Alternatives to Chlorinated Solvents in
Asphalt Testing
With special focus on Tech Kleen ®* N Propyl Bromide
solvents for extractions and recoveries.
Glenn R Webber
glennwebber@kersolinc.com
416-923-9120
The technical assistance of Andrew Pahalan of Lafarge and John
Emery of the JEGEL Group is much appreciated.
Alternatives to Trichloroethylene in
Asphalt Testing
Ignition Ovens – wider use of ignition
ovens are anticipated with the continuing
technical activities of asphalt producer user
groups.
Alternatives to Trichloroethylene in
Asphalt Testing
Extraction Solvents
 D Limonene Based Extraction Solvents
D Limonene based products require a number of water
rinses and drying.
Also a wastewater issue identified by Lafarge.

N Propyl Bromide Extraction Solvents (NPB)
N Propyl Bromide works similar to trichloroethylene.
Essentially a drop in replacement.
So why Change from Trichloroethylene?

Workplace Environmental Health and
Safety.

ODS and Global Warming issues

Environment Canada is moving to reduce
Trichloroethylene usage in the workplace
Changes in Canada Effecting
Degreasing Chemistry

In 1993, Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Tetrachloroethylene (PERC)
were assessed as toxic under CEPA 1988.

In 1994, an Issue Table was convened under the Strategic Options
Process to make recommendations on options for reducing the
release of these toxic substances. The Issue Table was comprised of
representatives of the provincial and federal governments,
environmental non-governmental organizations, and industry. The
Strategic Options Report of stakeholders’ consultations was released
in 1996.
Reference : www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/degrease/en/index.cfm
CEPA- Canadian Environmental Protection Act
Changes in Canada Effecting
Degreasing Chemistry

In February 1997, the federal Minister of the Environment
announced that regulations would be developed under CEPA, as
recommended in the Report, to reduce total Canadian
consumption of TCE and PERC used in solvent degreasing
operations.

On July 5, 2001, Environment Canada conducted a one-day
information session on the proposed regulations. In exploring the
issues of content, design and implementation, the views and
concerns from stakeholders were noted and reported.
Reference : www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/degrease/en/index.cfm
Changes in Canada Effecting
Degreasing Chemistry

The solvent degreasing regulations will implement a freeze in
consumption of TCE and PERC for three years, followed by a 65%
reduction in consumption for the following years. The regulations
will apply to persons involved in degreasing operations (vapor and
cold degreasing) who use more than 1000 kilograms of these
solvents during a calendar year. An allowance system will set limits
on the quantities of TCE and PERC that could be used each year,
based on historical uses of these substances by the users.
Allowance holders will be able to retire their allowance or to
transfer it to other users. Sellers and users of TCE and PERC will
be required to submit annual reports to Environment Canada.

The regulations were published in Part II of the Canada Gazette
August 13, 2003.
Reference : www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/degrease/en/index.cfm
Changes in Canada Effecting
Degreasing Chemistry

For information purposes a compilation of references and links to
solvent alternatives and degreasing technologies is available on this
web site.

For further information, please contact:
Solvent Degreasing Coordinator
Tel.: 1-866-944-9944
Fax: (819) 994-5030
e-mail: tce@ec.gc.ca
Reference : www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/degrease/en/index.cfm
What it means for Trichloroethylene
users in Canada

All Trichloroethylene sales are tracked and reported to
Environment Canada.

2007 a 65% reduction was implemented for users of
Trichloroethylene for vapor degreasing in excess of 1000 kilograms.
Reference : www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/degrease/en/index.cfm
Effect of Environment Canada’s Reg.’s
on Asphalt Labs

In 2007 I was told verbally that EC had an exemption for
laboratories that used Trichloroethylene in centrifugal extractors.

EC’s intent was to re-examine this exemption at a later date.

Laboratories using Trichloroethylene for asphalt extractions should
consider evaluating alternatives like Tech Kleen AZE Stabilized NPB
prior to forced cut backs.

