Perchloroethylene Suppliers, Dealers of Perchloroethylene in Mumbai

Perchloroethylene (PCE) – High-Performance Solvent for Dry Cleaning & Degreasing

Perchloroethylene (also called tetrachloroethylene or “perc”) is a high-purity, non-flammable chlorinated solvent widely used in industrial and commercial applications. Owing to its excellent grease- and oil-solvency, chemical stability, and volatility, it’s the solvent of choice in dry-cleaning, degreasing, spot-cleaning, and precision cleaning operations.

What is Perchloroethylene

Perchloroethylene's chemical formula is C₂Cl₄. It is a dense, colorless liquid characterized by a sweet or chloroform like smell. As a member of the chlorinated hydrocarbon family, it is fully halogenated. It has all its hydrogen atoms replaced by chlorine. This gives it unique physical as well as chemical properties. It has a high solvency for lipophilic (grease like) materials, low flammability as well as resistance to oxidation and hydrolysis.

The density of perc (~1.62 g/cm³) significantly exceeds that of water, leading to its common use in solvent extraction processes where phase separation is important. Perc boils at approximately 121 °C and freezes at –22 °C—making it readily recoverable via distillation in closed loop recovery systems. Its vapor pressure (~17 mmHg at 20 °C) allows it to evaporate efficiently after cleaning, leaving minimal residue.

In industrial use, perc is valued for its inertness toward most metals and plastics, and its moderate toxicity. Exposure guidelines (e.g., OSHA’s ceiling limit of 200 ppm) mean it must be used with proper ventilation, monitoring as well as protective gear. Though durable & effective, environmental & also health considerations—such as its persistence, potential groundwater contamination as well as classification as a likely carcinogen—necessitate responsible handling & investment in recovery systems.

Chemically, the molecule exhibits symmetry with a planar structure, and lacks reactive C–H bonds, reducing the likelihood of side reactions. Its principal reactivity is limited to controlled chlorination or dechlorination, primarily during industrial recycling or disposal.

Chemical Specifications

Specifications

1. Moisture: ≤ 200 ppm (Karl Fischer moisture content)

2. Acidity (as HCl): ≤ 5 ppm

3. Non volatile residues (NVR): ≤ 5 mg/kg

4. Color: APHA ≤ 10 (visual, colorless)

5. Chlorinated contaminants (e.g. trichloroethylene): ≤ 0.2%

6. Sulfur compounds: It is ≤ 0.1 ppm

7. Oxygenates: The value is < 10 ppm total

8. Free chlorine: None detected

9. Metallic impurities: ≤ 0.1 ppm Fe, Cu, Pb

These specs suit critical uses like electronics cleaning, where ionic or metal residues compromise performance.

Handling and Storage

Containers: Use sealed, bonded, vapour-tight steel drums or UN-certified IBCs.

Ventilation: Maintain forced-air exhaust and local extraction at solvent use points.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Nitrile gloves, splash goggles, face-shield in splash risk zones; air-purifying respirators (with organic vapor cartridges) or supplied-air in high-concentration zones (> 200 ppm).

Spill Control: Use sand, vermiculite or absorbent pads; avoid ignition sources. Dispose per regulatory norms.

Storage Conditions: Cool (10–25 °C), well-ventilated, segregated from acids, strong bases, reactive metals and heat sources.

Fire Safety: Though non-flammable, breakdown under extreme heat may release phosgene or HCl; sites must have acid gas neutralizers, corrosion-resistant scrubbers.

Disposal: Recycle via distillation or use certified hazardous-waste contractors. Never release into drains, soil or air without recovery.

Labeling: Must include GHS symbols (health hazard, environmental hazard), STATEMENT: “Danger — May cause cancer. Harmful by inhalation. Hazardous to aquatic life with long lasting effects.”

Structure of Perchloroethylene

Perchloroethylene has a planar, symmetrical, ethylene-based structure: two carbon atoms joined by a double bond (C=C), with each carbon bound to two chlorine atoms. This tetrahedral substitution eliminates active C–H bonds, drastically reducing its susceptibility to oxidation or radical-chain reactions. The resonance-stabilized unsaturated system contributes to its non-polarity and lipophilic behavior.

Its molecular weight (~165.83 g/mol) and molecular geometry (D₂ₕ symmetry) promote tight molecular packing and high density. The abundance of chlorine atoms also contributes to high molecular polarizability, accounting for perc’s excellent ability to dissolve chlorinated greases, waxes, oils, and micro-particles. This polarity profile makes perc a powerful solvent for diverse industrial tasks, while maintaining relative inertness with metals, plastics, rubbers, and electronic components.

Product Pack Size

Shakti Chemicals offers perchloroethylene in multiple packaging sizes to suit diverse operational needs:

Steel Drums:

200 L (≈ 320 kg)

50 L (≈ 80 kg)

IBC Totes:

1000–1250 L (approx. 1620–2025 kg)

Bulk ISO Tankers:

20,000–24,000 L suitable for large-scale users (e.g., textiles, electronics manufacturers)

Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs): Inquire for custom sizing

All pack sizes feature tamper-evident seals, over-fill protection, and full UN-hazmat labeling. Custom labeling and documentation (MSDS, COA, sampling certificates) available on request.

