Vinbrite BIO PTF is suitable for pressure testing applications such as valves, cylinders, vessels, heat exchangers, actuators, fittings, joints, pipes and tubes. Many manufacturers need to carry out hydrostatic pressure testing to confirm component integrity In most situations, water is an undesirable test medium since it causes corrosion on most ferrous metals.

To combat this problem, corrosion inhibitors are normally added to prevent rusting. Unfortunately, increasing environmental awareness and health and safety regulations are restricting the chemicals and increasing effluent disposal costs. Spirax Sarco routinely conducts hydrostatic pressure testing as part of their quality control program and ultimately, this process produces a waste stream which has to be removed from site. Spirax Sarco asked MacDermid to develop a more environmentally friendly fluid, which would be safe to use and easier to dispose.

MacDermid provided Vinbrite BIO PTF (BIOdegradable Pressure Test Fluid). Vinbrite BIO PTF is suitable for pressure testing applications such as valves, cylinders, vessels, heat exchangers, actuators, fittings, joints, pipes and tubes. It is not classified as hazardous, biodegradable, and free of potentially harmful amines, alkanolamines, sodium nitrite, “boron”, mineral oil and halogenated hydrocarbons. It reduces waste costs compared to conventional nonbiodegradable pressure test fluids.

Subject to Local Water Authority permission, Vinbrite BIO PTF may be granted permission to discharge to foul water sewer. It provides good corrosion protection on ferrous and nonferrous components, from carbon steels to copper and brass. It does not damage typical elastomer seal materials and is not known to adversely effect downstream water-based paint systems. It does not produce an unpleasant odour during periods of inactivity in re-circulating systems.