CTAA and the various asphalt associations should play a role in
getting NPB approved by the various ministries.
Trichloroethylene Replacement Solvent
Characteristics
Improved Health and Safety
 Improved toxicity
 No Flash Point
 High solvency power excellent cleaner
 Low boiling point
 Leave zero residues
 Low global warming Not regulated by Montreal
Protocol
 Drop in replacement for chlorinated solvents
 Recyclable
 No extra steps or water rinsing.

Solvent Comparisons
Vapor
Boiling Point
Density Flash
Point
Trichloroethylene
1.1.1. Trichloroethane
87°C
74°C
1.46
none
1.32
none
Methylene Chloride
40°C
1.32
none
Perchloroethylene
121°C
1.62
none
NPB
70°C
1.32
none
D Limonene
176°C
0.844
46-48°C
KB VALUE or CLEANING POWER
126
140
130
136
124
120
90
100
68
80
56
60
40
94
29
20
0
White spirit
HCFC 141b
d-Limonene
Perchloroethylene
Xylene
NPB
Trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene
Methylene chloride
KB Value
The maximum possible KB (Kauri-Butanol) value, is a solvency power of 140
EVAPORATION RATE
0.18
PERCHLOROETHYLENE
0.57
TRICHLOROETHYLENE
1.1.1
TRICHLOROETHANE
1
0.96
NPB
1.64
METHYLENE CHLORIDE
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
The evaporation rate is taken as free standing in air and
compared to butyl acetate = 1.
1.8
GWP GLOBAL WARMING
POTENTIAL
630
HCFC 141b
HCFC 225b
HFE 7100
111 TCA
HFE 7200
Methylene chloride
Trichloroethylene
Perchloroethylene
NPB
530
480
110
90
9
0.67
0.53
0.1
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Global warming potentials are based on 100 yr
horizons
700
NOT A HAP (Hazardous Air Pollutant)

No reporting under NESHAP or SARA
TITLE V LBS USED PER MONTH
US reporting requirements for Trichloroethylene have
encouraged the switch to NPB for vapor degreasing.
ATMOSPHERIC LIFETIME
CFC`s - general
100 Years
1.1.1. Trichloroethane6.5 Years
Methylene Chloride
6 Months
Perchloroethylene
84 Days
Trichloroethylene
42 Days
NPB
11 Days
N Propyl Bromide Summary

SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) Approved by US EPA under section 612
of clean air act for solvent cleaning applications.

NPB is not a HAP and is reportable by NESHAP

Contains no chlorine

High solvency - excellent cleaner.

