What are PFAS Chemicals?
This BestSolv™ Engineered Fluid is NOT considered a PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance) under the U.S. EPA’s currently proposed definition.
BestSolv™ Alpha – 3M™ Novec™ 72DA Replacement
BestSolv™ Alpha engineered fluid is a non-flammable cleaning solvent used in a wide variety of industrial applications, including vapor degreasing and solvent cleaning of precision and industrial parts containing true machining oils.
BestSolv™ Alpha cleaning solvent is formulated as a drop-in 3M™ Novec™ 72DA alternative fluid, based on the 3M™ announcement of Novec™ fluid phase out in 2022.
For those who need a direct molecule replacement for 3M™ Novec™ 72DA, Best Technology also offers BestSolv™ 72DA as an alternative.
Benefits of BestSolv™ Alpha
- Drop-in replacement for 3M™ Novec™ 72DA
- Hydrofluoroether (HFE) solvent
- Ideal for vapor degreasing and precision cleaning applications
- Stable, near azeotropic solvent
- Compatible with a wide range of materials
- Non-flammable
- Non-conductive
- Low toxicity
- Low Global Warming Potential (GWP)
- Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
- Low surface tension penetrates tight spaces for improved cleaning
Data Sheets
Type | |
Safety Data Sheet | |
Technical Data Sheet |
Common Applications

BestSolv™ Alpha is formulated as a vapor degreasing solvent for precision cleaning applications. It is commonly used for:
- Cleaning medical device parts during manufacturing
- Cleaning electronics and mobile device parts during manufacturing
Properties of 3M™ Novec™ 72DA vs BestSolv™ 72DA and BestSolv™ Alpha and BestSolv™ Omega
Property | 3M™ Novec™ 72DA | BestSolv™ 72DA* | BestSolv™ Alpha* | BestSolv™ Omega* |
Cost Comparison | $$$$ | $$ | $ | $$$$ |
Composition |
|
|
|
|
Replacement Type | Exact Molecule | Similar Molecule, Drop-In Replacement | PFAS-Free Drop-In Replacement | |
Cleaning Performance | Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty |
Boiling Point | 111 °F / 44 °C | 111 °F / 44 °C | 107 °F / 42 °C | 114 °F / 46 °C |
Stability | Near Azeotrope | Near Azeotrope | Near Azeotrope | Near Azeotrope |
Vapor Pressure | 360 mmHg | 360 mmHg | 343 mmHg | 341 mmHg |
Liquid Density | 1.27 g/cm2 | 1.27 g/cm2 | 1.32 g/cm2 | 1.27 g/cm2 |
Surface Tension | 18 dynes/cm | 18 dynes/cm | 18 dynes/cm | 22 dynes/cm |
Kauri-Butanol Value | 58 Kb | 58 Kb | 80 Kb | 118 Kb |
Global Warming Potential (GWP) | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) | None | None | None | None |
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Designation | Yes – 1,2 trans DCE is a VOC. | Yes – 1,2 trans DCE is a VOC. | Yes – 1,2 trans DCE is a VOC. | Yes – 1,2 trans DCE is a VOC. |
Flash Point | None | None | None | None |
*Note: Information is provided by Best Technology, not 3M™. 3M™ does not endorse or recommend any alternative material. As such, the customer is responsible for evaluation of the material’s various properties when looking at alternatives.
BestSolv™ Alpha Packaging
Product # | SKU | Container Sizes Available (Gallons) |
BestSolv™ Alpha-55 | 23700710 | 55 gal. drum |
BestSolv™ Alpha-05 | 23700725 | 5 gal. pail |
BestSolv™ Price and Ordering
For purposes of product stewardship, Best Solv™ Engineered Fluids cannot be sold directly online and are available for customers in the United States only.
Please contact our chemical sales department for a quote by clicking the “Get a Quote” button, or call 612-392-2414, ext. 2.