BestSolv®: Performance, Safety, and Sustainability for the Next Generation of Precision Cleaning and Thermal Management
BestSolv® Engineered Fluids are advanced solvents and electronic liquids designed to meet the most demanding cleaning and thermal management challenges. PFAS-free options, exceptional material compatibility, and low global warming potential (GWP) make BestSolv® the smart choice for companies seeking performance without compromise.
These solutions support advanced HFE cleaning processes and are widely used as a vapor degreaser solvent for precision cleaning and thermal management applications..
BestSolv® Engineered Fluids are designed for today’s high-performance, high-compliance industries—from medical device and aerospace to semiconductor manufacturing. Whether you’re cleaning precision parts or managing thermal loads in sensitive electronics, BestSolv® Engineered Fluids deliver the performance, safety, and sustainable engineered fluids that modern operations demand. From vapor degreasing to immersion cooling, each HFE liquid is engineered to deliver consistent performance in regulated manufacturing environments.
For organizations transitioning away from phased-out fluorochemicals, and seeking a reliable Novec replacement, BestSolv® Engineered Fluids provide a proven 3M™ Novec™ replacement that matches critical properties such as boiling point, dielectric strength, and materials compatibility. By choosing this 3M™ Novec™ replacement, manufacturers can maintain process performance while meeting evolving environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals. Making BestSolv® the perfect Novec™ alternative
Why Choose BestSolv® Engineered Fluids?
- Seamless Integration: Engineered fluids designed to work with your existing vapor degreasing and precision cleaning systems—no major equipment changes or process overhauls required. And it’s an ideal Novec™ alternative.
- Global Supply Chain Stability: Sourced from multiple countries and production partners to ensure reliable availability and protect against supply disruptions.
- Optimized Cost & Performance: Engineered Fluids that Deliver high-performance cleaning and dielectric properties at a significantly lower cost—helping you reduce operating expenses without sacrificing quality.
- Built for Compliance: Engineered fluids formulated to meet the rigorous standards of aerospace, medical device, semiconductor, and other highly regulated industries.
- Safe & Easy Handling: BestSolv® fluids are non-flammable, low in toxicity, and require no special handling for storage or shipping.
- Consistent Chemical Stability: Formulated as azeotropes or near-azeotropes, BestSolv® fluids retain their chemical composition and cleaning performance, even in demanding vapor degreasing and vacuum degreasing environments.
HFE Chemistry: Standing the test of time
What is HFE Chemistry?
HFE stands for hydrofluoroether—a class of advanced cleaning solvents developed to replace ozone-depleting compounds such as CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and PFCs. HFEs are colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquids that closely resemble water in appearance, but offer exceptional engineered fluid performance in precision cleaning and vapor degreasing.
In industrial use, an HFE solvent provides effective contaminant removal while maintaining excellent material compatibility.
With a high molecular weight, HFE compounds remain in the atmosphere for less than two weeks and have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). Most BestSolv® engineered fluids utilize HFE-based chemistry to ensure maximum compatibility with existing solvent cleaning systems while supporting global sustainability goals. This makes HFE cleaning solutions particularly well suited for long-term use in high-compliance industries.
HFEs also feature low global warming potential (GWP), allowing manufacturers to meet strict environmental standards without compromising on safety, material compatibility, or cleaning power.
HFO Chemistry: A Safer, Sustainable Alternative
BestSolv® Zeta and BestSolv® Omega fluids are engineered without PFAS, aligning with the strictest environmental regulations in the U.S. Formulated with HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) chemistry, these PFAS-free cleaning fluids deliver high cleaning performance and low environmental impact—no compromise required.
Both BestSolv® Zeta and BestSolv® Omega are commonly selected as PFAS-free vapor degreaser solvent options in regulated manufacturing environments. BestSolv® Zeta is especially useful for companies evaluating next-generation alternatives to legacy HFE solvents while maintaining contaminant removal, material compatibility, and long-term regulatory alignment.
- ✅ No PFAS
- ✅ Low Global Warming Potential (GWP)
- ✅ Nonflammable
- ✅ Safe for Operators
- ✅ Long-Term Compliance
Common Applications for BestSolv® Fluids
BestSolv® Engineered Fluids are trusted across a wide range of industrial applications—especially for companies seeking a high-performance, compatible alternative to 3M™ Novec™ solvents. These applications include:
Vapor Degreasing
Removes oils and contaminants using heated solvent vapor.
Solvent Cleaning of Industrial Parts
Cleans precision components without residue using a stable HFE fluid designed for repeatable results.
Cleaning Oxygen System Parts
Suitable for oxygen-compatible degreasing.
Movie Film Cleaning
Gently removes dirt without damaging archival film.
Document Preservation
Lifts contaminants from documents and artifacts.
Magnesium Cover Gas
Excellent protection in magnesium casting operations.
Document Preservation and Cleaning
Cleans and protects paper, ink, and archival materials from oils, residues, and dust.
Latent Fingerprint Processing
Reveals hidden fingerprints on various surfaces.
