Vertrel™ SDG and SFR
Specialty Fluids

Retrofit Guidelines: Replacement of n-Propyl Bromide
in Vapor Degreasers

Technical Information
Introduction

3. Replace desiccant bags.

Vertrel™ SDG and SFR are engineered mixtures designed

4. Wipe down tank and ensure removal of any residues.

to replace n-propyl bromide in applications demanding
maximum cleaning power, including defluxing; oil, grease,
and wax removal; and precision cleaning applications.
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• Fast drying—increasing productivity• Compatible with most metals, plastics, and elastomers• Nonflammable• Low toxicity• Zero ozone depletion potential• Low global warming potential

5. Flush the liquid lines with a small amount of Vertrel™
SDG or SFR.
6. Charge tank with recommended quantity of Vertrel™
SDG or SFR.
7. Turn on heaters and pump, and adjust heater, condensing
coils, and alarm set points to the recommendedtemperatures.
RETROFIT IS COMPLETE!

General Retrofit Information
System Modifications
In the vast majority of cases, Vertrel™ SDG and SFR willfunction as drop-ins for n-propyl bromide, and no
modifications to existing equipment are required. Specialcases where minor equipment modifications may be• Suitable for use with ultrasonics

required are discussed below.

• Existing equipment can be used with no or minor

Material Compatibility

modification

Seven Easy Steps to Retrofit

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, andThe following provides a summary of the basic retrofit

polyethylene; acrylics, ABS, and polycarbonates are

steps for Vertrel™ SDG and SFR; detailed discussion ofincompatible with Vertrel™ SDG or SFR. Suitable elastomers

each step is provided in this bulletin.

include Viton™ A, Viton™ B, and EPDM; natural rubber and

1. Drain n-propyl bromide from the vapor degreaser system.
2. Replace filters.

silicone elastomers are not recommended. Individual plasticand elastomeric formulations can vary with the manufacturer;
therefore, the best assurance of material compatibility can beattained via the testing of plastic and elastomeric materials
under conditions expected during normal operation.
Contact of Vertrel™ SDG and SFR with highly basicmaterials (pH >10) is not recommended.

Vertrel™ SDG and SFR

Specialty Fluids

Flammability

Specialty Fluids”. Whenever possible, a drum pump or aVertrel™ SDG and SFR exhibit no closed cup or open cup

gravity stand should be used to transfer Vertrel™ SDG orflash point and are classified as nonflammable liquids. TheSFR solvent from the container to the point of use.

products are volatile; and, if allowed to evaporate and mix
with air, flammable mixtures can be produced.

6. Charge tank with recommended quantity of Vertrel™
SDG or SFR. Charge the vapor degreaser tank to theliquid level recommended by the manufacturer.

Detailed Retrofit Procedure
1. Drain n-propyl bromide from the vapor degreaser tank.
The existing charge of n-propyl bromide should becompletely removed from the system and collected in asuitable vessel for recycle or disposal in accordance withlocal requirements. Ensure that n-propyl bromide has
been drained from all tanks, liquid lines, water
separators, filter holders, and any other systemcomponents that are in contact with n-propyl bromide.
2. Replace filters. Change the filter during the retrofit.
Standard filters employing cotton, polypropylene, orPTFE media are acceptable.

7. Turn on heaters and pumps, and adjust heater,condensing coils, and alarm set points to therecommended temperatures. Turn on the heaters andpumps in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’srecommended procedure. Set the condensing coiltemperatures in accordance with the equipmentmanufacturer’s recommendations. Adjust the boil sump
and alarm temperatures in accordance with theequipment manufacturer’s recommendations; Chemours
recommended settings are summarized below and inTable 1. Cleaning optimization may require slightadjustments to the recommended initial settings,

3. Replace desiccant bags. Desiccant drying is not as
crucial with modern cleaning solvents. When you
upgrade to Vertrel™ SDG or SFR, consult with yourChemours representative as to the necessity of its use
for your application. Type 3A molecular sieves arerecommended 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™

depending upon the model of vapor degreaser employed.
• Boil Sump T. Set to 5 °C (9 °F) above the boiling pointof the solvent chosen.
• High Solvent T Alarm. Set to 10 °C (18 °C) above theboiling point of the solvent chosen.
• High Vapor T/Coolant Failure Alarm. Set to 5 °C (9 °F)
below the boiling point of the solvent chosen.
• Ultrasonic Tank High T Alarm. Set to no more than
90% of boiling point of the solvent chosen.
Table 1.Recommended Vapor Degreaser Settings for
Vertrel™ SDG and SFR
Property

Vertrel™ SDG

Vertrel™ SFR

Solvent Boiling Point, °C (°F)

43 (109.4)

41 (105.8)

liquid lines; do not allow the pump to run dry during theBoil Sump T, °C (°F)

48 (118.4)

46 (114.8)

line flushing procedure. Detailed information related toHigh Solvent T Alarm, °C (°F)

53 (127.4)

51 (123.8)

the safety and handling of Vertrel™ SDG and SFR can be

Coolant Failure Alarm, °C (°F)

38 (100.4)

36 (96.8)

found in the technical bulletin, “Safe Handling of Vertrel™

U.S. Tank High T Alarm, °C (°F)

39 (102.2)

37 (98.6)

SDG or SFR. Charge the vapor degreaser tank with asmall amount of Vertrel™ SDG or SFR, and flush theFor 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.
© 2017 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-25857
C-11029 (5/17)