Trichloroethylene (TCE)

Trichloroethylene (TCE, trichloroethene, C2HCl3, CAS 79-01-6) is a non-flammable chlorinated solvent supplied by Global Chemicals LLC at 99.5% minimum purity, stabilised, with a boiling point of 87 °C and specific gravity 1.46, in 200 L drums and 1,000 L IBCs from stock in Muscat, to registered industrial accounts with the occupational-health controls described below.

TCE is the classic vapour-degreasing solvent. In a vapour degreaser the solvent boils at 87 °C, the parts hang in the vapour zone, the pure solvent condenses on the cold metal and runs off carrying mineral oil, cutting fluid, drawing lubricant and machining residue with it, and the parts leave dry and clean enough for plating, bonding, painting or inspection. Its high density and low surface tension reach blind holes and tube bundles, which is why precision engineering, aerospace maintenance, electronics and heat-exchanger shops in Oman specify it; it also serves for cold cleaning of heavy grease and tar. The stabiliser package matters: it neutralises the acid that forms when hot TCE meets aluminium, light and moisture, so the solvent stays usable and the machine stays free of corrosion. Test acid acceptance regularly and never let water into the sump.

Health and regulation: TCE is classified by IARC as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and carries strict occupational exposure limits. Modern practice confines it to closed or enclosed degreasing machines with refrigerated freeboards and solvent recovery, local exhaust ventilation, and monitoring of operator exposure; open tanks and brush cleaning are not acceptable uses. Users in Oman must comply with the Environment Authority's requirements for storage, emissions and waste solvent, which goes to a licensed recycler, never to drain. We supply the safety data sheet, a COSHH-style assessment and handling guidance with every order, and we will discuss perchloroethylene or modified-alcohol alternatives where the process allows.

Storage: keep drums sealed, cool, dry and out of sunlight, away from strong alkalis and reactive metals; use steel or stainless equipment, never aluminium for storage, and wear laminate or PVA gloves, goggles and respiratory protection for open handling. Every lot carries a certificate of analysis giving purity, stabiliser content, acidity and water.

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 degreasing equipment it will feed.