Vertrel™
Specialty Fluids

Safe HandlingTechnical Information
What Is Vertrel™?

Flammability/Decomposition

In response to customer needs for safe, environmentally

None of the Vertrel™ blends listed in Table 1 exhibit a

acceptable alternatives to CFCs, HCFCs, and PFCs used inclosed cup flash point and, therefore, are not classified as

many critical precision cleaning and specialty applications,flammable liquids by the National Fire Protection

Chemours has developed a family of products based on HFC

Association (NFPA) or the Department of Transportation

43-10mee (2,3-dihydrodecafluoropentane). These products(DOT). However, some of the blends have vapor flammability

are marketed under the Vertrel™ registered trademark.

limits in air. These limits of flammability provide the user

Commercialized in mid-1995, the Vertrel™ products were
the first fluorinated fluid alternatives with zero ozone
depletion potential and low global warming potential. Inaddition to these desirable environmental properties, theirunique physical properties, including low surface tension
and low viscosity and other properties very similar toCFC-113, make Vertrel™ products ideally suited for many
critical applications, such as precision cleaning, highperformance electronics defluxing, drying, carrier fluids,

with additional information that may be used as elementsof a fire risk assessment and/or to determine guidelines forthe safe handling of volatile chemicals. In the event of a spillor leak situation, the vapors above the liquid may fall within
the lower explosive limit/upper explosive limit (LEL/UEL)
and, therefore, become flammable. Precautions to takeinclude evacuating the area, providing maximum ventilation(especially low places where heavy vapors might collect),and ensuring there are no ignition sources present.

process media, test fluids, heat transfer, and other high-Q. Can the Vertrel™ products decompose during normal

value uses where reliability is paramount.

use in cleaning applications?

As with any chemical, it is important for all users to be welleducated regarding the product’s properties and safe
handling and use. This bulletin is provided by Chemours toassist with that education, in a handy “Question andAnswer” format that addresses several frequently asked
questions. Customers are advised to communicate thisinformation to all workers involved with the handling andA. Although Vertrel™ specialty fluids are stable duringstorage and normal use conditions, they can decompose incontact with very high temperatures, such as open flamesor hot surfaces like those found in space heaters.
Decomposition products produce irritating and toxic
compounds, such as hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride,and possibly carbonyl halides.

use of Vertrel™ products. Please contact Chemours if you

Q. Are the products of decomposition hazardous?

have additional questions or would like to arrange anA. Yes. The acidic vapors produced by the decomposition ofeducational safety seminar for your employees.

Vertrel™ vapors are hazardous, and the area should beevacuated and ventilated to prevent personnel exposure. Infact, the irritating nature of the fumes will generally require
people to leave the area before hazardous effects can occur.
Anyone exposed to the decomposition products should betaken to fresh air and given medical attention immediately.

Vertrel™

Specialty Fluids

Q. What should I do to prevent decomposition?

suffocation due to an oxygen deficiency. It is, therefore, not

A. To prevent decomposition of Vertrel™ specialty fluids,

safe to enter a tank, vapor degreaser, or other confined

operating conditions should be held within the recommended

space without observing safe entry procedures.

guidelines, and any contact with high heat source, such as

Q. What are the exposure limits for Vertrel™ specialty

open flames or hot surfaces, should be avoided. Vapor

fluids?

degreasers typically have low level interlocks that prevent

A. For Vertrel™ XF, Chemours has established anthe heating coils from becoming uncovered; if the coils

acceptable exposure limit (AEL) of 200 ppm, 8- and 12-hr

become uncovered, the surface temperature can increase

time-weighted average (TWA). An AEL is the airborne

dramatically and result in solvent decomposition. If there isconcentration to which nearly all workers may beevidence that decomposition is taking place, shut down

repeatedly exposed day after day without adverse effects.

the system, provide ventilation to clear the area ofdecomposition products, and leave the area to get fresh air.

Also, a ceiling limit of 400 ppm has been set by Chemours.

