Perchloroethylene, also known as perc or PCE, is a chlorocarbon with the formula Cl2C=CCl2. It is a colorless liquid widely used for dry cleaning of fabrics, hence it is sometimes called “dry-cleaning fluid”. It also has its uses as an effective automotive brake cleaner and as an ingredient in various products such as water repellants, paint removers, printing inks, glues, sealants, polishes and lubricants .
Dry cleaning with perchloroethylene
Perchloroethylene is a solvent that helps dissolve greases, oils and waxes without damaging the fabric. It is applied to the material or fabric in a closed-loop machine that recovers and recycles the solvent. The solvent is then distilled and filtered to remove any impurities and residues. The cleaned fabric is then dried and pressed .
Perchloroethylene has several advantages over other solvents for dry cleaning, such as its high solvency power, low flammability, low toxicity and stability. It also does not damage natural or synthetic fibers, nor does it cause shrinkage or color fading .
However, perchloroethylene also has some drawbacks, such as its potential environmental and health impacts. Perchloroethylene can be released into the air, water and soil from industrial sources or from dry cleaning machines that are not properly maintained or operated. Exposure to high levels of perchloroethylene can cause irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, as well as neurological effects such as dizziness, headache, nausea and memory loss. Long-term exposure may increase the risk of certain cancers .
To reduce the environmental and health risks of perchloroethylene, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulated its use and disposal in dry cleaning facilities. The EPA has also ruled that dry cleaners located in residential buildings must phase out dry cleaning machines that use perchloroethylene by December 21, 2020 .
Other applications of perchloroethylene
Perchloroethylene is not only used for dry cleaning, but also for other industrial and commercial purposes. For example:
- Perchloroethylene is used as a brake cleaner in automotive repair shops. It removes grease, oil and dirt from brake parts without leaving any residue or affecting the performance of the brakes .
- Perchloroethylene is used as an ingredient in various products such as water repellants, paint removers, printing inks, glues, sealants, polishes and lubricants. It provides durability and adhesion to plastics, metal, rubber and leather .
- Perchloroethylene is used as a solvent for extracting fats, oils and waxes from natural or synthetic materials. It is also used as a solvent for dissolving polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) .
The table below shows some data on the production and consumption of perchloroethylene in the world in 2018 :
| Region | Production (metric tons) | Consumption (metric tons) |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | 1,030,000 | 1,020,000 |
| Europe | 290,000 | 280,000 |
| North America | 170,000 | 160,000 |
| Other | 60,000 | 60,000 |
| Total | 1,550,000 | 1,520,000 |
Perchloroethylene is a versatile solvent that has many applications in different industries and products. It is especially useful for dry cleaning fabrics without damaging them. However, perchloroethylene also poses some environmental and health hazards that need to be addressed by proper regulation and management.
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