Vertrel™ SDG and Vertrel™ SFR

powerful, efficient, and cost-effective alternatives

Vertrel™ SDG and SFR are engineered mixtures designed to replace n-propyl bromide in applications demanding maximum cleaning power, including defluxing, oil, grease and wax removal and precision cleaning applications.
DuPont™ Vertrel® SDG and SFR offer an excellent balance between cleaning performance, environmental impact and safety in use:

• Excellent solvency power (KB values > 95); Superior cleaning performance
• High operator safety; Low toxicity
• Fast drying, increasing productivity
• Compatible with most metals, plastics and elastomers
• 100% Nonflammable
• Zero ozone depletion potential; Low global warming potential
• Suitable for use with ultrasonics
• Existing equipment can be used with no or minor modification

Seven Easy Steps to Retrofit

The following provides a summary of the basic retrofit steps for Vertrel™ SDG and SFR; detailed discussion of each step is provided in this bulletin. In the vast majority of cases Vertrel™ SDG and SFR will function as drop-ins for n-propyl bromide, and no modifications to existing equipment are required.

1. Drain n-propyl bromide from the vapor degreaser tank. The existing charge of n-propyl bromide should be completely removed from the system and collected in a suitable vessel for recycle or disposal in accordance with local requirements. Ensure that n-propyl bromide has been drained from all tanks, liquid lines, water separators, filter holders, and any other system components that are in contact with n-propyl bromide.
2. Replace filters. Change the filter during the retrofit. Standard filters employing cotton, polypropylene or PTFE media are acceptable.
3. Replace desiccant bags.
   • Change the desiccant bags during the retrofit. Type 3A molecular sieves are recommended for use in the desiccant bags; suitable desiccant bag materials include cotton. Tyvek bags are not recommended.
4. Wipe down tank and ensure removal of any residues. The vapor degreaser tank should be thoroughly cleaned to ensure the removal of any residual n-propyl bromide and any residues present in the tank.
5. Flush the liquid lines with a small amount of Vertrel™ SDG or SFR. Charge the vapor degreaser tank with a small amount of Vertrel™ SDG or SFR and flush the liquid lines; do not allow the pump to run dry during the line flushing procedure. Whenever possible, a drum pump or a gravity stand should be used to transfer Vertrel™ SDG or SFR solvent from the container to the point of use.
6. Charge tank with recommended quantity of Vertrel® SDG or SFR. Charge the vapor degreaser tank to the liquid level recommended by the manufacturer.
7. Turn on heaters and pump, adjust heater, condensing coils and alarm set points to the recommended temperatures. Turn on the heaters and pumps in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s recommended procedure. Set the condensing coil temperatures in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations. Adjust the boil sump and alarm temperatures in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations; Miller-Stephenson’s recommended settings are summarized below . Cleaning optimization may require slight adjustments to the recommended initial settings depending upon the model of vapor degreaser employed.
   • Boil Sump T. Set to a 5 °C above the boiling point of the solvent chosen.
   • High Solvent T Alarm. Set to 10 °C above the boiling point of the solvent chosen.
   • High Vapor T/Coolant Failure Alarm. Set to 5 °C below the boiling point of the solvent chosen.
   • Ultrasonic Tank High T Alarm. Set to not more than 90% of boiling point of the solvent chosen.

Material Compatibility

Vertrel™ SDG and SFR are characterized by high compatibility with a wide selection of metals, plastics and elastomers. Compatible plastics include Teflon™ TFE, FEP, PFA and polyethylene; acrylics, ABS and polycarbonates are incompatible with Vertrel™ SDG or SFR. Suitable elastomers include Viton™ A, Viton™ B and EPDM; natural rubber and silicone elastomers are not recommended. Individual plastic and elastomeric formulations can vary with the manufacturer; therefore, the best assurance of material compatibility can be attained via the testing of plastic and elastomeric materials under conditions expected during normal operation. Contact of Vertrel™ SDG and SFR with highly basic materials (pH >10) is not recommended.