Managing High-Purity IPA Risks in Cleanroom Cleaning and Solvent Handling
The Technical Vault
By SOSCleanroom
ISO 14644-5 Operations
High-Purity Solvent Control
Flammability & EHS Awareness
Residue & Moisture Control
Texwipe TX111 Non-Sterile 100% IPA — what this chemistry is designed to control
Texwipe TX111 is a non-sterile, 100% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution supplied in
one-gallon bottles (four per case) for applications where maximum solvent strength,
rapid evaporation, and zero intentional water content are required. It is commonly
used for critical cleaning, residue removal, final wipe-downs, and solvent transfer into
secondary containers within cleanroom and controlled environments.
While 100% IPA can provide advantages in moisture-sensitive processes, it also introduces
additional operational risk. Faster evaporation, increased flammability,
higher solvent aggressiveness, and greater sensitivity to handling technique mean that TX111
must be managed deliberately. Improper use often leads to streaking, residue re-deposit,
static issues, or safety non-conformance.
ISO- and USP-aligned context for high-purity IPA use
ISO 14644-5 emphasizes that cleaning chemistries must be appropriate for the process risk,
equipment design, and operator practices within the cleanroom. Higher-purity solvents such
as 100% IPA amplify the importance of procedural control due to their volatility and
interaction with materials and residues.
USP <797> and <800> reinforce similar principles in pharmaceutical environments:
solvent use must be compatible with the workflow, documented, and executed in a way that
prevents cross-contamination, unsafe handling, or unintended residue formation. Although
TX111 is non-sterile, the same method-discipline concepts apply in non-sterile cleanroom
operations.
Technical data summary (reference — consult current TDS/SDS for controlled programs)
| Chemical composition |
100% isopropyl alcohol |
| Sterility |
Non-sterile |
| Filtration |
Filtered solution (see TDS) |
| Container format |
1 gallon bottle (4 per case) |
| Traceability |
Lot coded with expiration date |
Best-practice considerations for 100% IPA use
Best practice for 100% IPA begins with recognizing that higher purity increases both
effectiveness and risk. TX111 should typically be transferred into approved secondary
dispensers to control volume and application, rather than applied directly from the
gallon container. Dispensing to a wiper or swab allows operators to achieve a controlled,
damp application while minimizing excess vapor release and surface flooding.
Due to rapid evaporation, operators should avoid overworking the surface or repeatedly
re-wetting the same area, which can leave behind dissolved residues as the solvent flashes
off. Straight, overlapping wipe patterns and early change-out of loaded applicators are
especially important when using 100% IPA.
EHS considerations are integral to best practice. TX111 is highly flammable, and its use
must align with facility safety procedures, including ventilation requirements, ignition
source control, proper grounding where applicable, and appropriate PPE. These controls
should be documented and trained as part of the cleaning method.
Typical cleanroom failures & how to avoid them when using 100% IPA
- Excessive solvent use: Leads to streaking and vapor buildup. Prevention includes controlled dispensing and damp-film technique (ISO 14644-5).
- Rapid re-wetting of the same surface: Causes residue re-deposit as IPA flashes off. Prevention includes single-pass wiping and early applicator change-out (ISO 14644-5).
- Inadequate EHS controls: Creates flammability and safety risks. Prevention includes adherence to SDS and facility safety procedures (ISO 14644-5; EHS programs).
- Using 100% IPA where water content is beneficial: Reduces cleaning effectiveness. Prevention includes matching solvent composition to the soil and process need.
- Using non-sterile IPA in sterile workflows: Regulatory non-conformance. Prevention includes selecting sterile IPA when required (USP <797> / <800>).
Suggested companion products and technical rationale
SOSCleanroom suggests the following companion products to support controlled use of TX111
based on material compatibility, operator control, and cleanroom performance characteristics.
- Texwipe TX1009 AlphaWipe®: Polyester wiper suitable for high-purity solvent use with predictable absorbency and low lint contribution.
- Texwipe TX761 Alpha® Long-Handle Swab: Enables localized application of 100% IPA in confined features without glove intrusion.
- Ansell 93-311 Nitrilite® Cleanroom Nitrile Gloves: Cleanroom-qualified gloves that reduce operator-introduced contamination and maintain barrier integrity during solvent handling.
Disclaimer
This Technical Vault content is provided for general operational guidance and procurement planning only.
It does not replace facility SOPs, validation protocols, quality risk assessments, or manufacturer documentation.
Always follow applicable ISO standards, USP chapters, SDS instructions, and site-specific procedures.
Questions? Email Sales@SOSsupply.com or call (214) 340-8574.
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