Vertrel™ X-DF
Drying Agent

Removes Water and Contaminants; Rapid, Spot-Free Drying;
Low Energy Consumption

Technical Information
Introduction

Vertrel™ Displacement Drying

Water removal from processed parts is a major

The Vertrel™ displacement drying system operates on themanufacturing step in the finishing of glass, ceramic,displacement principle. The process uses the high density

plastic, and metal components and assemblies. There are aand low surface tension (wetting ability) of Vertrel™ MCA

variety of methods to accomplish this task. Some of thefluid and a hydrophobic surfactant additive that promotes

more common methods include evaporative, centrifugal,water separation, while ensuring the spot-free drying ofmedia absorbent, solvent absorption, and solvent

electrically non-conductive parts, such as glass lenses anddisplacement drying. Solvent displacement drying is amirrors. Used in a 2- or 3-sump cascading process similarcommon and widely accepted method of water removal

to a vapor degreaser, the Vertrel™ displacement drying

prior to plating, coating, and other surface treatments ofsystem can effectively remove large or small quantities ofplastics, metals, mirrors, lenses, crystals, and ceramics. The

water from metal, glass, or plastic parts and assemblies.

method is particularly useful when reflective and refractive
Water, along with dissolved contaminants, adheres toproperties must be maintained.

surfaces in droplet form. When a wetted part is immersed in
The Vertrel™ X-DF displacement drying system offers

Vertrel™ X-DF, the higher density, lower surface tension andone-step, low-energy, spot-free drying that is efficient, safe

unique properties of the surfactant additive allow theto use, and environmentally responsible. Vertrel™ X-DFVertrel™ X-DF to penetrate underneath the water droplet.

consists of Vertrel™ MCA (an azeotrope of HFC 43-10 andBuoyancy forces will help lift the agglomerated dropletstrans-1,2-dichloroethylene) and a surfactant. It is non-away from the surface of the part, and the water will rise toflammable, has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), andthe surface of the heavier, hydrophobic Vertrel™ X-DF

very low global warming potential (GWP). The physicaldrying fluid. Figure 1 illustrates this sequence.

properties of Vertrel™ X-DF are shown in Table 1.
The water flows from the surface of the drying sump over aTable 1. Physical Properties
Property

weir, into a gravity water separator, and is rejected from theVertrel™ X-DF

Composition
Vertrel™ MCA, wt%
Surfactant, wt%

99.9
0.1

Boiling Point, °C (°F)

39 (102.2)

Liquid Density at 25 °C (77 °F), kg/L

1.41

Surface Tension, N/m

0.0152

Flash Point

None

Flammability (UEL, LEL)

None

dryer through the water drain. The parts are then removedfrom the drying fluid and passed through one or morecascading baths of Vertrel™ MCA to dissolve and remove
residual surfactant from the surface. Upon removal, theparts are dry and spot-free. Displacement drying systems
are commercially available and operate much the same asvapor degreasing equipment, except that water separation
and removal capabilities are greatly enhanced.

Vertrel™ X-DF

Drying Agent

Figure 1. Fluorocarbon Displacement Drying(enabling dried parts to be removed without passing througha layer of contaminated water). This combination of favorableAir21factors (low­temperature boiling action, non-miscibility with

Solvent + Surfactant
34Water

Water

Surfactant

Water

5Waterwater, high specific gravity) is the major reason for the dry,spot-free condition of parts emerging from the Vertrel™ X-DF
displacement drying system.
Low Energy Consumption
Evaporative or hot air drying employs heat to remove water

Figure 2. Displacement Drying System
Principle Scheme of Vertrel™ Drying Equipment(including Chemours Triple Guard™ System)by changing it from a liquid to a vapor. This method requires
large amounts of energy to operate, because approximately
0.6 kWh are required to evaporate each kilogram of water.
The Vertrel™ displacement drying system operates at a low
operating temperature (39 °C [102 °F]) and consumes
significantly less energy.

Other Advantages
The new Vertrel™ displacement drying system offers thefollowing advantages:• Removes water in pH ranges between 5 and 9.
• Removes hard water.
• Is easily rinsed, because of lower drying agent
concentrations.
• Drying agent has limited water solubility and noDisplacement Drying Advantages
Spot-Free Drying

vapor pressure; so, it will remain in the boil sump.
• Reduces cycle time by elimination of air drying step.

Evaporative or hot air drying generally will deposit a residue

Other Solvent Dryingof any non-volatile material that was suspended or dissolved

There are two ways in which solvents can remove waterin the water. Centrifugal drying is usually effective only inremoving gross amounts of water from free draining parts. Aslight water film usually remains, which must be removed byother means. Media-absorbent drying transfers moisturefrom the parts to a porous medium, such as sawdust orcorncobs, which then must be disposed of or dried throughevaporation. The parts must then be further processed toremove residue deposited by the absorbent media.
Displacement drying depends on the use of a relatively highspecific gravity drying fluid to encourage rapid displacementof water along with its water-soluble contaminants. At thelow operating temperature (39 °C [102 °F]) of this system,
virtually no water evaporates from the wet parts; therefore,water-soluble salts cannot be deposited on their surfaces.
This permits water to float to the surface of the solvent,where it is continuously swept away by the equipmentfrom surfaces: (1) by displacing it through preferential
wetting of the parts’ surfaces and subsequent separationof the water from a more dense, water-insoluble solvent,such as Vertrel™ X-DF and Vertrel™ X-DA (especiallydesigned for plastic parts) or (2) by dissolving the water—
as with polar solvents, such as alcohol or acetone. Vertrel™
X-P10 is such a blend. It consists of Vertrel™ XF (nonsoluble in water) and isopropyl alcohol, has no flash point,
and is designed for absorption drying. For further
information, see Vertrel™ X-P10 product bulletin.

