BromoTest™ Product Specification

BromoTest™ is a chemical testing kit designed by MicroCare specifically for use with the Bromothane™ solvents. The test kit is designed to measure the acid acceptance of the solvent and the concentration of the stabilizer. The test also will indicate the quantity of BromoBooster™ to be added to the solvent.

Monitoring acid acceptance is critical in preventing potential damage to parts or the cleaning system itself, and is exactly the same process workers used for years in vapor degreasers using 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA).

• The Acid Acceptance Test Kit for Bromothane Solvents •

The Bromothane products are blends and/or azeotropes of normal propyl bromide (nPB), other cleaning additives and a unique stabilizer “package.” The stabilizer prevents the nPB from degrading into acidic compounds due to the presence of water and/or metals in the system. Every Bromothane™ product includes a stabilizer package that neutralizes any acidity before it can become a problem.

The simple “Acid Acceptance Test” using the BromoTest™ kit measures the condition of the solvent and the stabilizer concentration. The results also indicate the quantity of BromoBooster™  required to restore the proper stabilizer concentration. The BromoTest™ kit is designed to be compatible with and used on only the Bromothane™ solvents. Contact MicroCare for details on this policy.

• Simple Testing Procedures Makes System Maintenance Easy •

Each BromoTest kit includes specific instructions on performing the test. More detailed instructions are included in the test kit itself. In general, the process is as follows:

• Step 1. Remove clean solvent from the degreaser (condensate rinse sump or water separator) and place it in a clean, dry container. Loosely cover the container allowing the solvent to equilibrate to room temperature. Once equilibrated, remove 1.5 mL of the solvent and place it in the graduated snap-lid container provided in the kit. Add 2.0 mL of the acid solution, replace the snap-lid, shake the container and let it stand for ten (10) minutes.

• Step 2. Add the caustic solution, drop by drop, counting the drops, until the solution turns blue. Users then refer to a chart provided with the kit to evaluate the condition of the solvent. This chart also indicates the quantity of BromoBooster to be added, if any.

• Step 3. Periodically, a calibration check is run on the acid and base test solutions to ensure they are still within specifications. This calibration process will ensure accurate test results and ensure that any recommendation to add BromoBooster to the solvent system is correct. To perform the calibration, place 2 mL of the acid test solution in the graduated snap-lid container. Then, drop by drop, add the caustic solution, shaking the mixture between drops. At some point, the mixture turns blue. The number of drops required to turn the solution blue should be recorded as the “standard” baseline measurement.

Record the results in the Vapor Degreaser Log for future reference. Typically this test takes an experienced operator less than ten minutes to perform. MicroCare recommends running the BromoTest™ weekly.

• Worker Safety •

The BromoTest™ kit contains small bottles of reagent chemicals and glass test equipment. While the reagents have specific toxicity ratings, the quantities used in the test are extremely small, normally measured in drops. Nonetheless, proper chemical housekeeping is recommended to assure worker safety. The use of protective equipment including eye protection, butyl gloves and apron. Consulting the appropriate MSDS sheets is recommended.

In general, skin contact with Bromothane solvents should be minimized. Impervious gloves and protective clothing are a mandatory requirement if there is any potential for skin contact. Gloves, splash goggles, aprons (when handling open drums), and safety shoes with steel toes also are highly recommended.

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M2S-BA ....................... One Each Kit