Reliance nPB (1-BP) is having a renaissance! Here’s Why
Reliance’s n-Propyl Bromide (nPB) is in demand!
Vapor degreasing is an important part of many manufacturing operations as it is cleans industrial parts fast. And with concerns about worker safety and the environment, the solvents used in vapor degreasing have come under scrutiny; nPB is one of these.
However, in the ever changing regulatory environment, nPB is emerging as a viable, economic option that allows companies to continue to vapor degrease. Read on to learn 8 reasons why Reliance’s nPB solvents are still an excellent option for your cleaning operations.
8 REASONS for our nPB Solvent Renaissance:
EPA Approved for Use Under TSCA 6A
The USEPA provides that n-Propyl Bromide (nPB) can continue to be used for vapor degreasing and other specified cleaning applications subject to user requirements.
On July 31, 2024, the USEPA proposed a Final Regulation for n-Propyl Bromide (nPB) also known as 1-Bromopropane (1-BP) prepared under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). nPB is widely used in vapor degreasing applications as it is a very effective part cleaner with benefits of being non-flammable, non-chlorinated, economically priced and has been used for replacing TCE & other chlorinated solvents for years.
In January of 2022, nPB became considered a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) and thus regulated under NESHAP. In July of 2024, the USEPA proposed new testing, reporting and use requirements for 1-BP.
The new Regulation, as proposed, is fairly complex but in overview it will require: 1. Initial testing to establish operator exposure, 2.the utilization of various types of PPE depending on testing outcomes, and 3. Reporting. If you want to read more check out the US-EPA website:
2. No-PFAS: Our nPB is PFAS FREE
Many have heard about PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) as the term “PFAS” has been in the news of late. Many are concerned about the effects of the compounds in our environment. PFAS regulations are complicated and some of the replacement solvents for TCE have fluorinated molecules which concerns companies. The great benefit of our nPB is that there are no PFAS components in our solvent - this makes our nPB solvents a viable option for continued vapor degreasing and mitigates the need to significantly change the cleaning operation.
3. Cost Effective
Reliance’s nPB is a very cost effective vapor degreasing solvent option. The long bath life combined with exceptional soil loading and the ability to be distilled enables our nPB to be used for increased cleaning capacity. Dwindling supplies of TCE are causing price increases. And new fluorinated-based solvents are significantly more expensive - making nPB an economical choice. Learn More About our nPB Solvent Options
4. Excellent Drop-In TCE Replacement - Replaces Chlorinated Solvents: TCE, MC & PERC
Industrial and commercial uses of TCE are prohibited after September 15, 2025. This has caused companies to look for a viable alternative to continue their cleaning operations with minimal impact. Our nPB solvents are a direct drop in replacement for chlorinated solvents including Trichloroethylene, Methylene Chloride & Perchloroethylene. Another big benefit is that our nPB has very similar physical characteristics to TCE…non-flammable, high boil point (160F), distillable, highly effective at removing hydrocarbons and high solvency power (long bath life).
5. No Production Disruption - Change Over to nPB is Simple
Many companies change over their solvent during routine maintenance on their vapor degreaser - but a full equipment clean-out is not necessary. Removing as much of the TCE or other solvent you are using, empty the spray tank and filtration system and update the temperature settings is usually all that is needed - to our for minimized production disruptions. Please note, it is important to change the temperature settings…this will ensure your vapor degreaser is operating safely and that solvent is not wasted.
6. EnTron-Aero nPB is Boeing BAC 5408 Approved
Our EnTron-Aero nPB solvent is Boeing Approved under the BAC 5408 specification for vapor degreasing. EnTron-Aero has undergone the rigorous testing required by precision aerospace companies and has aerospace pedigree that ensures complete cleaning. Approved for use on titanium, EnTron-Aero is also:
Non-flammable (has no flash point)
Non-chlorinated (replaces TCE, Methylene Chloride, & PERC)
US-EPA SNAP approved (Significant New Alternative Policy)
Approved to ASTM-D-6368
Azeotropic & Distillable
7. Our nPB is Available Now
Reliance sells millions of pounds of nPB a year. We have an excellent supply chain and plan to continue to. We sell our nPB in a variety of containers from 1 & 5 gallon pails to 55 gallon drums, tankers and totes. Our nPB is always in stock and orders placed by 11:00 usually ship the same day. We intend to ensure you have the solvent you need to keep your operations running uninterrupted.
8. Proven Performance for 25+ Years
Our nPB solvents are powerful cleaning workhorses that have been used for over 25+ years by thousands of companies. Our nPB stands the test of time with its proven performance.
Our Reliance Vapor Degreasing Experts are here to help. Contact us for a Free Technical Discussion to support your solvent and vapor degreasing questions.
COMPREHENSIVE vapor degreasing solutions
Reliance is the only company that provides a complete vapor degreasing package that gets you up and running FAST!!!
Conclusion
These 8 benefits of nPB are significant and contributing to the resurgence in use of nPB. In the current regulatory environment, changing solvents will most likely be a part of your vapor degreasing operations at some point. nPB is having a renaissance because it is an excellent option! Our nPB is a viable, economical, available and allowed vapor degreasing solvent that will allow you to continue using the exceptional cleaning power of vapor degreasing.
If your company has questions, please give us a call at 847.640.8923 or contact us to discuss your application and how Reliance can help.
At Reliance, we take a comprehensive, systemic approach to supporting our customers to finding solution to their cleaning needs. We are glad to be of assistance.
