3M Expands Engineered Fluids Product Line with Heat Transfer Fluid

The 3M Specialty Materials Division (St. Paul, MN) has introduced 3M Novec Engineered Fluid HFE-8401HT, a non-flammable hydrofluoroether (HFE) used in process cooling applications. Novec HFE-8401HT's main benefit is effective heat transfer with very low viscosity at temperatures as low as -100ºC (-148ºF). The fluid is non-flammable, non-corrosive, and nearly odor free.

"Non-flammability is perhaps the most important feature of this new product," said Phil Tuma, advanced application development engineer at 3M. "It has no flash point and no flame limits. Combine these features with the fluid's very low viscosity to -100ºC, and this engineered fluid becomes more appealing for a variety of industries and uses.
Lots of low-temperature processes in the pharmaceutical industry currently use toxic, flammable, or otherwise regulated heat transfer materials," Tuma added. "It's difficult to find safe, low-temperature heat transfer materials that fit these applications.

HFE-8401HT Kinematic Viscosity

"One pharm client, using HFE-8401HT in a 20-gallon heat transfer system was able to remove 6000 W at 20 gallons per minute. No other fluid could do that except, maybe, for pentane, which is flammable."

Used with 3M-developed technology for regulating system pressure, Novec HFE-8401HT will find applications in pharmaceutical freeze dryers and chemical/pharmaceutical reactor cooling—even at steam sterilization temperatures—without an increase in system pressure.

HFE-8401HT Liquid Density

Due to its dielectric properties and inertness, Novec HFE-8401HT fluid can be used in direct contact cooling of computers, transformers, and fuel cells. It may also replace some functions carried out by perfluorinated liquids (PFCS), including semiconductor manufacturing and test equipment. Finally, 3M views it as a reasonable alternative to silicone oils, kerosene, trichloroethylene, methylene chloride, and d-limonene in many applications.

Like all products in the Novec family, HFE-8401HT fluid is considered non-toxic, non-flammable, has a low potential for global warming, and zero ozone depletion properties. Novec HFE-8401HT fluid is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency Significant New Alternatives Policy for use without restriction in ozone depleting substances replacement applications.

"HFEs have been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency for use without restriction in all CFC replacement applications," Tuma told Pharmaceutical Online. "The materia's low atmospheric lifetime and low global warming potential makes it superior to common HFC refrigerants now being manufactured."

For more information: Phil Tuma, Development Engineer, 3M Specialty Materials Division, 3M center, Bldg 236-2B-01, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000. Tel: 651-737-9895. Fax: 651-733-4335.

By Angelo DePalma