3M™ Novec™ 649 Engineered Fluid

3M™ Novec™ 649 Engineered Fluid

Heat transfer is a critical aspect is various industries, especially when it comes to electronics. With the rapidly evolving technology and increasing demand for high-performance devices, finding efficient cooling methods has become paramount. One such solution is 3M™ Novec™ 649 Engineered Fluid.

This innovative fluid has a low boiling point and high thermal stability, enabling it to absorb and dissipate heat rapidly. Additionally, its low viscosity allows for easy flow and excellent compatibility with various materials commonly used in electronics.

With Novec­™ 649, electronic devices can operate at lower temperatures, reducing the risk of overheating and prolonging their lifespan. Furthermore, its non-conductive nature eliminates the possibility of electrical shorts, enhancing the safety of electronic components.

In addition to its efficient heat transfer capabilities with immersion cooling, Novec™ 649 offers low toxicity, low global warming potential (GWP) and is non-ozone depleting.

What is Novec™?

Novec™ is a brand of engineered fluid originally developed by 3M™ for use in vapor degreasing and precision cleaning. Novec™ fluids are non-flammable, non-conductive, low toxicity replacements for CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, n-propyl bromide (nPB) and chlorinated solvents.

What is Novec™ 649?

3M™ Novec™ 649 is an advanced heat transfer fluid that balances needs for ideal physical, thermal and electrical properties with desirable environmental properties. Novec™ 649 is a clear, colorless and low-odor fluid with a boiling point of 49 °C. Its chemical composition is dodecafluoro-2-methylpentan-3-one (CF₃CF₂C(O)CF(CF₃)₂), which is C.A.S. 756-13-8.

As a heat transfer agent, Novec™ 649 is highly effective in maintaining optimal operating temperatures for electronic components, allowing them to work at a very high processing speed without the risk of overheating.

Thermal management applications of 3M™ Novec™ 649 include:

• Electronics cooling (single or dual phase)
  • Power electronics such as IGBTs or inverters
  • Transformers and other equipment (SF₆ replacement)
• Computer/data center cooling
• Organic rankine cycle
  • Diesel engines
  • Generators
  • Geothermal applications
  • Solar applications

Novec™ 649 Features and Benefits

• Low viscosity
• High dielectric constant
• Low pour point
• Ultra low global warming potential (GWP)
• Zero ozone depletion potential (ODP)
• Non-flammable
• Large margin of safety in use
• Replacement for HFCs such as HFC-134a and HFC-245fa, and for sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)

3M™ Novec™ 649 Data Sheets

What is Novec™ 649 Compatible With?

3M™ Novec™ 649 Engineered Fluid is designed to be compatible with a wide range of materials commonly used in electronics and semiconductor applications. This includes metals, plastics, elastomers and other components typically found in electronic circuits and assemblies.

Novec™ 649 requires no special piping or handling systems. It is considered safe for direct contact in most electronics and computing applications due to its high dielectric constant.

As a fluoroketone, Novec™ 649 should be used in a sealed or closed-loop system to prevent interaction with liquid water. For example, a system with a separate water phase would cause fluoroketones like Novec™ 649 to hydrolyze or break down. In the absence of water, fluoroketones like Novec™ 649 remain exceptionally stable.

3M™ Novec™ Voluntary Phase Out Announcement

On December 20, 2022, 3M™ announced plans to exit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) manufacturing and work to discontinue the use of the PFAS in its product portfolio by the end of 2025.

As an authorized 3M™ Engineered Fluids distributor, Best Technology remains committed to our customers throughout this transition and continues to receive 3M™ Novec™ products.  We will continue to advocate for our customers to fulfill current orders as well as secure products for future orders. We highly recommend preparing for the phaseout by testing BestSolv™ replacement fluids.

3M™ Novec™ 649 Replacement Fluid – BestSolv™ Zulu

Realizing our customers must transition away from 3M™ Novec™ 649, Best Technology offers BestSolv™ Zulu as a Novec™ 649 alternative. BestSolv™ Zulu solvent fluid is formulated as a drop-in  3M™ Novec™ 649 replacement fluid based on the 3M™ announcement of the Novec™ fluid phase out in 2022. BestSolv™ Zulu is chemically identical to Novec™ 649.

Learn more about the BestSolv™ product line of 3M™ Novec™ replacements.

Properties of 3M™ Novec™ 649 vs. BestSolv™ Zulu

*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.