No residue

No Flash Point

DROP-IN REPLACEMENT
a. No capital equipment investment
b. No change in process

TCE consumption must be reduced in Canada
Min DOT Approval of NPB
1852
QUANTITATIVE EXTRACTION OF BITUMINOUS MIXTURES
(CENTRIFUGE)
AASHTO T 164, METHOD A (MN/DOT Modified)
1852.1
SCOPE
This method of analysis quantitatively determines the asphalt content of bituminous mixtures using a
centrifuge extractor and trichloroethylene or other approved solvents. The use of alternatives like n-propyl
bromide and d-limonene, are suitable replacements. These solvents are generally non carcinogenic and
essentially non-toxic. Required alterations to this procedure for using n-propyl bromide and d-limonene are
covered in the numbered "Notes" below. This method is Mn/DOT's preferred method.
NOTE 1: This procedure differs from AASHTO T 164 as follows: Mn/Dot allows the use of n propyl bromide and dlimonene. When using d-limonene a number of water rinses are required and then the sample is dried at 176.7
± 5 °C (350 ± 9 °F). MN/DOT also requires the use of Celite (diatomaceous earth) to be added to the mixture.
(When using Celite determining the amount of fines in the extract is not required by MN/DOT.) MN/DOT
allows a minimum solvent soak time of 1 hour but the extraction process must be completed within 24hrs.
Connecticut DOT Approval
“The sample of Tech Kleen
STNPB that you submitted
December 1, 2007 has been
evaluated.
This product has been
approved for recommended use
as a solvent for extractions
with no dilution rate.”
Georgia DOT Approval
“The Non Chlorinated Asphalt
Extraction sample you submitted
for an Initial Product Evaluation
for Qualified Products List 67 has
met all necessary specifications
and testing requirements and is
approved for use on Georgia
Department of Transportation
(DOT) projects.”
“Tech Kleen NPB”
Other Approvals
Pennsylvania DOT
Lafarge Canada
Regional Research Laboratory
n-Propyly Bromide Vs Trichloroethylene
R047-06
Sample A (12.5mm SP)
Target AC/Gradation
19.0m m
100.0
12.5m m
93.2
9.5m m
74.7
4.75m m
54.6
2.36m m
35.4
1.18m m
25.0
600um
17.5
300um
9.4
150um
5.4
75um
3.6
% AC
5.00
Split Test 1
n-Bromide
Trichloroethylene
100.0
100.0
93.2
91.4
75.4
74.1
56.3
54.8
37.0
35.1
25.2
24.9
17.8
17.2
9.7
9.6
5.5
5.4
3.7
3.6
4.99
5.01
Split Test 2
n-Bromide
Trichloroethylene
100.0
100.0
92.2
93.2
74.8
75.2
54.9
55.1
34.8
35.9
24.4
24.6
17.2
17.9
9.1
9.5
5.2
5.4
3.5
3.6
5.08
5.02
Split Test 3
n-Bromide
Trichloroethylene
100.0
100.0
94.2
95.2
76.0
74.1
54.5
53.2
36.4
34.9
26.0
24.0
17.3
17.8
9.2
9.7
5.6
5.4
3.6
3.6
4.95
4.96
Split Test 4
n-Bromide
Trichloroethylene
100.0
100.0
93.4
92.4
75.0
73.3
52.2
53.4
34.8
34.2
25.5
25.1
17.2
17.5
9.0
9.1
5.3
5.6
3.4
3.5
5.02
5.03
Sample B (19mm SP)
Target AC/Gradation
25mm
100.0
19.0m m
96.0
12.5m m
83.7
9.5m m
75.2
4.75m m
49.6
2.36m m
34.1
1.18m m
24.4
600um
16.5
300um
9.2
150um
5.4
75um
3.6
% AC
4.70
Split Test 1
n-Bromide
Trichloroethylene
100.0
100.0
94.3
95.0
81.2
79.6
71.3
71.1
46.4
47.1
32.0
33.2
23.2
23.5
15.7
15.5
8.3
8.4
4.8
5.1
3.3
3.6
4.56
4.60
Split Test 2
n-Bromide
Trichloroethylene
100.0
100.0
95.8
96.8
83.0
87.3
74.6
78.1
48.7
50.0
33.1
34.3
24.0
24.6
16.1
16.6
9.1
9.3
5.2
5.4
3.5
3.6
4.72
4.73
Split Test 3
n-Bromide
Trichloroethylene
100.0
100.0
96.3
95.3
84.1
82.1
79.9
74.1
50.5
49.3
34.8
33.2
25.9
24.0
16.2
16.4
9.8
9.4
5.6
5.5
3.6
3.6
4.67
4.61
Split Test 4
n-Bromide
Trichloroethylene
100.0
100.0
96.8
97.6
83.4
84.6
75.5
76.7
50.1
50.3
34.3
34.8
25.0
25.0
17.0
17.1
9.4
9.8
5.5
5.8
3.5
3.7
4.60
4.61
Supplier of Trichloroethylene for Asphalt
testing in Ontario.
 Provide waste disposal and recycling systems
for Ontario Asphalt testing labs.
 Focus on N Propyl Bromide replacements for
Trichloroethylene for Asphalt Testing and
vapor degreasing.
 Stock Tech Kleen ®* NPB for Asphalt
applications


Solvent minimization can be
achieved by using on-site
recycling of Tech Kleen ®*
NPB

Kersol can provide all of the
necessary recycling
equipment, test kits and
stabilizer boosters to safely
and effectively recycle
solvents on site.
For Information on Tech Kleen ®* NPB
Replacement Chemistry for Trichloroethylene
Contact:

Glenn Webber

Email: glennwebber@kersolinc.com

Phone: 416-923-9120 Fax: 416-923-9120

Email General: kersol@rogers.com