Vertrel^® XB3 is a proprietary blend of a nonflammable hydrofluorocarbon HFC solvent called HFC 43-10mee (which is also known as 2,3-dihydrodeca-fluoropentane) and 2-butoxyethanol (butyl cellosolve). Designed to replace Freon ^® TB-1, this product has been developed for the aircraft and aerospace industry where drilling and machining high-strength alloys is a common manufacturing process.

Vertrel^® XB3 delivers to a cutting tool and a workpiece a precise, high-performance lubricant. This greatly improves the machining operation and the cooling of the tool. The drilling and cutting process can then be optimized for cutting speed, tool life and surface finish.

The major component of Vertrel^® XB3 is Vertrel^® XF (2,3-dihydrodecafluoropentane), a non-ozone-depleting, nonflammable hydrofluorocarbon.

Details about the solvent and its physical properties are found in the DuPont Product Spec sheet, available as a PDF file.

Vertrel® XB3 is intended to be used in automated metal working equipment such as cutting or drilling where controlled dispensing of the fjluid is accompanied with proper vientilation design for the workspace and the equipment operator. Special precautions may be necessary whenever this cutting fluid is used in a confined space so that personnel are not exposed to high concentrations of the vapors. Special ventilating equipment or an independent air supply should be considered in order to appropriately manage the exposure level.

There are a number of advantages to solvent-dispensed lubrication in this application:

Vertrel^® XB3 exhibits no closed cup or open cup flash point, and is not classified as a flammable liquid by NFPA or DOT. In addition, the product has no vapor flammability limits in air.

Toxicity data is available on Vertrel^® XB3 components. Even with the low concentration of butyl cellosolve in Vertrel^® XB3, personnel should avoid contact with the skin.

The carrying agent in the mix, Vertrel^® XF, evaporates more quickly than butyl cellosolve. During evaporation, the remaining liquid phase will become richer in butyl cellosolve. Sprays or mists of Vertrel^® XB3 should be directed away from operators and personnel.

The components of Vertrel^® XB3 are TSCA listed.

For further details about the safety of the solvent carefully read and understand the data in the DuPont Material Safety Data Sheet, available as a PDF file.

In terms of the environment, Vertrel^® specialty fluids have "zero" ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential. Vertrel^® XB3 is accepted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, as a substitute for ozone-depleting substances. The product is VOC compliant under California South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regulations, which require VOC content less than 50 g/L of solvent.

Vertrel^® XB3 is thermally stable to 300°C ( 572°F) and does not oxidize or degrade during storage. Vertrel^® XB3 is not normally recovered. Users should test spent solvent to ensure proper classification for waste disposal.

Vertrel^® XB3 is commercially available in 55-gal (208-L) drums with a net weight of 660 lb (299 kg), and in 5-gal (19-L) pails with a net weight of 60 lb (27 kg). One-gallon (five liter) packages are available from many local distributors and samples in one-liter canisters are available from MicroCare Marketing Services on request. Customers are encouraged to secure samples for compatibility and performance testing.

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