Trichloroethylene (TCE) Storage & Tank Compatibility

Storing Trichloroethylene (TCE)? Start Here

Trichloroethylene (TCE, also called trichloroethene, CAS 79-01-6, C₂HCl₃) is a colorless, dense chlorinated solvent long used for metal vapor degreasing, parts cleaning, and as a chemical intermediate. It is noncombustible in ordinary handling (NFPA flammability rating 1, flash point above 200 °F), but it is far from benign: it is denser than water (1.46), essentially insoluble, and a strong solvent that attacks plastics and many elastomers.

Because TCE is a chlorinated solvent, it readily permeates and swells polyethylene and polypropylene — the materials most plastic tanks are built from. For that reason, TCE storage and recovery is a job for properly specified metal tanks (stainless or carbon steel) with PTFE sealing, not for poly tanks. TCE is also classified by IARC as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans), so closed-loop, vapor-tight, recovery-oriented systems are the norm for any TCE service.

Why Polyethylene Tanks Are Not Suitable for TCE

Polyethylene (HDPE and crosslinked XLPE) tanks are the workhorses of water, brine, and many aqueous chemical applications — but they are the wrong choice for trichloroethylene. TCE is a nonpolar chlorinated solvent that is absorbed into the polyethylene matrix, where it permeates the wall and causes the plastic to swell, soften, and lose mechanical strength and environmental stress-crack resistance. The same failure mode applies to polypropylene and to PVC/CPVC.

The result is permeation loss of product, vapor escape (a serious concern given TCE's IARC Group 1 carcinogen classification), and eventual loss of containment. There is no poly grade we recommend for TCE service. For storage, day tanks, and solvent recovery, the correct path is metal construction — carbon steel for many degreasing systems and 304/316 stainless steel for purity-critical or long-term storage — with the solvent kept dry to avoid hydrolysis to hydrochloric acid. If you are currently holding TCE or a TCE-bearing waste stream in a poly tank, treat it as a containment risk and contact us to scope a proper steel or stainless solution.

Specify the right vessel for TCE: Our solvent recovery systems, certified carbon steel tanks, and custom 304/316 stainless tanks are built for aggressive chlorinated solvents. Talk to our fabrication engineers at 866-418-1777 to scope a dry-stored, vapor-tight, recovery-ready solution.

Material compatibility at a glance

TCE is an aggressive chlorinated solvent. The correct materials of construction are metal: 304/316 stainless steel (preferred) or carbon steel, both stored dry to prevent hydrolysis to hydrochloric acid. Use PTFE gaskets and seals; avoid most rubbers and avoid aluminum. Polyethylene (HDPE and XLPE), polypropylene, and PVC/CPVC are NOT suitable — TCE permeates and swells these plastics.

Ratings: S suitable · C conditional / limited · U unsuitable. Verify against the cited resistance charts and your concentration/temperature before specifying.

The safety that actually matters

• Carcinogen. TCE is classified by IARC as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans) and is listed by the U.S. National Toxicology Program as known to be a human carcinogen. GHS classification includes H350 (may cause cancer) and H341 (suspected of causing genetic defects). Engineer for closed, vapor-tight handling, minimize all exposure, and follow current OSHA/NIOSH exposure limits.
• CNS and organ hazard. TCE is a central nervous system depressant: exposure can cause dizziness, headache, drowsiness, impaired coordination, and at high concentrations unconsciousness. Repeated exposure is associated with liver, kidney, and reproductive effects (H360/H361, H372).
• Thermal/UV decomposition. On heating, exposure to UV light, or in a fire, TCE decomposes to phosgene and hydrogen chloride — both highly toxic. Keep TCE away from open flames, hot surfaces, welding arcs, and strong light.
• Hydrolysis — keep it dry. TCE reacts slowly with water to form hydrochloric acid, which corrodes carbon steel. Keep the solvent dry, use stabilized/inhibited grades, and select 316 stainless where trace moisture cannot be excluded.
• Reactive metals. TCE reacts hazardously with finely divided light metals; impact on finely divided barium can detonate, and powdered magnesium or beryllium can flash or spark. Avoid aluminum tankage and fittings in TCE service.
• Environment. TCE is a dense, persistent groundwater contaminant (it sinks as a DNAPL) and is toxic to aquatic life. Provide secondary containment and prevent any release to soil or water.

Common questions

Can I store trichloroethylene (TCE) in a poly (polyethylene) tank?

No. TCE is a chlorinated solvent that permeates and swells polyethylene (HDPE and XLPE), polypropylene, and PVC/CPVC, degrading the wall and causing loss of containment. TCE requires metal construction — 304/316 stainless steel or carbon steel.

What is the best material of construction for TCE storage?

304 or 316 stainless steel is preferred for purity-critical and long-term storage; carbon steel is widely used in degreasing and recovery systems. In all cases the solvent must be kept dry to prevent hydrolysis to hydrochloric acid. Use PTFE gaskets and seals, and avoid aluminum and most rubbers.

Is TCE flammable?

TCE is noncombustible in ordinary handling, with an NFPA flammability rating of 1 and a flash point above 200 degrees F — it must be preheated before it will ignite. However, it is not inert: on heating or UV exposure it decomposes to toxic phosgene and hydrogen chloride, so keep it away from flames, hot surfaces, and welding.

Is TCE a carcinogen?

Yes. IARC classifies TCE as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans), the most definitive carcinogen category, and the U.S. National Toxicology Program lists it as known to be a human carcinogen. It is also a CNS depressant. Handle it in closed, vapor-tight, recovery-oriented systems with proper ventilation.