3M Novec Engineered Fluid HFE-7100

Novec Engineered Fluid HFE-7100

The creation of the Engineered Fluid HFE-7100 came from the fact that for most of their professional careers, many people in the field of latent print processing have been using a recommended formula for Ninhydrin mixed with the solvent, Freon (CFC-113). After a while, Freon (CFC-113) became very expensive to buy and then became impossible to purchase because it was determined to be an ozone-depleter and was banned in several countries. Technicians tried other solvents but few had all the advantages of Freon (CFC-113). Many technicians felt that these substitute solvents gave inferior results for developing latent prints.

The scientists at 3M have produced a safe, non-ozone-depleting solvent. This new solution is called 3M Novec Engineered Fluid HFE-7100. You may have read the published results from experiments conducted by the Police Scientific Development Branch in the United Kingdom. [See the Journal of Forensic Identification, Vol. 47, No. 3, May/June 1997, pages 287-306 for two articles]. The authors of these articles found that using 3M Novec Engineered Fluid HFE-7100 in mixing Ninhydrin has "significant advantages over formulations based on hydrocarbons in terms of efficiency and, more importantly, safety." [Hewlett, et. al., "Replacements for CFC113 in the Ninhydrin Process: Part 2," Journal of Forensic Identification, 47 (3), 1997, p 300]. The Home Office Manual of Fingerprint Development Techniques states, "The recommended formulations use solvents which are safe and effective. The HFE-based formulation is an effective replacement for the CFC-based formulation previously used in this process. The CFC solvent is being phased out under the terms of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer." [©1998, Title Page of Ninhydrin Section in the Manual]

In Fingerprint World, the authors proposed a formula for mixing DFO in 3M Novec Engineered Fluid HFE-7100 as a replacement solvent for CFC type solvents. [Claude Didierjean, Marie-H$8Elene Debart & Frank Crispino, "New Formulation of DFO in HFE-7100," Vol 24, No. 94, October 1998, pages 163-167]. The need for a substitute solvent for Freon (CFC-113) has been acknowledged across the globe and now the replacement solvent of 3M Novec Engineered Fluid HFE-7100 has been scientifically acknowledged as the appropriate replacement. 3Mâ„¢ Novec Engineered Fluid HFE-7100 has zero ozone depletion potential, low global warming potential (GWP), low toxicity and is nonflammable. This is not just a temporary fix to an environmental problem. This solvent was designed as a long-term solution to a significant problem.

Other applications:

• Cleaning and rinsing agent. Heavy - duty cleaning (co-solvent), heavy oil, greases, fluxes, Medium - duty cleaning (azeotrope) - oils, greases, waxes. Light Duty cleaning (neat) - particulates, fluorolubes, light, oils, fluoropolymers.
• Lubricant carrier, Fluorocarbons, Hydrocarbons Silicones.
• Spot-free water drying agent (with surfactants added)
• Speciality solvents, dispersion media, reaction media
• Spray contact cleaner
• CFC, HCFC, HFC and PFC replacement.
• Dielectric test media
• Heat transfer

Available in the following presentations:

• 1 Gallon HFE-7100 Volume in 12lbs (98021189414).
• 4.00 Gallon HFE-7100 Volume in 44 lbs (7100260291).
• 55 Gallon Drum HFE-7100 Volume in 600 lbs (98021189463).