local discharge standards Led to global shortage 3M continued to struggle to open plant throughout 2022 What Are Novec Solvents? • Solvents for high precision cleaning • Vapor degreasing – azeotropic or nearazeotropic • Medical device manufacturing, aerospace, aviation MRO, oxygen cleaning • Neat (pure) Novec 7100, 7200 & 7300 – more for rinsing, oxygen cleaning. • Blended with cleaning solvents (e.g. trans, alcohols) to quench flammability and improve regulatory compliance (i.e. VOC) What Are PFAS? • PFAS = polyfluoroalkyl / perfluoroalkyl • Commonly called “forever chemicals” in the news media • Used in everything from cleaning solvents, plastics & even make-up • Flame suppressing capabilities • Extremely low surface tension • High density • For vapor degreasing, moves industry away from toxic solvents like nPB, TCE & perc 9 Are PFAS a Concern? • Not all PFAS are “forever chemicals” • Some PFAS do not readily break down, so collect in environment, animals & even people …but many do break down • Some PFAS associated with environmental affects (i.e. global warming) • No ban proposed by EPA, but being scrutinized • Regulatory activities at state level • Focus is on minimizing release into the environment and targeting harmful PFAS Options for Novec Users 1 Direct drop-in replacement 2 Qualify new chemistry 3 • Keep operation running • Longer term solution • Improve performance • Lower cost Change cleaning process • PFAS-free options • Advanced environmental benefits Drop-in 1 Direct Replacements • Novec solvents have been replicated • Matched at a molecular level • Cleaning qualification is optional – performance will be the same • COAs available for validation GC (gas chromatography) analysis comparing Novec 7100 with Techspray’s direct replacement. References 1 Cross for 3M Novec 3M Novec # Techspray Replacement 7100 Precision-V 3710 71DA Precision-V 371DA 71DE Precision-V 371DE 71IPA Precision-V 371IPA 7200 Precision-V 3720 72DA Precision-V 372DA 72DE Precision-V 372DE 7300 Precision-V 3730 73DE Precision-V 373DE 13 • 2 Qualify New Chemistry Goal to continue with current equipment • Cleaning qualification required • Avoid nPB, TCE & perc • • Serious toxicity concerns – e.g. carcinogens, organ failure Targeted by EPA & OSHA • Potentially improve cleaning performance & lower cost • Focus on substrate compatibility & soil solvency • Anticipate regulations • • • Future-proof your process but… Avoid over-engineering Balance restrictions and anticipate timing 3 Change Cleaning Process • Requires process & cleaning qualifications • Techspray offers cleaners with advantages like… • • PFAS-free Environmental benefits – e.g. low GWP • Vapor degreasing • • Vacuum systems for flammable solvents Vacuum systems or robust cooling systems for low temperature boilers • Spray-in-air solvent cleaning systems • Explosion-proof for flammable solvents • Aqueous cleaning systems Full Service Product Development & Qualification Lab • Small batch prototyping • GC, IC, FTIR & other analytical equipment • SMT assembly capability with reflow • PVA selective spray system • Vapor-degreaser, ultrasonic, inline & batch cleaning systems