Yes, it is safe to heat Vertrel^® cleaning agents.

First, Vertrel^® cleaning products are nonflammable. This makes them very safe to ship, store and use.

In addition, the Vertrel^® products are extremely stable. This means that under normal conditions during storage and use the products will not deteriorate in any way.

Lastly, these products are all true azeotropes or near-azeotropic blends which retain their proportions across all the normal temperature ranges, even when distilled. This specific features makes them ideal for use in heated cleaning systems, and especially in vapor degreasers.

However, the Vertrel^® products can decompose if they come into contact with very high temperatures, such as an open flame or the hot surfaces in space heaters. Decomposition products include irritating and toxic compounds such as hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, and possibly carbonyl halides. If this happens, the vapors produced by the decomposition of Vertrel^® vapors will be hazardous. At that time the work area should be evacuated and ventilated to prevent personnel exposure. Anyone exposed to the decomposition products should be taken to fresh air and given medical attention immediately.

To prevent the decomposition of Vertrel^® cleaning agents, operating conditions should be held within the recommended guidelines. Any contact with a high heat source -- such as open flames, heating elements or hot surfaces -- should be avoided. Vapor degreasers should be equipped with interlocks that automatically prevent the heating coils from becoming uncovered. If there is evidence that decomposition is taking place, shut down the system, provide ventilation to clear the area of decomposition products, and leave the area to get fresh air.

Now, here's the good news: the irritating aroma of the fumes will generally alert people and force them to leave the area long before any hazardous effects might occur.

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