Positive Environmental Impact: MetalChek Adopts Alternative Propellants

Due to the legislation regarding the prohibition of the use of Chlorofluocarbon (CFC) as propellant for aerosol cans, aiming at the protection of the ozone layer, MetalChek do Brasil started to use alternative propellants.

For Visible Penetrants, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is used which completely expels the material from the can, however, it presents some differences, due to the fact that CO2 has a different vapor pressure than the CFC, which causes an irregular dispersion of the jet. This is not a problem when it comes to the penetrant, as there is no need for a precise layer on the part, it is only necessary to cover the surface. The product also has the advantage of being non-flammable and totally non-toxic.

For Developers and Removers Dymel 134A (HCFC) gas is used as propellant. This product is a closed-chain hydrogen chlorofluorocarbon, i.e. the chlorine bonds that would be free to react with ozone in the atmosphere are each stabilised with a hydrogen atom, thus avoiding the reaction. The jet is precise and at the right pressure, offering good dispersion and, in the case of the developer, forming the layer of developer required by the procedures and standards. The product is neither flammable nor toxic.

All the products in the MetalChek line are also filled with Hydrocarbon (HI), a mixture of butane and propane. HI offers optimum pressure and regular jets. It has the disadvantage of being flammable and having a characteristic odour

Changes in the gases used as propellants cause variations in the gross weight of the package. The net weight of the products, both penetrant and developer, remains constant regardless of the propellant.