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Why do I need to stop using nPB and how do I replace it?

By Fraser Technologies on

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From 4 July 2020, the use of nPB (also known as n-propyl bromide or 1-bromopropane) is prohibited.

The substance has been banned under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations, so any business still using it in cleaning and degreasing processes must find a replacement as soon as possible, unless specific authorisation to keep using it has been granted…

What’s the problem with nPB?

nPB is a hazardous substance that can damage fertility and harm unborn children. It’s been registered as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), which regulates the supply and use of chemicals in Europe.

For the safety of all employees and their families, a safer alternative should be adopted as soon as possible.

How do I replace nPB?

Don’t worry – there’s still time to find an alternative chemistry, and there’s a range of new generation solvents which are much safer, and also more environmentally friendly.

To make the conversion from the chemical as efficient and cost-effective as possible, we’ve established a nPB replacement service, which includes a full audit; survey of existing equipment; recommendation of the most suitable alternative substance; and, if required, free trials of products.

We’ve also compiled this handy guide, showing five simple steps to replacing nPB.

What can I use instead of nPB?

The good news is, there are plenty of new generation cleaning agents which are worthy of consideration as a replacement. Opteon™ SF80® by Chemours™, for example, is an ideal drop-in nPB alternative. SF80® is safe, extremely eco-friendly, and offers a superior cleaning performance to nPB and other restricted solvents.

SF80® is a non-flammable, and environmentally friendly solvent with no ozone depletion potential, an ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) of <2.5, and does not contain any products regulated under F-gas regulations. SF80® is an effective replacement for nPB, TCE, HCFCs, PFCs, HFCs and HFEs solvents, and is becoming known as the leader within a variety of cleaning applications such as vapour degreasing, oil and grease removal, precision cleaning, high solvency defluxing, and silicone removal, amongst many other uses.

Other alternatives include SF79® the predecessor to SF80®, which has been widely approved within the aerospace and medical sectors. These products allow businesses to make a one-step replacement, saving time and ultimately costs.

We can work with you to determine which chemistry is best for your equipment, machinery and individual needs. If you’re looking for more than just a quick drop in replacement, we can offer trials at centres in the London and Edinburgh areas, providing you with the opportunity to test out new chemistries and new equipment before buying.

Please make sure that you take expert advice on your replacement substance, to guarantee that you are not switching one harmful chemistry for another. Some alternatives are also restricted solvents, such as Perchloroethylene (PERC) or Methylene Chloride (MECL) and should be avoided.

For more guidance on nPB replacements, including details on solvents to avoid, please download our nPB guidance sheet.

If you would like advice on nPB replacement, please get in touch with us today.

Fraser Technologies

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Fraser Technologies are proud to have supported the cleaning industry for last 50 years, working closely with their customers to understand their challenges and their expertise to offer best-in-class cleaning solutions. From component cleaning, electronics soldering, and heat transfer & carrier fluids they have built their expertise over the last 50 years and still continue to offer technological advances, adapt to legislative changes and embrace environmental challenges.

Fraser Technologies are well known for being considered one of the leaders within the Precision Cleaning industry and offer a wide range of new generation chemistries coupled with both solvent and aqueous cleaning systems. They can help extend the life of existing processes and equipment, recommend and install new equipment, or look at how best to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This is all achieved through their superior trial and demonstration facilities and first class after sales service.

Companies from the aerospace & defence, electronics, medical, optics and automotive industries have chosen to work with them because of their expert knowledge in their industries, their independent range of products, and their can-do tried and tested approach to ensuring they provide access to the latest technologies – improving performance, productivity, environmental performance and operator safety.

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