The Basics of Fluorochemicals: Understanding Their Role and Use

November 20, 2024
Uncategorized

In today’s world, many types of chemicals enhance our everyday products and technologies, but few have received as much attention as fluorinated compounds, which are grouped under the broad category of perfluoro- and polyfluoro-alkyl substances (PFAS). Specific compounds within this definition, like FK-5-1-12 (also known as Standard Fluids™ SF 1230 ™ Fire Protection Fluid), play a critical role in protecting lives, preventing damage, and advancing technological capabilities.

While some fluorochemicals within the PFAS definition are associated with environmental and health risks, it’s essential to understand the basics, especially in the context of the broader family of chemicals they belong to. This blog will help clarify what fluorochemicals are, why they’re used, and why not all should be viewed through the same lens.

What Are Fluorochemicals and Why Are They Used?

Fluorochemicals are synthetic substances that contain fluorine atoms bonded to a carbon backbone, which gives them unique properties such as resistance to heat, chemicals, and electricity. These characteristics make them invaluable across many industries. For example, SF 1230 fluid, a clean agent fire extinguishant, was developed as a halon replacement. It belongs to a family of chemicals known as fluoroketones, which are part of the halocarbon group that also includes a number of other chemical families such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

These fluorochemicals offer exceptional fire suppression abilities, non-flammability, and thermal stability—qualities that have made them essential in fire protection, data center immersion cooling, and precision cleaning. They’re also favored for their lower environmental impact compared to earlier generations of chemicals used in similar applications.

Glossary of Terms

Fluorochemicals: A broad category of chemicals that contain carbon-fluorine bonds, used for their stability, resistance, and performance in extreme conditions.
Fluoroketone (FK-5-1-12): A specific type of fluorochemical used in clean agent fire extinguishing systems. It’s a sustainable alternative to halons and HFCs.
SF 1230 Fluid: A trademarked name for a fluoroketone-based fire suppression agent, replacing ozone-depleting halons and environmentally harmful HFCs.
Halocarbon: A chemical compound that includes carbon and halogen atoms (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, etc.). Includes HFCs, fluoroketones, and a number of additional chemical families.
Partitioning: The process by which a substance distributes itself between different phases (liquid, gas, etc.) in a system.
PBT (Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic): Chemicals that persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms, and are toxic. Non-PBT chemicals, such as some fluoroketones, do not bioaccumulate or persist in harmful ways.
Perfluoro- and polyfluoro-alkyl Substances (PFAS): A large group of fluorinated chemicals that have been used in a wide range of industrial applications since the 1940s. Not all PFAS are harmful—some, like fluoroketones, have minimal environmental impact.

The Role of Fluoroketones in Critical Industries

Fluoroketones such as SF 1230 fluid have emerged as one of the most effective clean agents for fire suppression. They are designed to offer high performance without compromising environmental safety. Unlike some older halocarbons, they do not contribute to ozone depletion and have negligible global warming potential. This makes them a key solution in sectors that demand both safety and sustainability.

In addition to fire suppression, these compounds are also used in immersion cooling systems for data centers, where they help prevent overheating and ensure the reliable operation of critical infrastructure. Their ability to handle high heat while remaining non-toxic and non-flammable is what sets them apart in these applications.

Bottom Line: Focus on Liquid Phase Scrutiny

As this series continues, one key takeaway is that chemicals like fluoroketones require proper scrutiny based on where they partition if released into the environment. When materials partition to the liquid phase, they warrant closer inspection compared to those that partition to the atmosphere, where they degrade through natural processes. For instance, FK-5-1-12 does not accumulate in the environment like some other compounds since it partitions to the atmosphere and degrades via exposure to sunlight, making it a safer choice for critical applications.

Understanding these nuances helps us make informed decisions about which fluorochemicals are essential and which require greater scrutiny and potential regulation. As we delve further into this series, we’ll continue exploring how some of these compounds can serve modern needs without compromising health or environmental safety.