Human Healthbe exceeded during any part of the working day. Similarly,

A ceiling limit is the airborne concentration that should not
the American Conference of Governmental Industrial

The Vertrel™ specialty fluids have low inhalation toxicity andHygienists (ACGIH) has set threshold limit values (TLVs)

pose little risk of adverse health effects when airbornethat represent airborne concentrations to which nearly all

exposures are maintained below established exposure

workers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse effect.

limits. Vertrel™ vapors are transparent, with only a slight

The calculated TLV for Vertrel™ blends is shown in Table 1.

odor. The vapors are four to eight times heavier than air and,The exposure limits for some other solvents are shown fortherefore, can collect and concentrate near the floor or in

a comparison in Table 2.

low lying areas. High vapor concentrations can result inTable 1. Vertrel™ Specialty Fluids
Boiling Point, °C (°F)

Lower Limit

Upper Limit

Vertrel™ XF

55 (130)

200Nonec

None

NoneNone

Vertrel™ XM

48 (118)200

Nonee

None

911e

ProductClosed Cup
Flash Point

Tag Open Cup
Flash Point

Vapor Flammability Limits in Air, vol%Acceptable ExposureLimit, ppma

Vertrel™ XE

52 (126)

235

None

None

None

None

Vertrel™ XP

52 (126)

200

Nonee

None

None

None

Vertrel™ X-P1054 (129)

200

Nonec

None

511Vertrel™ MCA

39 (102)

200

Noned

None

None

None

Vertrel™ MCA Plus

38 (100)

214

Noned

None

611

Vertrel™ SMT

37 (99)

169

None

None

813

Vertrel™ XMS Plus

38 (100)

197

Noned

20° C (68° F)f414dVertrel™ SDG

43 (109)

193

NoneNone

714Vertrel™ SFR

41 (106)

187

None

None

715

Vertrel™ XH

53 (127)

217

None

None

None

None

Vertrel™ X-DF

39 (102)200

NonedNone

None

None

Vertrel™ X-DA

55 (130)

186

Nonec

None

None

None

Vertrel™ XSi

57 (134)200<-18 °C (-0.4 °F)<0 °C (32 °F)

5NAg

AEL is the Chemours Acceptable Exposure Limit where governmentally imposed occupational exposure limits that are lower than the AEL are in effect, such limits shall take precedence
AEL values are calculated in accordance with ACGIH Formula for TLVs for mixtures
cTag Closed Cup Flash Point – ASTM D 56
dPensky-Martens Closed Cup Flash Point – ASTM D 93
eSetaflash Closed Cup Flash Point – ASTM D 3278
fVertrel™ XMS Plus has a Tag Open Cup Flash Point of 20°C (68°F), but no fire point (i.e., <5 sec sustained flame)gUnable to determine, due to condensationab2

Vertrel™

Specialty Fluids

Table 2. Solvent Comparison
Solvent

Vertrel™ vapors may exist, open all hatches or vents on theequipment and ventilate the area. The highest

TLV–8-hrTWA, ppm

Flammability Limits, % in Air

Vertrel™ XF

200*

None

concentration of vapors will be near the ground, because

HCFC-225, blend

50**

7.5-15the vapors are four to eight times heavier than air. ToHCFC-141b500

7.6-17.7

ventilate, use fans to force air down to the lowest point in

Perchloroethylene

25

None

the area you will be entering. Monitor the composition of

Trichloroethylene

10

7.8-52

Methylene Chloride

25***

13-23

the atmosphere in the area you will be entering. Before youcan enter the area safely without an independent air supply,
the oxygen content should be at least 19.5%, and the*Chemours’s Acceptable Exposure Limit

concentration of vapors should be below the AEL.

**Calculated exposure limit based on a 25 ppm (8-hr TWA) limit for HCFC-225ca and a
200 ppm (8-hr TWA) limit for HCFC-225cb

Q. Can skin or eye contact with Vertrel™ be hazardous?

***Permissive Exposure Limit established by OSHA

A. At low concentrations, vapors from Vertrel™ have little orno effect on the skin or eyes. Contact with higher

Q. What are the symptoms of exposure above theconcentrations should be avoided, for example, inside theexposure limits?

vapor zone of a degreaser or with liquid Vertrel™. The fluid

A. Inhaling concentrations well above the establishedcan dissolve natural oils, resulting in drying, itching, swelling,

exposure limits of vapor from Vertrel™ may affect the central

and roughening of the skin. Gloves made of neoprene ornervous system. Symptoms may include dizziness, a feeling

nitrile should be worn.

