Perchloroethylene (PCE)

Perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene, PCE, perc, C2Cl4, CAS 127-18-4) is a clear, colourless, non-flammable chlorinated solvent supplied by Global Chemicals LLC at 99.9% minimum purity, stabilised against attack on aluminium and iron, with a boiling point of 121 °C and specific gravity 1.62, in 200 L drums and 1,000 L IBCs from stock in Muscat and Rusayl Industrial Area, to dry-cleaning and industrial accounts with the controls described below.

Dry cleaning. Perc is the standard dry-cleaning solvent because it dissolves oils, grease and most stains without water, so fabrics do not shrink, felt or lose colour, and it is non-flammable, which older petroleum solvents are not. Modern closed-circuit machines wash, extract, dry and recover the solvent by condensation and distillation, so a well-run plant loses little perc per load and the still residue is the only waste. Spot removal and pre-spotting use it neat. In metal finishing, perc is the vapour-degreasing solvent for heavy waxes, buffing compounds and oils that trichloroethylene's lower boiling point will not shift, and for cold cleaning of automotive and engineering parts; it is also an intermediate for fluorocarbon refrigerants.

Health and regulation: perchloroethylene is classified by IARC as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A) and carries occupational exposure limits. It belongs in closed machines and enclosed degreasers with solvent recovery and local exhaust ventilation, never in open tanks or for hand wiping; operators should be monitored, and spent solvent, still residue and filters go to a licensed waste contractor in line with the Environment Authority's requirements. We supply the safety data sheet, a COSHH-style assessment and handling guidance with every order, and we can discuss hydrocarbon or modified-alcohol alternatives for new installations.

Storage and handling: keep drums sealed, cool and shaded, away from strong alkalis, reactive metals and open flames or hot surfaces, which decompose it to acid gases; use steel or stainless equipment and PVA or laminate gloves, goggles and respiratory protection for open handling; test acid acceptance in machines regularly so the stabiliser package is not exhausted. Every lot carries a certificate of analysis giving purity, acidity, water and stabiliser content.

Delivery is same day within Muscat, next day to Sohar, Salalah and Duqm, and by road across the GCC with a certificate of origin. Request a quote with the quantity, pack type and the machine it will feed.