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What Is the Meaning of a Fluid Toxicity Rating, Like a PEL or TLV?

In general, the “toxicity” of a cleaning fluid is measured through the use of 8-hour “time-weighted average exposure limits” (AEL). Similar terms you might find on labels and SDS sheets include “Average Exposure Limits” (AEL), “Personal Exposure Limits” (PEL) and “Threshold Exposure Limits” (TEL). One special term is “Threshold Limit Values” (TLVs) which only are…

Which Solvent Is Best to Remove Insoluble Particulate?

This is another application where MicroCare cleaners really shine. “Particulate removal” processes are generally called displacement cleaning.The unique circumstances of this application are found in instances when the contamination is not soluble in any solvent. This happens more often than you might think: solder balls, metal finings, dust and grit all are examples of contamination…

What Is nPB?

“nPB” is an abbreviation for “Normal Propyl Bromide” or “1-bromo-propane” indicated by the CAS #‎106-94-5 on Safety Data Sheets. It replaced ozone depleting Freon and 1-1-1 Trichloroethane.It is a relatively inexpensive, nonflammable, versatile chemical that removes many types of contamination, such as oils, grease and fluxes. It was formerly used in aerosol cleaners, but due to environmental restirctions,…

Can I Use nPB in My Cleaning System?

nPB is a strong, affordable, versatile, nonflammable industrial solvent. nPB is a great degreaser and defluxer. However, npB does have toxicity worries. nPB is banned in Europe as of July 2020 and other countries currently have nPB under scrutiny. In the 1990s when nPb was first introduced, the toxicity level for nPB (also known as “TLV”, “AEL” or “PEL”) was…

Which Precision Cleaning Fluid Is the Mildest?

Very gentle, mild cleaning often is required when (a) cleaning substrates made from delicate materials, or (b) when the contamination is light, or (c) when the principle contamination being removed is water. Milder solvents generally are noted as having a low Kb value, typically 20-40 or so (a high Kb value is 100+). Many mild solvents…

Which Precision Cleaning Fluid Is the Strongest?

In general, cleaning strength is measured by the Kauri-Butanol rating (Kb Value) of the solvent. Higher Kb values generally correlate with stronger, more aggressive cleaning. Higher Kb values also may be associated with materials compatibility issues. A high Kb value solvent, for example, might craze soft polycarbonate plastics. The trade off is to balance a milder…