of intoxication, tremors, convulsions, and loss ofcoordination. These symptoms are reversible upon exposure

If Vertrel™ is accidentally splashed into the eyes, it may

to fresh air. There are no indications of long-term chroniccause temporary irritation. Flush eyes with water, and seek

effects. Prolonged inhalation of high concentrations may

immediate medical attention.

also cause suffocation and death due to oxygen deprivation.
Breathing high concentrations of Vertrel™ vapor may produce

Q. Is Vertrel™ toxic when taken orally?

cardiac sensitization. Cardiac sensitization is an increased

A. Vertrel™ specialty fluids are colorless liquids. Because

sensitivity of the heart to adrenaline in the presence of an

they look just like water, it is important to avoid storing

inhaled sensitizing chemical, such as fluorocarbons orthem in containers where they can be mistaken for water.

organic chemicals. Cardiac sensitization leads to heart

As with all chemicals, proper labeling is imperative. Vertrel™

irregularities that may be fatal. The likelihood of such heart

products have low oral toxicity, but should not be ingested.

problems increases if a person is under emotional or physicalIf Vertrel™ is accidentally or intentionally swallowed, do notstress. Medical attention should be sought immediately.

induce vomiting. Doing so could result in drawing theproduct into the lungs, potentially leading to chemical

Do not treat with epinephrine (adrenaline) or similar heart

pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and hemorrhage. Get

stimulants, because they will increase the risk of cardiac

medical attention immediately.

arrhythmia and cardiac arrest. If there is breathingdifficulty, administer oxygen. If breathing has stopped, give

An exception to this rule is when dealing with productsartificial respiration.

containing methanol, such as Vertrel™ XM and Vertrel™
SMT. Due to the high risk of systemic toxicity (blindness)

If any of the initial symptoms are experienced, move tofrom methanol, it is recommended to induce vomiting. Get

fresh air and seek medical attention immediately. Recovery

medical attention immediately.

occurs quickly.

Potential hazards that may be associated with Vertrel™

Q. What can I do to work safely on systems in enclosed

products and suggestions for avoiding problems that mayareas?

arise are summarized in Table 3.

A. Good work practices dictate that solvent degreasers be
used in open, well-ventilated areas. However, if you need toenter an enclosed area where unknown concentrations of3

Vertrel™

Specialty Fluids

Table 3. Potential Hazards of Fluorocarbons
Condition

Potential Hazard

Safeguard

Vapors may decompose in flames or contact with hotsurfaces.

Inhalation of or skin contact with toxic decomposition
products.

Provide adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with open
flames or hot surfaces. Toxic decomposition products
serve as warning agents.

Vapors are six to eight times heavier than air. Highconcentrations may accumulate in low places.

Inhalation of concentrated vapors can cause
suffocation, due to lack of oxygen, and can be fatal.
Excessive overexposures may cause central nervouseffects, including tremors or convulsions.

Provide forced air ventilation at the level of vapor
concentration. Follow confined space requirements,including lifelines, when entering tanks or confined areas.

Vapor concentrations of some blends may be withinflammable limits.

In the event of a spill or leak, flammable mixtures may
form above the liquid.

Remove all possible ignition sources and provide
ventilation in the event of a spill.

Deliberate inhalation to produce intoxication.

Can be fatal.

Avoid product misuse.

Some fluorocarbon liquids tend to remove natural oils
from skin.

May cause irritation of dry, sensitive skin.

Wear impervious gloves and protective clothing.

Liquids may be splashed into eyes.

Liquids may cause temporary irritation.

Wear eye protection. Flush eyes for several minutes withrunning water.

Monitoring Vertrel™ in the Air

serious spill of the fluid. Whenever possible, a drum pump orgravity stand should be used to transfer the solvent fromQ. How can I monitor vapor from Vertrel™?

the container to the point of use. Cautions should be taken

A. Several types of fluorocarbon monitors are available,

when transferring product from a drum or pail to theincluding those based on thermal conductivity, hot wire,

cleaning equipment to avoid high concentrations. Drumpyrolyzer, flame ionization, and infrared technology. Infrared

pumps are recommended.

monitors are highly recommended because of their longeconomical life, accuracy, and portability. Any monitor must

Drum Handlingbe calibrated for the specific fluid being monitored. For
more information, contact your Chemours representative.