Forensic Analysis of Bloodstains
Preserves and highlights trace evidence.
High Voltage Testing
Ensures insulation and safety in electrical systems.
Dielectric Cooling of Power Electronics
Non-conductive cooling for heat-sensitive components. As an electrically non-conductive HFE liquid, these fluids support safe operation in energized systems.
Fire Suppression
Used in clean agent systems for sensitive environments.
Diffusion Cleaning of Textiles and Artifacts
Safely removes contaminants from delicate materials without damaging fibers or finishes.
Carrier Fluid
Lubricant deposition, silicone transport, and other specialty chemical applications.
BestSolv® Engineered Fluids Replace 3M™ Novec™ Fluids
Best Technology offers three types of replacement fluids for 3M™ Novec™ products:
Exact Molecule
BestSolv® Exact Molecule (also sometimes referred to as “Direct Molecule” or “Chemically Identical”) replacements match 3M™ Novec™ chemically, simplifying validation with identical properties. This Novec™ alternative is classified as PFAS under the U.S. EPA’s definition, and it ensures a smooth transition for industries needing minimal process changes.
Similar Molecule
BestSolv® Similar Molecule replacements use a different HFE molecule than 3M™ Novec™ while offering near-identical performance. Built on shorter-chain molecular structures, these alternatives are designed to be less persistent in the environment and eliminate long-chain bioaccumulation risks.
This option is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly Novec™ alternative. BestSolv® replacements also provide significant savings, with similar molecule versions costing less than exact molecule replacements.
Next-Gen PFAS Free
BestSolv® Next-Gen PFAS Free replacements use HCFO/HFO-based fluids instead of the HFE chemistry used in most 3M™ Novec™ products. The next-gen PFAS-free products comply with strict PFAS-free regulations in Minnesota and Maine, ensuring a sustainable Novec™ alternative.
Video: 3M™ Novec™ is Gone: BestSolv® Keeps Your Process Running
BestSolv® Engineered Fluids: 3M™ Novec™ Replacements
*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.
Solvent Cleaning with BestSolv® Engineered Fluids
Why Solvent Cleaning?
Thanks to their low surface tension, BestSolv® Engineered Fluids penetrate tight spaces and intricate geometries, making them an effective vapor degreaser solvent for complex parts. Once contaminants are removed, the fluids drain easily without becoming trapped in small crevices.
BestSolv® Bravo is one option for manufacturers that need stronger solvent cleaning performance in demanding vapor degreasing applications. It is commonly evaluated for heavier-duty cleaning needs where contaminant removal, material compatibility, and process continuity are important.
The fluids evaporate quickly and leave behind minimal non-volatile residue (NVR)—unlike aqueous solutions, which can cause staining or deposit residues from water content. This results in faster drying, more efficient cleaning, and fewer issues with drag-out, ultimately reducing solvent loss and operational costs. For operations transitioning away from phased-out chemistries, BestSolv® also serves as a reliable 3M™ Novec™ replacement, offering a Novec™ alternative with comparable cleaning power with a reduced environmental footprint.
BestSolv® Formulations for Solvent Cleaning
Best Solv is distributed by Best Technology and is available in a range of formulations to meet diverse cleaning needs—from light-duty to heavy-duty applications.
BestSolv® fluids are available in neat HFE or HFO formulations for maximum material compatibility, as well as blended formulations designed for enhanced cleaning performance. For example, BestSolv® Bravo is a high-performance formulation commonly selected as a 3M™ Novec™ replacement in demanding vapor degreasing environments, while BestSolv® Zeta supports PFAS-free solvent cleaning applications.
Our “neat” HFE formulations consist of 100 % hydrofluoroether (HFE) or 100 % hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) for applications requiring maximum material compatibility, making them an ideal 3M™ Novec™ replacement for facilities moving away from phased-out chemistries and looking for the best Novec™ alternative.
Other formulations include additives for better cleaning performance. The most common additive to BestSolv® formulations is trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (t-DCE).
Note: t-DCE is distinct from trichloroethylene (TCE), a known hazardous solvent. BestSolv® products do not contain TCE.
Which BestSolv® Solvent is Right for You?
BestSolv® cleaning fluids are built for today’s precision cleaning challenges, with formulations that offer both advanced performance and compatibility with legacy solvent systems.
