Relative evaporation rate of EnSolv compared to a range of alternative cleaning solvents compared to n-Butyl Acetate. Larger numbers signify faster evaporation rates

Precision vapour degreasing solvent

Environmental Impact
EnSolv products are generally greater than 90% n Propyl Bromide (nPB, 1-Bromopropane). Therefore the environmental effect of EnSolv will be very similar to nPB. The following relates to the environmental impact of nPB

Air
The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of nPB is very low. According to the 3D models devised by Dr Wuebbles it is 0.005 between latitudes 30-60°North with a derived atmospheric lifetime of 24.7 days. Global warming potential (GWP) is also very low at 0.31.

Water
nPB is expected to evaporate rapidly from the surface of water, derived from Henry’s law constant of 7.32 x 10-3 m3. atm/mol. The volatilization half life in a model river is only a few hours (3.4 hours) and in a model lake only a few days (4-5 days). When in water nPB hydrolyses with a half-life of 26 days.  There is also evidence of aerobic biodegradation in water. The Bio Concentration Factor (BCF) for nPB is estimated at 23 which is very low indicating that it will not bioaccumulate significantly in aquatic medium. The Lethal Concentration (LC50) for Fathead Minnows (96 hours) is published as 67mg/L. Based on this LC50, the acute concentration at which 50% of tested animals die, nPB’s toxicity to aquatic life is moderate.

Soil
The high volatility of nPB ensures its rapid evaporation from moist and dry soils. nPB will also hydrolyse in moist soils. The low LogK octanol/water coefficient of 2.1 leads to a K organic carbon value of 330 which means it is considered to be of moderate mobility in soil.

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