Solstice® PF FAQs

Why should I change my current solvent?

This answer is 2 fold. First, some solvents currently available today have either been phased out by the US government like the AK-225 or the health and safety properties of current popular solvents (nPB) have reached unacceptable levels for worker exposure limits (OEL). Second, with the miniaturization and complicity of emerging technology – cleaning has become a challenge.

What is Solstice Performance Fluid?

Honeywell’s Solstice Performance Fluid (PF), also known as HFO-1233zd, is a highly effective cleaning solution that is nonflammable, has favorable toxicity properties and a low global warming potential (GWP).

What is Solstice PF designed to replace?

With regard to solvency, Solstice PF performance is comparable to CFC-113, HCFC-141b, and AK-225. When substituted for HCFC-225, HCFC-141b, HFC-4310mee, HFC- 365mfc, and HFE-7100 the use of Solstice Performance Fluid can yield substantial improvements in environmental impact while maintaining the level of cleanliness KYZEN is known for. With a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, its widespread adoption could save about 18 million metric tons per year of CO2 equivalent emissions, comparable to eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from more than 3 million cars every year. Source: GHG Equivalencies Calculator.

How does Solstice PF compare to nPB?

It has an occupational exposure limit (OEL) of 800, while nPB has an OEL of 0.1 per the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).

How is Solstice PF different from other industrial solvents?

Solstice PF has a balance of desirable environmental properties and effective cleaning capabilities without requiring a co-solvent. On the environmental side, Solstice PF has negligible ozone depletion, ultra-low photochemical reactivity and a global warming potential of 1. With these exceptional environmental properties and good solvency, Solstice PF is an excellent choice for a variety of cleaning applications. Solstice PF also is a pure material which does not require any additives or stabilizers.

What is Solstice PF used for?

Solstice PF is suitable for metal, oxygen systems cleaning, medical, precision cleaning, electronics, and much more.

Is the solvent compatible with plastics?

Yes with majority of types currently being used today. A compatibility chart is available upon request.

Is the solvent compatible with sensitive metals?

Yes, a compatibility chart is available on request.

Why should I switch to Solstice PF instead of established HFC and HFE products?

Solstice PF offers equivalent or better cleaning performance and is cost effective. There is also minimal to no initial cost for adjustments to existing equipment. Unlike the HFC and HFE products available today, it does not require a co-solvent, like trans-1,2-dichloroethylene. In addition to exceptional cleaning power, Solstice PF can satisfy your long-term environmental and safety requirements. It is nonflammable, has a global warming potential of 1, and an occupational exposure limit (OEL) of 800 ppm established by WEEL. It is also not a volatile organic compound (VOC), as determined by the U.S. EPA and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).

Is Solstice PF an effective cleaner?

Solstice PF is an effective cleaning solution for aliphatic and fluorinated soils as well as silicone and glycol. As an indication of the high degree of solvency, mineral oil can be dissolved in Solstice PF at a level of at least 50% by weight and will remain completely dissolved even at temperatures as low as -30°C. The same results are observed with a high-viscosity silicone oil, a cutting oil and a silicone grease. Solstice PF-2A is an azeotropic blend of PF with an alcohol (methanol) that is also effective at removing RMA rosin fluxes for electronic applications. Solstice PF also exhibits very low surface tension, which contributes to good surface wetting and superior cleaning of intricate parts.

Solstice PF has a lower KB value than my current solvent. Why is it better?

The KB value of Solstice PF is 25, which is very similar to the KB value of the benchmark solvent, CFC- 113. Like CFC-113, Solstice PF is an effective cleaner but does not harm most substrates. The KB value is a crude measure of solvency. What is most important is the ability of a solvent to remove the soil while not damaging the substrate. Solstice PF has been shown to be a very effective cleaner with a variety of soils such as mineral, silicone, synthetic and refrigerant oils.

Is Solstice PF cost effective to use?

With best-in-class surface tension, balanced characteristics of boiling point and heat of vaporization, no need for additives and favorable HS&E attributes, initial tests show Solstice PF has the lowest total cost of ownership vs. competing technologies, including aqueous.

Does this solvent need stabilizers or additives to maintain a stable process?

No. The new solvent does not require additional stabilizers which would regularly deplete in some other solvents – thus increasing cost of operation.

How is Solstice PF used?

It can be used in a variety of ways including conventional vapor degreasers, a refillable spray container or an aerosol can. It is often used in KYZEN’s VaporDegreasing 20|20 processes.

Can I use Solstice PF in my existing equipment?

As with most solvent replacement options, degreasers typically need some adjustments. A large percentage of degreasers may be updated to accommodate Solstice PF for a nominal cost. If a new degreaser is desired, all the leading equipment manufacturers offer versatile equipment that includes management of Solstice PF. Please contact us for specifics.

How complicated is it to update my current vapor degreaser?

Minor modifications can quickly be made at reasonable/economical cost based on scope of project.

Solstice PF has a lower boiling point than my current solvent. Will it rapidly evaporate at room temperature?