| Cleaning Performance | Compare To | Composition | Boiling Point °C | Vapor Pressure mmHg @ 20°C | Liquid Density g/cm2 |
| Light Duty | |||||
| BestSolv® Sierra | 3M™ Novec™ 7100 | Hydrofluoroether (HFE) (100%) | 56 | 232 | 1.47 |
| BestSolv® 7100 | 3M™ Novec™ 7100 | HFE7100 (100%) | 61 | 210 | 1.5 |
| BestSolv® 7200 | 3M™ Novec™ 7200 | HFE7200 (100%) | 76 | 110 | 1.43 |
| BestSolv® 7300 | 3M™ Novec™ 7300 | HFE7300 (100%) | 98 | 44 | 1.66 |
| BestSolv® Lima | 3M™ Novec™ 71IPA | Hydrofluoroether (HFE) Isopropanol | 54 | 232 | 1.43 |
| BestSolv® 71IPA | 3M™ Novec™ 71IPA | HFE7100 Isopropanol | 55 | 207 | 1.48 |
| Medium Duty | |||||
| BestSolv® Zeta | 3M™ Novec™ 7100 | HCFO/HFO PFAS-Free | 54 | 240 | 1.39 |
| BestSolv® Delta | 3M™ Novec™ 71DE | Hydrofluoroether (HFE) t-DCEa | 39 | 368 | 1.36 |
| BestSolv® 71DE | 3M™ Novec™ 71DE | HFE7100 t-DCEa | 41 | 383 | 1.37 |
| BestSolv® Theta | 3M™ Novec™ 71DA | Hydrofluoroether (HFE) t-DCEa Isopropanol | 39 | 368 | 1.36 |
| BestSolv® 71DA | 3M™ Novec™ 71DA | HFE7100 t-DCEa Ethanol | 40 | 381 | 1.33 |
| Heavy Duty | |||||
| BestSolv® Echo | 3M™ Novec™ 72DE | t-DCEa Hydrofluoroether (HFE) | 42 | 368 | 1.30 |
| BestSolv® 72DE | 3M™ Novec™ 72DE | t-DCEa HFE7100 HFE7200 | 43 | 350 | 1.28 |
| BestSolv® Alpha | 3M™ Novec™ 72DA | t-DCEa Hydrofluoroether (HFE) Isopropanol | 42 | 343 | 1.32 |
| BestSolv® 72DA | 3M™ Novec 72DA | t-DCEa HFE7100 HFE7200 Isopropanol | 44 | 360 | 1.27 |
| BestSolv® Omega | 3M™ Novec 72DA | t-DCEa HCFO/HFO PFAS-Free | 46 | 341 | 1.27 |
| BestSolv® Bravo | 3M™ Novec™ 73DE | t-DCEa Hydrofluoroether (HFE) | 38.6 | 367 | 1.27 |
| BestSolv® 73DE | 3M™ Novec™ 73DE | t-DCEa HFE7300 | 48 | 263 | 1.28 |
Solvent Cleaning FAQs
Thermal Management with BestSolv® Engineered Fluids
Why Thermal Management?
As power density and performance demands increase, effective heat transfer becomes critical to maintaining reliability in electronics, semiconductors, and high-performance systems. BestSolv® Engineered Fluids provide a clean, non-flammable, and dielectric solution for removing heat safely and efficiently—without the mess, conductivity risks, or corrosion concerns of traditional coolants.
With a range of boiling points and viscosities, BestSolv® thermal management fluids support both single-phase and two-phase cooling systems, from immersion cooling of data centers and chiller systems applications to heat transfer in aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing. Their stability, low toxicity, and zero ozone depletion potential make them a sustainable alternative for next-generation cooling applications.
Which BestSolv® Heat Transfer Fluid is Right for You?
The BestSolv® family of thermal management / heat transfer and immersion cooling fluids delivers dependable, drop-in performance across a broad range of applications. Each fluid is optimized for specific operating conditions—offering precise temperature control, high dielectric strength, and low environmental impact.
| Product | Chemistry Type | Boiling Point (°C) | Typical Operating Range (°C) |
| BestSolv® Zulu | Fluorinated ketone (FK-5-1-12) | 49 | –75 to 40 |
| BestSolv® 7100 | Hydrofluoroether (HFE) | 61 | –105 to 50 |
| BestSolv® 7200 | Hydrofluoroether (HFE) | 76 | –105 to 65 |
| BestSolv® 7300 | Hydrofluoroether (HFE) | 98 | –30 to 85 |
| BestSolv® 3283 | Perfluorocarbon (PFC) | 128 | -55 to 100 |
| BestSolv® 40 | Perfluorocarbon (PFC) | 165 | -45 to 155 |
Get Your BestSolv® Solution today!
Trusted across aerospace, medical device, and electronics industries, BestSolv® Engineered Fluids offer a full range of high-performance fluids designed for reliability, safety, and seamless system compatibility.
- Validated in aerospace and medical manufacturing
- Compatible with vapor degreasing, precision cleaning, and heat transfer systems
- Backed by SDS, TDS, and expert application support from Best Technology
- An ideal 3M Novec™ alternative to keep you production running smoothly.
With proven performance and regulatory alignment, BestSolv® fluids are your long-term solution for precision cleaning and thermal management.
📞 Call us today at (612) 392-2414, ext. 2 to find the right BestSolv® fluid for your application.
📩 Request a quote or technical consultation to see how BestSolv® can integrate into your process.
BestSolv® Price and Ordering
For purposes of product stewardship, BestSolv® Engineered Fluids cannot be sold directly online.
Please contact our chemical sales department for a quote by clicking the “Get a Quote” button, or call 612-392-2414, ext. 2.
612.392.2414
