Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC)

Product Overview

Perchloroethylene (PCE), also known as Tetrachloroethylene or PERC, is a high-purity Technical Grade solvent belonging to the organic halogen family. It is a colorless, volatile liquid characterized by a sweet, ether-like odor and non-flammable properties. This robust solvent is primarily utilized in industrial settings for heavy-duty metal degreasing, precision parts cleaning, and as a chemical intermediate in manufacturing.

Engineers and plant operators rely on PCE for its exceptional solvency power, particularly effective against oils, greases, waxes, and buffing compounds. With a high boiling point (121°C) and high vapor density, it is ideally suited for vapor degreasing operations where efficient solvent recovery is critical. Perchloroethylene Technical Grade offers excellent stability and low residue profiles, ensuring consistent performance in surface preparation and extraction processes.

Key Properties

• CAS Number: 127-18-4
• Chemical Formula: C2Cl4
• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Molecular Weight: 165.83 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 121.1°C (250°F)
• Freezing Point: -22°C (-8°F)
• Density: 1.62 g/cm³ at 20°C
• Vapor Pressure: 13 mmHg at 20°C
• Solubility: Immiscible with water; miscible with most organic solvents
• Flash Point: None (Non-flammable)

Common Applications

• Metal Degreasing: Highly effective for removing heavy oils, lubricants, and carbon deposits from metal parts in automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
• Vapor Degreasing: Used in closed-loop vapor degreasing systems due to its high boiling point and ease of recycling/distillation.
• Chemical Intermediate: Serves as a raw material feedstock in the production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other fluorinated compounds.
• Industrial Cleaning: Utilized for maintenance cleaning of processing equipment and machinery requiring a strong, non-flammable solvent.
• Solvent Extraction: Applied in laboratories and processing plants for the extraction of fats, oils, and other dissolved substances.

Safety & Handling

Perchloroethylene is a powerful industrial solvent and must be handled with strict adherence to safety protocols. While classified as non-flammable, it emits vapors that are heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas. Use only in well-ventilated areas or with appropriate engineering controls to maintain exposure limits below OSHA PELs.

Operators must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves (Viton or PVA), splash goggles, and respirators if ventilation is insufficient. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent evaporation. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed emergency response, spill containment, and disposal guidelines.

Benefits

Superior Solvency: Rapidly dissolves complex organic contaminants that weaker solvents cannot remove.
Non-Flammable Profile: Reduces fire risk in industrial cleaning operations compared to hydrocarbon solvents.
High Stability: Resists hydrolysis and breakdown during repeated distillation cycles, improving cost-efficiency.

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