Anti-Static Additive
As opposed to Vertrel™ X-DA (see information sheet of theproduct), the use of an anti-static additive in the drying fluidin combination with the surfactant is not necessary whenusing Vertrel™ X-DF.

Vertrel™ X-DF

Drying Agent

Drying Procedures• Vertrel™ X-DF—The drying agent used in the boiling

Following is a brief suggested procedure for drying:
1. Place parts in open-mesh holder and lower into drying
sump containing Vertrel™ X-DF boiling at 39 °C (77 °F).
Usually, a 1- to 3-minute immersion is sufficient, dependingon the size, configuration, and other characteristics of theparts. Shake the holder up and down a few times to help
dislodge any trapped water between parts. Also, makecertain that parts with recesses or cups are oriented soreleased water can float up to the surface of the bath.
2. Remove parts from the Vertrel™ X-DF and hold over thesump. It consists of Vertrel™ MCA plus a surfactant
additive to give the water-displacing action. It is used
only for the initial charge of the drying sump and re­circulating tank system, as well as for make-up.
• Vertrel™ MCA—Fluid used to charge the rinse sumps. Its
primary purpose is to rinse off residual drying agent left
on parts coming from the boiling water removal sump.
Thereafter, condensed Vertrel™ MCA vapor from theboiling sump will act to keep the fluid in the rinse sumps
clean and at the proper level.

drying sump to permit excess solvent to drain back intoBoth fluids are nonflammable and offer a drying system

the sump. Lower into the Vertrel™ MCA sump for rinsing.

compatible with most plastics, elastomers, metals, andShake holder. If equipment with a second Vertrel™ MCA

other materials of construction.

rinse sump is employed, repeat the rinsing step.
3. At the end of the rinse, hold parts in the vapor zone.
After dripping stops, remove from the dryer; parts will
be dry, spot-free, and ready for further processing.
4. Ultrasonics (in the drying and/or rinse sumps) canBecause displaced water, with its water-soluble
contaminants, automatically floats quickly out of the drying
sump and down the drain, the Vertrel™ drying bath retains
its effectiveness over long periods of use. Due to thelimited water solubility (100 ppm water in Vertrel™ XF) of

increase the efficiency of the drying process. A spray

the surfactant, some surfactant loss can be expected. Thisrinse of the parts with a spray lance or ring, while they

can be compensated for by adding Vertrel™ X-DF when

are in the vapor zone, increases the efficiency of the final

additional solvent is needed in the drying sump. Make-up

step. Spraying of parts should be done under the vapor

solution for compensation of Vertrel™ X-DF losses shouldblanket to minimize emissions.

be made of one-third Vertrel™ X-DF and two-thirds Vertrel™

5. The Vertrel™ displacement drying system depends on
floating away the displaced water from wet parts. Drying
cannot take place if water is trapped inside small cracks
and crevices or if orientation traps water under cup-likecavities. These problems are often solved by shaking orrotating parts in the drying bath. The Vertrel™
displacement drying system is not recommended forfibrous or porous parts, as they present special
problems in both water displacement and excessive
solvent carryout.

MCA and poured into the drying sump.

Compatibility
The compatibility of materials with Vertrel™ X-DF is virtually
the same as with Vertrel™ MCA. Both products have a broad
compatibility range (see technical bulletin of Vertrel™ MCA).

Metals and Other Compatibility
Vertrel™ X-DF is fully compatible with the metals listed
below after exposure for two weeks at 100°C (212 °F) insealed tubes with and without water contact.

Equipment
Consideration should be given to the purchase of new orretrofitting of existing vapor degreasing equipment to• Zinc*• Aluminum• Stainless Steel• Copper*

provide vapor containment technology that enables safe

• Brass*and economical use of Vertrel™ X-DF.

* Slight discoloration with water present

Fluids Required in the System

Vertrel™ X-DF is not compatible with strong bases;

Two different fluids are required in the Vertrel

therefore, contact with highly basic process materials isdisplacement drying system:

not recommended.

™

Vertrel™ X-DF

Drying Agent

Exposure Limits

Packaging and Availability

Data from acute toxicity studies has demonstrated that

Vertrel™ X-DF is currently available in 55-gal (208-L) drums

Vertrel™ X-DF has very low toxicity. Vertrel™ X-DF is a slightwith a net weight of 550 lb (249 kg) and in 5-gal (19-L)

skin and eye irritant and has low acute inhalation toxicity.

pails with a net weight of 50 lb (23 kg).

Table 2 shows the applicable exposure limits for Vertrel™
X-DF. Acceptable Exposure Limits (AELs) are time weighted

Table 2. Exposure Limits

average (TWA) concentrations for a normal 8-12 hour

Component

Limit, ppm

Vertrel™ XF

200
400

8- and 12-hr TWA Ceilingb

2008-hr TWA

workday and a 40 hour workweek to which nearly allworkers may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without

Trans-1,2dichloroethylene

adverse effect. Please refer to the Safety Data Sheet(SDS) for additional details.

Safety/Flammability/Storage
Vertrel™ X-DF is nonflammable and does not become
flammable during boiling or evaporation. It is thermallystable to 300 °C (572 °F) and does not oxidize or degradeAELa

Type

Acceptable Exposure Limit (AEL) is an airborne inhalation exposure limit established byChemours that specifies time-weighted average concentrations to which nearly allworkers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse effects.
aA ceiling limit is the concentration that should not be exceeded during any part of theworking day. The ceiling limit for individual components applies to the blend product as well.
bduring storage. Refer to the SDS for specific handlingprecautions and instructions. Store in a clean, dry area.
Drum pumps are recommended to dispense Vertrel™ drying
agent from its container.

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.
© 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-16539
C-11031 (10/16)