Perchloroethylene

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Perchloroethylene (PER) is a fully chlorinated C2-hydrocarbon of the formula C₂Cl₄. PER is used (decreasing order of share):

1. as starting raw material to produce fluorinated hydrocarbons and fluorinated polymers, other fluorinated derivatives like trifluoroacidic acid and TRI (through reduction).
2. as solvent mainly for professional dry cleaning, in industrial textile treatment and for surface (mainly metal) cleaning.
3. as reactant for catalyst regeneration in the petrol industry.

PER is a clear non-flammable liquid with a 121°C boiling point, has good chemical stability, is non-miscible with water and has the lowest evaporation energy amongst the chlorinated solvents (nearly 11 times lower than water). This makes PER very well-suited for vapor phase cleaning and recycling through equipment internal distillation and constant re-use in closed loop systems at high quality levels.

The use of closed systems is being strongly recommended by ECSA and is becoming Industry Standard.

PER provides good solubility for oils, greases and resins. In addition, its higher boiling point makes it a particularly good cleaning agent to remove waxes and pastes. PER is often the first choice for users looking to replace TRI, because of its close properties.

PER is the solvent of choice for most dry-cleaners. By use of modern closed dry-cleaning machines as recommended by ECSA, the amount needed to clean 1 kg of clothes has very much decreased (by 90% from 110 to 10 g solvent / kg). ECSA is very engaged to increase safe use and sustainability even further.

As partner in a EU Leonardo Da Vinci  project,  ECSA has developed web based training tools for professional dry-cleaning shops with information about legislation and detailed guidance on safe handling with on-line examination and certification possibilities. Follow the link to the E-DryClean project.

ECSA has developed an online toolbox to provide users of chlorinated solvents with information about the safe & sustainable use of the products. Follow the link to the ECSA Product & Application Toolbox, a Guidance on Safe & Sustainable Use of Chlorinated Solvents.

Jan 2012