When properly handled the lower boiling point can aid in quick drying and decreased processing times. As with any solvent it is important to properly handle the solvent. The lower boiling point of Solstice PF is complemented with a higher heat of vaporization so it does not instantly vaporize at room temperature. This allows ample time to work with Solstice PF. When handled in a vapor degreaser the loss rates have been shown to be similar to other solvents.

With the low boiling point how do I keep it in my tank?

In a current properly operating degreaser (with possible minor modifications) the idle evaporative loss rate (fugitive emissions) have been proven to be within a range close to other general solvents. A properly thermally balanced degreaser that has been set for use with this solvent will not exhibit excessive losses.

Will the replacement solvent need special monitoring?

Less than traditional solvents due to no additives (stabilizers) blended into the final product.

How long of a bath life should I expect?

With proper operation / maintenance, the solvent bath life will typically exceed the previously used solvent due to lack of additives in the blend. The use of a waste separation system will recycle the solvent and further extend bath life even more.

How do I dispose of my used solvent?

Similar to your previously used solvent, there are waste disposal services available nationwide.

What are the Health & Safety risks?

Very little. This solvent is one, if not the highest rated OEL exposure limits on the market today. The low operational temperature, non-flammability, and low global warming rating as well as being VOC exempt, yield superior EHS desired qualities.

Do I need special handling equipment?

No, standard PPE (personal protection equipment) currently being used will suffice.

What does NASA preferred mean?

Since the 1990’s, NASA’s rocket propulsion test facilities at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and Stennis Space Center (SSC) have used hydrochlorofluorocarbon-225 (HCFC-225), a Class II ozone-depleting substance, to safety clean and verify the cleanliness of large scale propulsion oxygen systems and associated test facilities. In 2012 through 2014, test laboratories at MSFC, SSC, and Johnson Space Center-White Sands Test Facility collaborated to seek out, test, and qualify an environmentally preferred replacement for HCFC-225. Candidate solvents were selected, a test plan was developed, and the products were tested for materials compatibility, oxygen compatibility, cleaning effectiveness, and suitability for use in cleanliness verification and field cleaning operations. Honeywell Solstice Performance Fluid (trans-1-chloro-3,3, 3-trifluoropropene) was selected to replace HCFC-225 at NASA’s MSFC and SSC rocket propulsion test facilities.

Does Solstice PF come in packaging that easily attaches to my equipment?

Solstice PF is shipped in 50 lbs., 200 lbs., and 1000 lbs. cylinders that are easy to attach for filling your equipment. This will improve your process versus the old system involving transfer pumps and drums while risking personnel exposure.

Is Solstice PF compatible with the specifications required for military and aerospace applications?

Solstice PF has been tested and found to conform to many of the solvent performance requirements in specifications typically used in military and aerospace applications. In fact, it is the preferred replacement of HCFC-225 by NASA in cleaning propulsion oxygen systems and associated test facilities at Stennis Space Center and Marshall Flight Center. More information can be found by contacting us.

>Is Solstice PF flammable?

No. Solstice PF has no flash point and no vapor flame limits.

What is the global warming potential of Solstice PF?

The global warming potential (GWP) of Solstice PF is 1. As a reference the GWP of CO2 is 1, hydrocarbons are typically 10-15 and HFCs are typically 100-1000s.

Is Solstice PF affected by the Solvent Emission’s Directive?

Solstice PF is a halogenated organic solvent under the definition of EU Directive 1999/13/EC on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain activities and installations. Solstice PF is classified as GHS chronic aquatic category 3. This is due to the acute aquatic toxicity data and the lack of ready biodegradation and is clearly marked on the SDS.

What is the registration status of Solstice PF in the US?

Solstice PF has received approval under EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program for use as an aerosol solvent (Federal Register, August 2012), in metal cleaning, electronics cleaning, precision cleaning, and as a carrier solvent in adhesives, coatings and inks (Federal Register, May 2013). It has also been added to the TSCA inventory (August 2012).

Is Solstice PF VOC exempt?

The U.S. EPA and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SC AQMD) have determined that Solstice PF is VOC exempt. EPA’s decision was based on the fact that Solstice PF exhibits extremely low photochemical reactivity and makes a negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone formation. One measure of photochemical reactivity is Maximum Incremental Reactivity (MIR). In the U.S., a compound is generally considered not to be a VOC if it has an MIR value lower than that of ethane. Solstice PF has an MIR value of 0.04 g O2/g VOC, which is approximately 85% lower than the value for ethane.

Has Solstice PF and all of its substances been registered under REACH?

Solstice PF has been registered under REACH up to 10 metric tonnes.

Where Can I get Solstice PF?

Across the United States and Canada you can acquire Solstice PF and PF-2A from KYZEN.* KYZEN is also the developer of proprietary VaporDegreasing 20|20 processes that focus on providing what KYZEN calls “greener and cleaner” solutions. KYZEN’s VaporDegreasing 20|20 processes utilize solvents such as Solstice PF, as well as others.

* KYZEN is the select distributor for North America.



© 2019