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BestSolv™ Zulu – 3M™ Novec™ 1230, 649, 612, FK-5-1-12 Replacement Fluid
BestSolv™ Zulu Engineered Fluid is a non-flammable fluid used in a wide variety of industrial applications, including immersion cooling, fire suppression, and as a magnesium protection fluid.
BestSolv™ Zulu fluid is formulated as a drop-in replacement for 3M™ Novec™ 1230 and FK5-1-12, as well as Novec™ 649 and Novec™ 612, based on the 3M™ announcement of Novec™ fluid phase out in 2022. BestSolv™ Zulu is chemically identical to the corresponding Novec™ products.
Note: Information is provided by Best Technology, not 3M™. 3M™ does not endorse or recommend any alternative material. As such, the customer is responsible for evaluation of the material’s various properties when looking at alternatives.
Benefits of Best Solv™ Zulu
- Drop-in replacement for:
- Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid
- Novec™ 649 Engineered Fluid
- Novec™ 612 Magnesium Protection Fluid
- Known as Dodecafluoro-2-methylpentan-3-one, 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-NONAFLUORO-4-(TRIFLUOROMETHYL)-3-PENTANONE, 3-Pentanone, 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro4-(trifluoromethyl)-, Heptafluoroisopropyl pentafluoroethyl ketone
- Not an HFC, BestSolv™ Zulu is a fluoroketone chemical clean agent that leaves no residue.
- Replacement for previous fluids: Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), such as HFC-134a, HFC-245fa
- Non-flammable
- Electrically non-conductive
- Low Global Warming Potential (GWP)
- Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
- Clear, colorless, low odor
- High molecular weight
Data Sheets
| Type | |
Safety Data Sheet | |
Technical Data Sheet |
BestSolv™ Zulu Common Applications
BestSolv™ Zulu is used in a wide variety of industrial applications, both as a liquid and as a gas.
Fire Suppression
As a chemically identical Novec™ 1230 replacement, BestSolv™ Zulu offers the same clean agent fire protection advantages as its Novec™ counterpart. BestSolv™ Zulu extinguishes fires in seconds, long before water-based systems discharge. As a waterless fire suppression solution, BestSolv™ Zulu leaves no residue and helps protect irreplaceable paper documents and electronics.
- Stored as a liquid and discharged as a gas
- Appropriate for Class A, B and C fire hazards
- Provides the highest margin of safety for human occupancy of any clean agent solution under the NFPA 2001 standard.
Immersion Cooling – Heat Transfer Applications
This chemically identical Novec™ 649 replacement is an effective heat transfer fluid with a boiling point of 49 ºC. BestSolv™ Zulu is especially useful in heat transfer applications where non-flammability or environmental factors are a concern.
Application examples include:
- Electronics Cooling (Single or Dual Phase)
- Power Electronics such as IGBTs or inverters
- Transformers and other equipment (SF6 replacement)
- Computer/Data Center Cooling
- Organic Rankine Cycle
- Diesel Engines
- Generators
- Geothermal Applications
- Solar Applications
Magnesium Protection – Cover Gas Applications
As a chemically identical Novec™ 612 replacement, BestSolv™ Zulu is an effective cover gas agent for the protection of molten magnesium. BestSolv™ Zulu can protect pure magnesium or its alloys at melt temperatures from 650 ºC to 800 ºC (1170 °F to 1450 °F) in furnaces and during casting operations. Similar to SF6, BestSolv™ Zulu forms a thin, flexible surface film that prevents surface oxidation. Compared to SF6, BestSolv™ Zulu nearly eliminates greenhouse gas emissions contributed by the cover gas agent.
Application examples include:
- Open casting of ingots, direct chill casting, sand casting or investment casting
- High pressure die casting with hot or cold chamber melting furnaces
- Preparation of alloys from pure magnesium or other alloys
- Remelting of scrap from casting processes
Properties of BestSolv™ Zulu vs. 3M™ Novec™ 1230, 649, 612, FK-5-1-12
| Property | 3M™ Novec™ 1230 3M™ Novec™ 649 3M™ Novec™ 612 FK-5-1-12 | Best Solv™ Zulu |
| CAS # | 756-13-8 | 756-13-8 |
| Boiling Point | 120 F°/ 49°C | 120°F / 49°C |
| Pour Point | -162°F / -108°C | -162°F / -108°C |
| Specific Gravity | 1.60 g/mL @ 25°C | 1.60 g/mL @ 25°C |
| Vapor Pressure | 41kPa / 308 mmHg @ 25°C | 41kPa / 308 mmHg @ 25°C |
| Critical Temperature | 336°F / 169°C | 336°F / 169°C |
| Critical Pressure | 1.88mPA | 1.88mPA |
| Viscosity | 0.64cPs @ 25°C | 0.64cPs @ 25°C |
| Specific Heat | 1103 J/kg-K@ 25°C | 1103 J/kg-K@ 25°C |
| Latent Heat of Vaporization @ Boil Point | 88-kJ/kg | 88-kJ/kg |
| Dielectric Constant | 1.8 @ 1kHz | 1.8 @ 1kHz |
| Dielectric Strength | 48kV | 48kV |
| Flash Point | None | None |
BestSolv™ Zulu Packaging
| Product # | SKU | Container Sizes Available (Gallons) | Approx. Weight (Lbs.) |
| BestSolv™ Zulu-55 | 23700000 | 55 gal. drum | 551 lbs. |
| BestSolv™ Zulu-05 | 23700025 | 5 gal. pail | 50 lbs. |
BestSolv™ Price and Ordering
For purposes of product stewardship, Best Solv™ fluids cannot be sold directly online and are available for customers in the United States only.
Please contact our chemical sales department for a quote by clicking the “Get a Quote” button, or call 612-392-2414, ext. 2.