What makes inert Halocarbon oils, greases and waxes so unique (and expensive)?
Halocarbon oils, greases and waxes are completely synthetic. They are inert because they are non-hydrocarbon based and are carefully manufactured to a very high degree of inertness and purity to insure safety.
Why are inert Halocarbon lubricants safe with oxygen, chlorine, nitric acid, etc.?
They are fully halogenated and are free of carbon-hydrogen bonds. To learn more about the general benefits of fluorine chemistry, read our Fluorine 101 Section.
What is the difference between the oils?
All Halocarbon oils contain the same inert chemical backbone structure. If you think of a bowl of spaghetti, some pieces are short and others are long. In the case of the oils, there are short and long molecules. The short molecules are the low viscosity oils and the longer molecules are the high viscosity oils. The viscosity you need depends on your application.
What solvents are miscible with Halocarbon oils, greases and waxes?
The following are miscible:
| Ethyl Alcohol | Methyl Alcohol |
| Acetone | Methyl ethyl ketone |
| Hexane | Methyl isobutyl ketone |
| Kerosene | Mineral oils |
When shouldn’t I use Halocarbon Inert lubricants?
They should not be used with sodium or potassium metals, amines including amine additives, liquid fluorine and liquid chlorine trifluoride. Silica-thickened greases should not be used in contact with alkalis, hydrofluoric acid and fluorinating agents. If you are using hydrofluoric acid or fluorinating agents, the Halocarbon polymer-thickened greases should be used.
Can Halocarbon inert lubricants be used with aluminum?
Caution should be used under conditions of large shear forces such as those found in threaded connections. This is a rare condition and will occur with most halogenated inert lubricants.
Have Halocarbon inert lubricants been tested for oxygen compatibility?
Halocarbon lubricants have been tested by NASA and the German Federal Institute for Materials Testing (BAM) and to ASTM standards.
What is the upper temperature limit for Halocarbon inert lubricants?
The maximum safe operating temperature for Halocarbon inert lubricants is 200º C.
Which elastomers and plastics are compatible with Halocarbon oils, greases and waxes?
The following elastomers and plastics have been found to be compatible with Halocarbon inert lubricants. Since formulations vary by manufacturer, it is recommended that a compatibility test be conducted.
| Ethylene propylene rubber | Polymides |
| Polyvinyl alcohol | Polycarbonates |
| Neoprene | Flurosilicones |
| Teflon type plastics | Cured epoxies |
| Rigid PVC | Urethanes |
| Rigid CPVC | EPDM |
| Viton type plastics |
Can Halocarbon oils be recycled?
With proper use and maintenance, Halocarbon oil can be recycled. This helps to reduce the cost of using Halocarbon oils. Please contact us for more information.
What should I do before I switch to a Halocarbon oil or grease?
There are two main considerations when switching to a Halocarbon oil or grease. For safety, the first is to make sure that the system is clean and all traces of hydrocarbon oils and/or greases (or other potentially reactive compounds) have been removed. You do not want to use our products in a contaminated system. The second is to check for contact with any O-rings or seals. Make sure that they are compatible with our products.
Can I mix different viscosities of Halocarbon oils?
If you need to adjust the viscosity to meet the needs of your system, two different grades can be mixed together. We can supply the necessary information on how to mix the oils – please contact us.
Do Halocarbon greases contain silicone?
No, although we have silica-thickened greases, silica and silicone lubricants are completely different.
Which is the right inert grease to use for my requirement?
Halocarbon has three types of inert grease – silica-thickened, polymer-thickened and PTFE-thickened. All of these greases are safe and compatible to use with oxygen, chlorine and many aggressive chemicals. Silica-thickened greases should not be used in contact with alkalis, hydrofluoric acid or fluorinating agents. The grease which you choose depends on factors such as temperature, operating conditions and manufacturers’ recommendations. Halocarbon can help you choose the right grease for your application – please contact us.
What is the “NLGI” system?
This system is used to define the thickness or consistency of a grease. A grease with a “1” rating is a very soft grease. A hard grease would have a rating of “4”. Most of the time, the equipment manufacture will suggest which grade to use.
Is there a general purpose Halocarbon grease?
Halocarbon 25-5S grease is considered to be a general purpose inert grease. It can be used for most applications that require an inert grease. If there is a chance that the grease may come into contact with an alkali, hydrofluoric acid or a fluorinating agent, a polymer-thickened grease should be used instead.
What is Halocarbon MT-3I grease?
This grease contains a rust inhibitor, molybdenum disulfide and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). These ingredients make it an outstanding thread sealant. It will help to prevent thread galling and act as a thread sealant where oxygen compatibility is required. It was tested by NASA and passed their oxygen compatibility test at 10,000 psi.
What is the main application for Halocarbon inert waxes?
The inert waxes are used mostly as a protective or barrier coating. They help prevent a substrate from reacting with oxygen, chlorine, fluorine gas and other aggressive chemicals.
How are the Halocarbon oils, grease and waxes shipped?
Most of our lubricants are shipped by ground services such as UPS. However, they can be shipped by air because they are classified as non-hazardous.
How do I purchase your products?
In the United States and Canada, Halocarbon sells on a direct basis. We have distributors in most parts of the world. Halocarbon will ship directly if we do not have a distributor in your country. Call toll free 1-800-338-5803.
Can I buy with a credit card?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover for most orders.
Is my oil, grease or wax normally in stock?
Halocarbon prides itself on our responsiveness. Most of our standard inert lubricants are in stock and ready to ship.
How long will it take for my order to be shipped?
Our goal is to ship standard items out of our manufacturing plant in North Augusta, SC in 3 to 4 business days.