Vertrel™ specailty fluids are shipped in drums up to 55-gal

Pressure

are best moved by forklift trucks onto racks to provide

capacity, which can weigh in excess of 600 lb. Full drums
gravity feed to the point of use. Whenever drums areQ. Can pressure cause any hazard during use?

handled to transfer fluid, empty, or move them manually,

A. Because Vertrel™ specialty fluids boil at relatively highseveral cautions should be observed.

temperatures, there are minimal vapor pressure problems
to consider when using these products in most• Use of proper drum handling equipment is recommended.

applications. However, it is a good practice to always open

• Wear proper safety equipment, including gloves, splash

the bung slowly, while standing back from the drum, toavoid possible exposure due to pressure buildup in a drum.

goggles, aprons (when handling open drums), and safety

As with any expandable fluid, overfilling containers (e.g.,

shoes if the drums are to be moved.

drums or pails) can create a potential hazard. If an• Before moving drums, make sure the bungs are tightly

overfilled, closed container of Vertrel™ specialty fluid isclosed to prevent splashing.

exposed to high temperatures—as in a fire or even hot• When working near other drums and equipment, beweather—hydrostatic overpressure can result, causing

careful of pinch points.

rupture failure of the container. Do not store drums in direct
sunlight; store drums in clean, dry areas where the• Any drum containing solvent should be kept tightly

temperature does not exceed 52°C (125°F).

sealed between transfer operations to prevent
unnecessary evaporation losses. Drums should beQ. Can I use air pressure to help dispense a Vertrel™

stored with the bung tightened to eliminate thespecialty fluid from its container?

possibility of incurring a major spillage of solvent

A. Shipping and storage drums are not designed as

through a loose or leaky bung.

pressure vessels. Forcing air under pressure into thesedrums could cause a rupture failure of the container and4

Vertrel™

Specialty Fluids

Regulations

During some recovery operations, especially withQ. How do federal regulations affect the use of Vertrel™
specialty fluids?
A. Vertrel™ specialty fluids are subjected to fewer
regulatory restrictions than chlorinated solvents. The basechemical of Vertrel™ products, HFC 43-10, has zero ozone
depletion potential. The Vertrel™ line of products is
accepted by the U.S. EPA under the Significant New
Alternatives Program (SNAP) rules as a substitute forozone-depleting substances. HFC 43-10 is notphotochemically reactive and is, therefore, exempted from
VOC regulation by the EPA. Some Vertrel™ products,
however, contain components, such as methanol andtrans-1,2 dichloroethylene, which are VOC-regulated.

flammable soils or where the composition of the product in
the liquid and vapor state may change (e.g., duringdistillation), it is possible for the mixture to exhibit either aflash point as a liquid or wider LEL/UEL in the vapor state.
Users should test the spent product to ensure properclassification for waste disposal.
It is important to remember that all chemical compounds,including Vertrel™ fluorocarbons, must be handled in anenvironmentally responsible manner. Chemours has anarrangement with a solvent reclaim/disposal facility forhandling spent solvent. Contact a Vertrel™ technicalmanager for further information on this program.

Vertrel™ products are not restricted as hazardous air
pollutants (HAP) and, therefore, are not subject toNESHAP regulations, nor are they restricted by the Clean
Water Act. They are subject to the least stringent
regulations under CERCLA.
Q. What is the classification when shipping spentsolvent?
A. Vertrel™ fluorocarbon specialty fluids are not regulated
as hazardous materials by the DOT, unless the user has
introduced a RCRA hazardous material during use. Even
though some Vertrel™ specialty fluids are mixtures that
include other solvents such as alcohol, none of themixtures are classified as flammable, poisonous, orcorrosive by DOT definition.

For more information on Vertrel™, please visit opteon.com or call (800) 235-7882.
The information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and based on technical data that Chemours believes to be reliable. It is intended for use by persons having technical skill, attheir own risk. Because conditions of use are outside our control, Chemours makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and assumes no liability in connection with any use of thisinformation. Nothing herein is to be taken as a license to operate under, or a recommendation to infringe, any patents or patent applications.
© 2016 The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Vertrel™ and any associated logos are trademarks or copyrights of The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Chemours™ and the Chemours Logo aretrademarks of The Chemours Company.
Replaces: K-22216
C-11006 (9/16)