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U.S. Department of Energy
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Metrology process waste assessment: Fluorinert bath temperature calibration Z951-421-1

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10189049· OSTI ID:10189049

Fluorinert, FC-40 and FC-72, was chosen for this pilot Process Waste Assessment (PWA) because it is the most frequently used chemical in Metrology. Fluorinert has been used since 1986 as a substitute for trichloroethylene. Although it is much safer than trichloroethylene, it still has disadvantages. If Fluorinert is taken above its boiling point it will produce toxic chemicals, creating a health hazard rating of 4. To prevent this occurrence, over-temperature controls are installed on the bath and a fume hood is provided for the vapors. Fluorinert is used in a Rosemount Temperature Bath, CE 64138, as a stirred temperature medium which provides a stable temperature environment to compare readings of a Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer to readings obtained from thermocouples, thermistors, and other types of thermometers. Fluorinert is used primarily to provide a safe liquid medium that can be varied from {minus}120 to 200{degrees}F. When temperature devices are removed from the bath, the excess Fluorinert is removed by wiping with a KayDry. Contaminated KayDrys are disposed of as step can waste.

Research Organization:
Allied-Signal Aerospace Co., Kansas City, MO (United States). Kansas City Div.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00613
OSTI ID:
10189049
Report Number(s):
KCP--613-5216; ON: DE94001378
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English