P-Xylene (Tank Cleaning Solvent Grade)

P-xylene (1,4-dimethylbenzene, C8H10, CAS 106-42-3) is the para isomer of xylene, supplied by Global Chemicals LLC at 99% minimum purity for tank cleaning, degreasing and residue removal in refineries, petrochemical plants and storage terminals across Oman. Unlike mixed xylenes, the single isomer has a fixed boiling point of 138°C and consistent solvency from drum to drum, which matters when a cleaning procedure has been validated once and must be repeated.

Why it works on heavy residues. Aromatic solvents dissolve asphaltenes, tars, bitumen, waxes and polymer residues that aliphatic solvents and water-based cleaners leave behind. P-xylene evaporates more slowly than toluene, so it stays on the surface long enough to soften thick deposits, and it can be recovered by distillation and reused in closed-loop circulation cleaning.

Typical jobs. Crude and fuel-oil tank bottoms before inspection; heat-exchanger and pipework degreasing; dissolving resin and paint residues from reactors and mixers; and thinning bitumen or heavy oil for pumping.

Properties. Clear, colourless liquid, molecular weight 106.17 g/mol, boiling point 138°C, flash point 27°C. Immiscible with water, miscible with hydrocarbons and most organic solvents.

Handling. P-xylene is flammable and its vapour is heavier than air, so it is used only with earthed equipment, no ignition sources, forced ventilation and gas monitoring in confined spaces. Vapour is harmful on inhalation and the liquid defats skin: use solvent-resistant gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection as the SDS specifies. Spent solvent is a hazardous waste and goes to a licensed recovery or disposal route.

What to specify when you order. Purity (99% p-xylene), pack (200 L drums or 1,000 L IBCs), and whether you need the SDS and certificate of analysis in Arabic for site permits. Muscat stock ships the same day in the capital area and next day to Sohar.