Vertrel X-Si

Vertrel X-Si

Vertrel X-Si is a proprietary blend of Vertrel XF hydrofluorocarbon (2,3-dihydrodecafluoropentane) and hexamethyldisiloxane. It is ideally suited for use in medical applications as a solvent for cleaning or depositing silicone oilbased lubricants. It is also used as a swelling media for silicone rubber tubing.

Vertrel X-Si has “zero” ozone-depletion potential and low global warming potential, and is exempted as a volatile organic compound (VOC). Vertrel X-Si is accepted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, as a substitute for ozone-depleting substances. It is an alternative to environmentally regulated fluids such as CFC-113, 1,1,1-trichloroethane
(1,1,1-TCA or methylchloroform), HCFC-141b, and hexane, a VOC. Vertrel X-Si can replace high global warming potential materials like perfluorocarbon (PFC) fluids in similar applications in the medical field. Physical properties of Vertrel X-Si are shown in the technical data tab.

Process of Use for Vertrel X-Si

For most applications using Vertrel X-Si, parts are immersed in the solvent at room temperature. Vertrel X-Si evaporates quickly, thus it is recommended that the vapor-to-air interface area be minimized and/or the solvent be cooled to promote efficient and effective use. Due to flammability characteristics, this product should be used in appropriately rated areas and equipment. If there is a need to use the solvent at higher temperatures, a flammable-rated, single sump vapor degreaser can be used. Vertrel X-Si is not an azeotrope, and should not be used in a two-sump vapor degreaser as components of the blend may separate.

Solubility and Swelling

Laboratory test data for solubility of common silicone fluids in Vertrel X-Si are shown in Table 1.

*As manufactured by Dow Corning.

Data was also collected to measure swelling of polysilicone tubing. The data shown in Table 2 compares change in width and weight of polysilicone tubing in various solvents with Vertrel X-Si.

* 47°C (117°F) for CFC-113; 54°C (129°F) for Vertrel KCD-X-Si; 68°C (154°F) for Hexane

Note that Vertrel X-Si has similar swelling capability compared with hexane and CFC-113. However, it is superior in performance because it results in a much smaller weight gain of the polysilicone tubing due to solvent absorption. This is very desirable from the viewpoint of solvent consumption as well as a faster recovery of the polysilicone tubing to its original state.

Plastic and Elastomer Compatibility of Vertrel X-Si 

Vertrel X-Si is compatible with most polymeric materials commonly used in the medical application and has excellent compatibility with polycarbonate and polyurethane materials.

Elastomer swelling and shrinking will, in most cases, revert to within a few percent of original size after air-drying. Swell, shrinkage, and extractables are strongly affected by the compounding agents, plasticizers, and curing used in the manufacture of plastics and elastomers. Therefore, prior in-use testing is particularly important.

Test data for plastics and elastomers compatibility are summarized in Tables 3 and 4. These tests simulate effects for exposures of parts in a cleaning cycle. Long-term compatibility data simulating exposure of equipment construction materials is available from Miller-Stephenson upon request.

Metals and Other Compatibility of Vertrel X-Si

Vertrel X-Si is very stable with most common metals such as aluminum, copper, zinc, carbon steel, and stainless steel.

Contact with highly basic process materials, pH 10 or above, is not recommended.

Data from acute toxicity studies has demonstrated that Vertrel X-Si has low toxicity. Vertrel X-Si is a slight skin and eye irritant and has low acute inhalation toxicity.Exposure Limit

Flammability

Vertrel X-Si exhibits a closed cup flash point per the Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester (ASTM D 93) and is classified as a flammable liquid by NFPA or DOT. The product does exhibit vapor flammability limits in air, and has the potential to ignite and burn in an open vessel or in case of a spill, if an ignition source is present. Users should clear equipment of all vapors and liquids before performing any maintenance operations that could result in an ignition source.

Flash point data and limits of flammability in air provide the user with additional information that should be used as elements of a fire risk assessment and to determine guidelines for the safe handling of volatile chemicals. Users should assure compliance with NFPA standards and local fire codes.

Recovery

Recovery of Vertrel X-Si is not recommended. The product is not an azeotrope, and composition of the recovered product cannot be assured.

If recovery is attempted, flammable rated areas and equipment should be used. The presence of soils may further change the characteristics of the material. Any recovery should be closely monitored to ensure operating levels are maintained. Users should test the spent Vertrel X-Si to ensure proper classification for waste disposal.

Storage/Handling for Vertrel X-Si

Vertrel X-Si is thermally stable and does not oxidize or degrade during storage. Store in a clean, dry area. Protect from freezing temperatures. If solvent is stored below –10°C (14°F), mix prior to use. Do not allow stored product to exceed 52°C (125°F) to prevent leakage or potential rupture of container from pressure and expansion. Vertrel X-Si is classified as a flammable liquid by DOT/NFPA. It does have flammable limits in air, and has the potential to ignite in an open vessel or in case of a spill, if an ignition source is present. A flammable-rated drum pump is recommended to dispense the product from its container.

Environmental Legislation

Vertrel specialty fluids have “zero” ozonedepletion potential and low global warming potential (Table 5). They are used as alternatives to CFC-113, methylchloroform, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in many critical cleaning, drying, carrier fluid, and other high-value specialty uses where reliability is paramount.

Vertrel® X-Si is accepted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, as a substitute for ozonedepleting substances. Vertrel XF and hexamethyldisiloxane are exempt from classification as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by the EPA. Vertrel X-Si is also VOC compliant under the California South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regulations, which require VOC content less than 50 g/L of solvent.

The components of Vertrel X-Si are listed in the TSCA inventory. One component, HFC-43-10mee, is subject to the Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) and should be used only in the indicated applications. See MSDS Regulatory Section.

Vertrel X-Si is not a hazardous air pollutant (HAP), and therefore not subject to NESHAP regulation. DuPont is not included in the SARA Title III Section 313 list of toxic chemicals, and is not subject to SARA Title III (EPCRA) reporting requirements.

Specifications

Composition and specifications are shown in Table 6. All components are listed in the TSCA Inventory.

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Vertrel™ is a trademark of The Chemours Company FC, LLC