BestSolv® Bravo: The Ideal TCE Replacement Solvent

What is Trichloroethylene and Why is it Important to Find a Replacement Solvent?

Trichloroethylene, commonly known as TCE, has long been used as an industrial degreasing solvent due to its effectiveness in removing lubricants and other contaminants from metal parts. However, the hazardous nature of TCE has led to increasing concerns regarding its impact on health and the environment.

In December 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final risk management rule for trichloroethylene (TCE) that prohibits all uses of TCE over time. Most manufacturing, processing, consumer, and industrial or commercial uses were prohibited beginning September 15, 2025. A limited number of specialized uses have longer phaseout periods and may temporarily continue under workplace protection requirements. As a result, finding a suitable TCE replacement has become increasingly important for manufacturers that still rely on trichloroethylene for vapor degreasing, metal cleaning, and industrial parts cleaning operations.

Understanding the Hazards of Trichloroethylene

Also known as trichloroethene, TCE is classified as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) by the EPA, and prolonged exposure to TCE vapors can pose serious health risks. It is also a known carcinogen, making it imperative to seek safer alternatives.

In 2020, the EPA issued its Final Risk Evaluation for trichloroethylene, which found that 52 out of 54 conditions of use presented an unreasonable risk of injury to human health. In its risk characterization, the EPA found significant risks associated with more than one adverse effect, such as:

• Developmental toxicity
• Reproductive toxicity
• Liver toxicity
• Kidney toxicity
• Immunotoxicity
• Neurotoxicity
• Cancer.

In addition, TCE is a known groundwater contaminant, and causes damage to aquatic organisms.

Why Finding a Trichloroethylene Replacement Solvent is Crucial

In September 2025, the EPA extended the prohibition compliance dates for two specific uses of TCE. The compliance date for using TCE as a processing aid in nuclear fuel manufacturing was extended to September 15, 2028. The compliance date for certain disposal of TCE-containing wastewater was extended to December 18, 2026. These limited extensions do not change the prohibition affecting most industrial and commercial uses.

With increasing regulatory scrutiny and compliance pressure, manufacturers need a TCE replacement that can support effective degreasing while reducing the health, safety, and operational concerns associated with trichloroethylene. The right replacement solvent should be evaluated based on cleaning performance, material compatibility, vapor degreaser operation, regulatory requirements, and validation needs.

Benefits of BestSolv® Bravo as a TCE Replacement

Effective Degreasing Without the Use of Trichloroethylene

BestSolv® hydrofluoroether (HFE) engineered fluids such as BestSolv® Bravo can serve as a TCE replacement for many degreasing and solvent cleaning applications without compromising cleaning performance. BestSolv® Bravo is designed to clean contaminants such as oils, greases, silicones, flux, and wax while helping manufacturers move away from trichloroethylene-based processes.

Improved Health and Safety in Degreasing Processes

Using BestSolv® Bravo mitigates health risks associated with TCE, enhancing workplace safety and ensuring a healthier environment for workers.

Lower Auxiliary Costs

The health and safety risks of TCE drive up the costs associated with using trichloroethylene as a parts cleaner or vapor degreasing solvent. The lower cost of TCE is offset by extra costs of managing a hazardous air pollutant, such as:

• Additional ventilation
• More extensive training in safe handling procedures
• Extra personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Time spent on regulatory reporting

Replacing trichloroethylene with BestSolv® Bravo reduces or eliminates these extra costs, as BestSolv® fluids are not hazardous air pollutants.

Lower Environmental Impact and Regulatory Compliance

BestSolv® Bravo has a lower environmental impact compared to TCE solvent. By choosing BestSolv® HFE fluids, businesses can align with stringent environmental regulations, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Lower Energy Use in Vapor Degreasers

The boiling point of BestSolv® Bravo is significantly lower than that of TCE. For vapor degreasing applications, this means that less energy is required to heat the solvent to operating temperature.

More Efficient Solvent Cleaning

Because TCE is chemically unstable, it requires stabilizing additives to prevent disintegration when used in vapor degreasers. Even with stabilizers, TCE must be removed and replaced frequently.

BestSolv® Bravo offers chemical stability that allows for ongoing recycling/distillation in vapor degreasers, without frequent refills and without stabilizing additives.

No New Equipment Needed

BestSolv® Bravo is a drop-in TCE replacement that may allow manufacturers to continue using existing vapor degreasing equipment without purchasing new capital equipment. Converting a vapor degreaser from TCE to BestSolv® Bravo typically involves draining and cleaning the vapor degreaser, then resetting thermostat settings for the replacement solvent.

BestSolv® Bravo vs. Trichloroethylene Comparison

Cleaning Process Experts

When you’re looking for a TCE alternative, look to Best Technology. Learn from our experts about your options for alternatives to trichloroethylene, as well as replacements for other legacy solvents such as n-propyl bromide (nPB) and perchloroethylene.

For expert help with cleaning solvent alternatives, contact our chemical sales department using our web contact form, or call 612-392-2414, ext. 2.