LENIUM FHD – the drop in replacement for HCFC–141b
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) are a class of chemicals commonly used in precision cleaning applications. HCFCs were originally introduced as interim replacements for substances with high ozone depleting potential such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Although they contain a lower ozone depleting potential than CFCs, HCFCs have been subjected to environmental regulation from the international community.
The European Union (EU) and its states have aggressively pursued early phase out dates for the use of HCFCs as solvents; often exceeding the requirements of the Montreal Protocol. On December 31st, 2008 HCFCs were prohibited for the use as solvents according to the European Union’s Regulation (EC) 2037/2000 Article 5 (b). This regulation addresses the use of HCFCs as solvents in precision cleaning of electrical and other components in aerospace and aeronautic applications.
Affected by this legislation, the aerospace industry will be forced to evaluate approved alternatives, which can meet performance standards and material compatibility requirements.
An effective HCFC replacement and alternative is Lenium FHD, a high performance solvent cleaner designed to remove difficult soils in open-top and vacuum vapour degreasers.
Lenium FHD is a drop in replacement for HCFC-141b,HCFC-225, trichloroethylene, methylene chloride, perchloroethylene and n-propyl bromide.
Lenium FHD is a heavy duty solvent degreaser, selected to remove difficult soils such as grease, hydraulic oils, metalworking fluids and polishing compounds. It is highly stable, non-flammable, classified as a R20 hazard, and it does not contain hazardous air pollutants (HAPS). It does not contribute to ozone depletion and its components are approved under the (United States) Environmental Protection Agencies’ (EPA’s) Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP) as an alternative to ozone depleting substances.
Lenium FHD effectively removes adhesives, buffing compounds, drawing oils, fluxes, pastes, grease, hydraulic oils, lapping compounds, resins, fluorinated fluids, inks and silicone oils.
Lenium FHD leaves low surface residues and is safe for the use with ferrous and non-ferrous alloys such as aluminium, copper and copper alloys, magnesium, nickel, steel, stainless steel, titanium, brass, and zinc. It is also compatible with many polymeric substances and elastomers.
Lenium FHD has been tested in accordance to Stress Corrosion of Titanium, Sandwich Corrosion, and Hydrogen Embrittlement, Total Immersion Corrosion and Stock Loss Method. It conforms to Boeing D6- 17487 and Douglas CSD # 1.
Lenium FHD is one of the many products developed by Petroferm, and is distributed in the United Kingdom by Stowlin Croftshaw.
