EnSolv is the original, patented nPB formulation.  Our formulation is the single most stable nPB solvent available, meaning that you can expect longer bath life and more consistent results with EnSolv.  Other manufacturers make similar claims, but none of them own the first and still the best formula patent for an nPB solvent.   Less than ½% of all EnSolv customers ever purchase stabilizer boosters from us because they are simply not needed, unlike other nPB solvents on the market.  This becomes a hidden cost increase and additional burden on a customer.  If you use EnSolv, you will most likely never need to worry about the stability of your vapor degreaser bath.

Based on the preponderance of scientific evidence and an average of recommended 8-hour time weighted average exposure limits derived from three peer-reviewed and published scientific journal articles on the subject, 100 ppm 8-hour TWA is a safe workplace exposure level.  The U.S. EPA recommended 25 ppm as a WEL (workplace exposure limit) in its SNAP approval docket, and we at Enviro Tech feel that this is an extremely safe and relevant number to use.  The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists published an opinion that 10 ppm be the maximum TLV (threshold limit value), however because this opinion specifically addresses n-propyl bromide containing an abnormally high isopropyl bromide content (0.1% or greater weight by volume) and because EnSolv uses only nPB with at least a 20-fold lower level of iPB (<0.005% max) as a specification maximum, this value is irrelevant to EnSolv nPB mixtures.  Finally, California OSHA has set a 5 ppm PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for nPB, deemed to be protective of even the most fragile human beings.  With modern vapor degreasing technology, even a limit this low can be met and is not necessarily indicative of the actual health risk posed.  Consider that California mandates that Proposition 65 placards be posted above the deep fryers at fast food restaurants to declare to workers that the cooking oil is potentially carcinogenic.

The best gloves to use would be Viton, however these can be difficult to work with.  Silver Shield gloves are more flexible but still difficult to work in.  Neoprene gloves are acceptable for splash protection.  Please refer to the following table to decide which gloves best fit your particular situation.

* The test data for these gloves was generated using the ASTM F-739 continuous contact test method. Test data using ASTM F-1383 with an intermittent contact exposure yielded results approximately twice as long before breakthrough. "X" indicates that the glove meets the ASTM F-739 test criteria for the period of time indicated

EnSolv is best stored in its original container, which is a phenolic epoxy lined drum or pail.  If you wish to store smaller quantities of EnSolv or transport it in other containers, we recommend glass or Teflon containers with Teflon lined caps.  HDPE containers are adequate for short term storage or transport (a couple of days maximum), however for longer term storage EnSolv will outgas through the plastic over time, causing the container to get sucked in and possibly leak through the cap threads.  Other compatible plastic containers include any fluorinated plastics such as Kynar, Teflon or PVDF and PEEK.

The number one choice is Teflon hose, followed by Viton.  HDPE hoses are adequate for short term exposures, but if the hose will be holding EnSolv for extended periods of time it will become brittle eventually and possibly crack.  Natural rubber is absolutely incompatible.  Most plastic hoses are okay for short term transfer, but for immersion or continuous transfer your best bet is Teflon or Viton.

We recommend using the ToxiRAE Plus PID meters manufactured by RAE Systems, preferably with data logging capability. We own 5 of these units and will lend them to any customer that requests one at no cost for safety and workplace exposure testing. These PID meters are the most accurate means of determining an 8-hour Time Weighted Average of Exposure and can help pinpoint where peak exposures occur, thereby allowing workers to determine how to reduce their exposure to EnSolv. Other acceptable, though less precise, means of measurement include badges such as the X541-1AT Organic Vapor Monitor badges by Assay Technology. These can be purchased in packages of 3 or more badges per box and include prepaid lab analysis by GC-FID. The downside of these types of monitoring devices is that they are not specific for nPB. TheToxiRAE Plus PID meters are calibrated for n-propyl bromide and are therefore far more accurate.

Flammability = 1*

Health = 0

Reactivity = 0

*Flammability was recently increased by the NFPA Code from 0 to 1 in order to differentiate between materials that are wholly inflammable at any temperature such as concrete from other substances. Many compounds previously classified as 0 under the old code now have a value of 1.  This is not an indication that EnSolv is in any way flammable under ordinary circumstances.  EnSolv has no flash point by accepted flash point testing standards and brominated compounds are typically used as flame retardants due to their widely known flame extinguishing properties.

EnSolv is a precision cleaning solvent for use inapplications where high integrity vapour cleaning is needed. Aerospace,Medical, Optical, Military, Electronics etc.  EnSolv products are a safer alternative to the carcinogen trichloroethylene (TCE). The main constituent of EnSolv is n-propyl bromide (nPB).

EnSolv is non-hazardous, non ozone depleting, noncarcinogenic, non flammable, does not contribute to Global Warming.

EnSolv has been approved as a safer alternative to TCE in awide variety of industries and applications.

A thorough cleaning of your degreaser is suggested.  Please review the document linked below for a thorough description of the recommended procedure.

EnSolv boils at a lower temperature than TCE or PERC, so simple adjustments to your temperature and safety settings is required.  Each brand of vapor degreaser has similar safety controls, though different manufacturers may refer to them differently.

Preparing Equipment to Switch to EnSolv

Recommended Vapor Degreaser Settings

Since every customer's process is a little different, we recommend performing acid acceptance testing on a weekly basis initially, then tracking the results and reducing or increasing the frequency of such tests accordingly.  The procedure for testing is outlined in the document linked below.

Acid Acceptance Test Procedure

Enviro Tech has established a waste EnSolv recycling program with two separate companies, WRR and Veolia Environmental Services.  Depending upon your location, either program may make more sense economically.  In almost every case, we can save you money on disposal costs and in the process provide some peace of mind that your waste will not be burned off as fuel or end up in a landfill.  Contact us if you would like to participate in one of these programs to "green" your waste disposal chain and we will take care of the rest. 

We are concerned that industry is continuing to use known carcinogens such as TCE and PERC when there are safer products such as EnSolv available. Employees and the general population are being exposed to the risk of cancer which, once developed, is a permanent threat to life. Some small risk of fertility impairment which is transitory and can be managed is surely a vast improvement. As a company we are committed to Responsible Care and our technical specialist distributors promote solvent reduction programs to reduce their effects on the environment.

Much testing has been performed on this topic.  The documents linked below should be used only as a guideline for determining if EnSolv might be feasible for your process.  Any material not wholly incompatible may be worth testing out in your process as test procedures and results vary depending on the conditions of the tests.

General Materials Compatibility

Detailed Materials Compatibility

EnSolv - for oxygen systems, medical devices and other precision cleaning applications

EnSolv GCS - for general metals cleaning and degreasing

EnSolv 5408 - for aerospace vapor degreasing and Boeing specification compliance 

EnSolv EX - for granular and bituminous asphalt extraction

EnSolv Ionic - for electronics cleaning/defluxing

EnSolv Aerosol - for localized part degreasing in shops, automotive use or repair/maintenance.