Applications of Perchloroethylene

Dry-Cleaning Solvent: Preferred due to its high solvency for oils/waxes and minimal fiber swelling. Efficient in perchlorinated machine systems with integrated recovery.

Metal Degreasing & Precision Cleaning: Used in aerospace, automotive, electronics to remove oils, greases, machining residues. High volatility ensures low drying times and residue.

Electronic Component Cleaning: Ideal for PCBs, connectors, hard-disk motor parts—non-conductive, non-corrosive, low ionic contamination.

Paint Stripping/Surface Prep: Effective precursor cleaning before painting, powder-coating or wrap polymer adhesion.

Adhesive Removal: Works well on cured solvent-based adhesives for maintenance and de-bonding.

Extraction in Chemical Analysis: Useful in laboratory settings for extraction of chlorophylls, fats, waxes, oils from solid matrices.

Polymer Foaming Agents: Acts as a blowing agent in EPS/PU foam manufacturing (though use has declined due to environmental regulations).

Hydraulic Fluid Extractor: Serves in edge-gear hydraulics and machining; used in closed-loop evaporative degreasers.

Chemical Intermediate: May be a feedstock precursor for chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) or fluorocarbon derivatives (subject to strict regulations).

Spot-cleaning & Stain Removal: Textiles, carpets, leathers—removes oil-based stains without water damage.

Why Choose Shakti Chemicals?

End-to-end Suppliers, exporter: We source and deliver perchloroethylene with full documentation—MSDS, COA, test reports—ensuring product traceability.

Certified Traders: ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified; we meet international quality and environmental management standards.

Experienced Dealers: Our sales network ensures regional supply coverage across industrial zones, backed by 24 × 7 logistics support in Maharashtra.

Global Importers: We import direct from manufacturing hubs (e.g., Middle East, Europe) and hold regulator-compliant import permits under IMDG and domestic law.

Authorized Distributors: We hold full UN ADR and GHS labeling licenses; our distribution ensures safe and legal handling through first-mile to last mile delivery.

Additional advantages:

Technical application support for formulators in degreasers or spot-cleaning fluid blends

In-house lab testing to customise specs (moisture, additives, purity)

Variable pack sizes and just-in-time delivery schedules

Hazardous goods logistics with trained drivers and bunded transport 

Dedicated service desk for regulatory support (chemical inventories, environmental reporting)

FAQs

Is perchloroethylene flammable?

No. It is non-flammable under normal ambient conditions, though it decomposes at high heat to dangerous chlorinated byproducts.

How do you test for residual moisture?

Karl Fischer titration is the standard method; water content should be < 200 ppm.

What personal protective equipment is recommended?

Use nitrile gloves, goggles, face-shield for splash; organic-vapor respirators when > 50 ppm exposure or in poorly ventilated zones.

Can perc be recycled on-site?

Yes. Distillation units recover perc; reclaimed solvent purity typically exceeds 99.5%.

What disposal method is required?

Drill disposal is prohibited; spent or contaminated perc must be collected and sent to licensed hazardous-waste reclaimers per environmental laws.

How do I store perc safely?

In cool, dry, ventilated area; segregated from acids, bases, heat; sealed steel or UN-certified containers only.

What are typical shelf-life limitations?

When sealed, perc retains > 99.8% purity for at least 24 months; extended if moisture ingress is prevented.

How fast does perc evaporate?

At 20 °C, vapour pressure (~17 mmHg) gives a moderate evaporation rate—typically faster than water but slower than acetone.

Is perchloroethylene reusable in electronics cleaning?

Yes—closed-loop vapor-degreasers enable multiple recovery cycles with distillation, often saving > 70% of the initial solvent.

Are there environmental concerns?

Yes—perc is persistent, bioaccumulative, and a possible carcinogen. Regulations (e.g., US EPA, EU) restrict emissions; recovery systems and air-monitoring are mandatory.

Perchloroethylene remains a cornerstone solvent for industrial-grade cleaning, degreasing, and spot-removal tasks. Its unique physical and chemical profile—non-flammability, high solvency, and recoverability—makes it indispensable across dry-cleaning, electronics, metalworking, and analytical fields. Given its health and environmental profile, users must adopt rigorous safety procedures, closed recovery systems, and certified disposal. Shakti Chemicals in Mumbai, India enhances your sourcing by delivering high-purity perc with full compliance, technical backing, and flexible packaging. Our certifications, logistics network, and domain expertise ensure that your industry benefits from top-tier solvent performance while meeting regulatory and sustainability targets.

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Interested in purchasing premium-quality Perchloroethylene? Contact us today for pricing, technical details, or to place an order. We supply across India and export internationally.

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