Vertrel™ MCA
Specialty Fluid

Oxygen Service Cleaning

Technical Information
Vertrel™ MCA is a proprietary azeotrope of Vertrel™ XF
hydrofluorocarbon and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene. It has
zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and is ideally suitedfor oxygen service cleaning applications.
Oxygen service cleaning is more critical

Items cleaned include:• Pipe• Hoses• Flow valve assemblies

than other cleaning applications.

• Manifolds

Particles left as a residue may hinder• Pumps, compressors, and diaphragms

operation of valves, sensors, andcontrols or, otherwise, cause excessive• Heat exchangers

friction in moving parts. Friction causes• Cylinders and containment vessels

heat and may be a potential ignition
source. Another concern is explosion
potential. Combustible materials ignite
more rapidly in an oxygen-richatmosphere. Particles and residual hydrocarbons have a• Instrument valves• Regulators• Tubinghigh potential for explosion in an oxygen atmosphere. Some

• Flow meters

metals may burn in the presence of an ignition source in an• Safety relief valves

oxygen atmosphere. Cleanliness requirements may differdepending on fixed or moving surfaces coming in contact
with oxygen and whether the oxygen is in the form of a liquid
or a gas. Oxygen service cleaning is more critical anddemands the use of a solvent that is oxygen-compatible.
Vertrel™ MCA is listed by the Compressed Gas Association,
Inc. in the Directory of Cleaning Agents for Oxygen Service.
Vertrel™ MCA also meets liquid oxygen (LOX) mechanicalimpact testing requirements in accordance with NHB
8060.1C, Method 13A.*

Cleaning Methods
Components may be cleaned with alternate methods.
A cleaning process for component parts used in oxygen
service requires a sequence of methods for cleaning,rinsing, and drying. The sequence applies to not only newand refurbished parts, but also to field maintenancecleaning. The critical nature of oxygen service cleaning andthe required degree of cleanliness determine the process
sequences necessary to accomplish a desired level ofcleanliness. Vertrel™ MCA can be used in any of thefollowing cleaning methods. These methods individually or*NASA Handbook 8060 for Mechanical Impact—Liquid and Gaseous Oxygen (Test 13)

sequentially define a cleaning process.
WipingEasy access, flat surfaces may be cleaned with a solventmoistened, lint-free cloth. The wiping method is used whensurfaces are large and other methods are impractical to use.

Vertrel™ MCA

Specialty Fluid

Flushing

Major Advantages of Vertrel™ MCA

Flushing forces solvent through or upon the surface
to be cleaned with a sufficient flow rate to remove residual• Solvent residue is liquid oxygen-compatible

contamination. This method is typically used as a final rinse,• Low residue

after a preliminary cleaning process and before drying.

• Excellent solvent penetration

Immersion• Fast and thorough drying

In this method, components are submerged in solvent for a• Solvent can be recycled

specified time to dissolve and lift surface contaminants.
Solvent agitation and ultrasonic energy are often used todislodge particles and break up difficult-to-remove soils.
Spraying in glove box environments is also used. This method• Chemically stable• Environmentally preferred• Low in toxicity

is often used for a first pass, preliminary cleaning process.

Disadvantages of Other Cleaning Systems

Vapor Degreasing• Aqueous wash

This method uses the vapors of heated solvent to remove
contaminants from intricate, irregular, and hard-to-access– Low grease-cutting capability

locations. Spraying with vapor condensation is also used to– Long soak times for cleaning

further remove contaminants from surfaces. In a typical– Low penetration for complex parts

two-sump degreaser, components are rinsed in puresolvent condensate with ultrasonic energy to remove fineparticulate. As the parts equilibrate to the temperature of
the solvent vapor, condensation ceases and parts are clean,dry, and safe to handle. This method typically combines allsteps necessary for cleaning, rinsing, and drying.

Typical Material Surfaces• Stainless steel• Low carbon steel• Copper• Threaded pipe

• Seals• Gaskets– Long drying time
– Large potential for rust– High energy consumption• Isopropyl alcohol– Flammable– Requires extensive venting– High disposal costs– Photochemically reactive• Trichloroethylene

Soils and Contaminants• Particulate matter• Handling soils• Hydrocarbon oils

• Water contaminants• Lubricants• Krytox™

– Hazardous composition– Extensive venting required– Banned in some states due to high photochemical
reactivity– High disposal costs

For more information on Vertrel™, please visit vertrel.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.
© 2018 The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Vertrel™ is a trademark of The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Chemours™ and the Chemours Logo are trademarks of The Chemours Company.
Replaces: K-05115-1
C-11581 (2/18)