Trichloroethylene
Trichloroethylene (TRI) is a partially chlorinated
C2-hydrocarbon with the formula C2Cl3H. TRI
is used:
- as feedstock material to produce fluorinated
hydrocarbons (for instance for use in refrigeration and
airconditioning systems) and fluorinated polymers and
- as an industrial solvent in various
applications, among which the cleaning of storage tanks for liquid
oxygen and hydrogen.
Whereas in the past the use as a solvent
was predominant, it's today the contrary: the majority of produced
TRI (ca. 80%) goes into the production of other chemicals.
TRI is a clear non-flammable liquid with an 87°C boiling point
,has good chemical stability, is non-miscible with water and has a
low evaporation energy (about 9 times lower than water). This makes
TRI well-suited for vapor phase decreasing and equipment internal
recycling through distillation with a constant re-use in closed
loop systems at high quality levels.
The use of closed systems is being strongly recommended by ECSA
and will become a precondition for sales into surface cleaning uses
under the ECSA TRI Charter .
Consult the ECSA TRI Charter.
TRI provides excellent solubility for oils, greases and resins
combined with the non-flammability, easy drying and low surface
tension which have made TRI a common used solvent for a range of
substances and applications.
For more information, you can download Trichloroethylene: legislation, markets, uses
document (pdf)
More chlorinated solvents information?
We have developed an online toolbox to provide
users of chlorinated solvents with information about the safe &
sustainable use of the products.
See the ECSA Product & Application
Toolbox, a Guidance on Safe & Sustainable Use of
Chlorinated Solvents.
04/2013
