Galden SV 55

What Is Galden® SV 55?

Galden® SV55 is the lowest-boiling grade in Syensqo’s Galden® SV family of low-molecular-weight PFPE solvent fluids. Syensqo describes the SV series as non-flammable, low-VOC, high-purity fluorinated fluids with boiling points ranging from 55°C to 135°C. These fluids are intended for cleaning processes in which the solvent may be applied to hot components, heated before application, or pressure-sprayed onto parts.

The “55” designation refers to its nominal boiling point of 55°C. Because SV55 has the highest vapor pressure and lowest viscosity among the commonly listed SV grades, it evaporates more readily than SV80, SV110, or SV135. This makes it useful where rapid drying, low residual liquid, and short process cycles are important.

Galden® SV55 is fully miscible with PFPE oils and greases. It is therefore particularly valuable for removing, diluting, transferring, or applying fluorinated lubricants that conventional hydrocarbon or aqueous cleaners may not dissolve effectively. Syensqo also states that Galden® SV fluids are miscible with perfluorocarbon fluids and with chlorotrifluoroethylene oils above 45°C.

Key Features and Process Benefits

Syensqo identifies dielectric properties, low moisture absorption, chemical resistance, thermal stability, non-flammability, and high purity among the functions associated with Galden® SV55. The manufacturer also reports compatibility with all metals and a broad range of commercial rubbers, elastomers, and plastics. Nevertheless, users should confirm compatibility with the exact substrate, adhesive, coating, seal, and process temperature before production use.

Technical Properties

The following figures are typical properties and not guaranteed product specifications. They are based primarily on Solvay’s legacy technical brochure for Galden® SV fluids, now supplied under Syensqo.

The combination of 0.45 cSt viscosity and 228 torr vapor pressure at 20°C explains SV55’s rapid spreading and evaporation. In open systems, however, this high volatility can increase fluid consumption. Enclosed cleaning equipment, condensers, vapor recovery, compatible seals, and controlled handling practices can improve process efficiency.

Galden® SV Series Comparison

The principal criteria for selecting a Galden® SV fluid are boiling point, vapor pressure, viscosity and surface tension. Lower-boiling grades generally evaporate faster and provide shorter drying cycles, whereas higher-boiling grades remain on the component longer and can reduce rapid evaporative loss. Density and surface tension also influence fluid handling, surface wetting and penetration into narrow component geometries.

The numerical values for SV55, SV70, SV80, SV110 and SV135 are typical properties and are not intended as guaranteed specifications. The manufacturer’s comparative solvent brochure also reports water solubility below 10 ppm, zero ozone-depletion potential and no flash point, fire point or autoignition temperature for all five numbered grades.

Galden® SVX should be evaluated separately from the numbered cleaning-solvent grades. Syensqo describes SVX as an inert PFPE fluid intended primarily for dielectric and heat-transfer applications requiring high thermal stability, chemical inertness and compatibility with metals, plastics and elastomers. Its official public product page does not provide the same comparative property table published for SV55–SV135; therefore, engineers should obtain the current SVX technical data sheet before performing a direct numerical comparison.

Common Applications

PFPE oil and grease removal: SV55 can dissolve and flush residues from Fomblin® and other compatible PFPE lubricants during equipment maintenance, component refurbishment, and relubrication.

Vacuum-pump and vacuum-component cleaning: The fluid can remove fluorinated lubricant residues from pump parts, valves, fittings, seals, and vacuum-system hardware before inspection or reassembly.

Semiconductor and electronics cleaning: Its low viscosity, low surface tension, dielectric character, and rapid evaporation support precision cleaning of compatible parts, assemblies, and process-tool components.

Precision mechanical degreasing: SV55 can reach fine geometries, blind holes, narrow gaps, and small clearances where higher-viscosity cleaning fluids may be less effective.

Carrier or diluent for PFPE lubricants: Because it is fully miscible with PFPE oils and greases, SV55 may be used to prepare controlled lubricant solutions for thin-film application, dipping, spraying, or localized deposition.

Vapor blanketing and mixed-solvent processes: Solvay’s technical literature lists pump cleaning, degreasing, vapor blanketing, flash-point improvement in solvent blends, and trace-residue removal among typical Galden® SV applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Galden® SV55 flammable?

No flash point, fire point, or autoignition temperature is reported in the manufacturer’s typical-property data, and Syensqo classifies the fluid as non-flammable. Users must still follow the current safety data sheet, control hot surfaces, and prevent thermal decomposition.

2. Does Galden® SV55 leave residue?

SV55 is designed as a high-purity, volatile cleaning fluid and normally evaporates rapidly. Final cleanliness still depends on the contamination type, bath condition, process design, rinsing method, and fluid recovery system.

3. Can it remove conventional hydrocarbon oils?

Its strongest compatibility is with fluorinated fluids, especially PFPE oils and greases. Performance on hydrocarbon oils, silicones, fluxes, adhesives, or mixed residues should be validated experimentally. A co-solvent process may be required.

4. Is Galden® SV55 safe for plastics and elastomers?

Syensqo reports broad compatibility with metals, rubbers, elastomers, and plastics. Because commercial materials contain different fillers, plasticizers, adhesives, and coatings, immersion, swelling, weight-change, and visual tests should be completed before approval.

5. Can SV55 be used on electronic components?

Its dielectric properties make it relevant to electronic cleaning, but equipment should normally be isolated and de-energized. Any energized-cleaning process requires a formal engineering assessment, validated procedure, adequate ventilation, and compliance with applicable electrical-safety requirements.

6. Why choose SV55 instead of SV80 or SV110?

Choose SV55 for the fastest evaporation and shortest drying time. Select SV80 or SV110 when longer contact time, reduced vapor loss, or improved recovery efficiency is more important.

7. What handling precautions are required?

Use the latest Syensqo safety data sheet, appropriate ventilation, compatible personal protective equipment, closed containers, and controls that prevent overheating. Avoid inhaling concentrated vapor or thermal-decomposition products, and manage used fluid through an approved recovery or waste-treatment route.