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Methylene Chloride

Methylene Chloride is a solvent widely used for paint stripping and chemical processing across East Africa.

Methylene Chloride functions primarily as a fast-evaporating solvent with exceptional ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds.

Packaging

25kg drum, 50kg drum, 200L drum

Supply Region

East Africa, Kenya

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is Methylene Chloride?

Methylene Chloride functions primarily as a fast-evaporating solvent with exceptional ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds. This property makes it indispensable where rapid and efficient paint stripping, degreasing, or chemical extraction is required. Its volatility allows coatings and residues to be removed without excessive heat, reducing damage to underlying materials during maintenance or manufacturing processes.

Known chemically as Dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), Methylene Chloride is a clear, colorless liquid with moderate density. It finds extensive use in industrial sectors such as pharmaceuticals, metal cleaning, adhesive formulation, and polymer processing. These industries depend on its precise solvent power to achieve product quality and process efficiency.

Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Methylene Chloride reliably across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, ensuring manufacturers and industrial users have consistent access to this critical chemical. The product’s role in East African industrial landscapes is especially notable because of the growing demand for high-performance solvents that align with stringent safety and environmental guidelines.

Methylene Chloride: Detailed Product Overview

Methylene Chloride (CH2Cl2) is a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent characterized by its intermediate polarity, making it highly effective at dissolving various organic substances like oils, fats, waxes, and synthetic polymers. Its low boiling point of approximately 39.6°C enables quick evaporation after application, which is essential for processes like paint stripping where minimal residue is desired.

The solvent works by disrupting intermolecular forces within coatings and contaminants, breaking down complex chemical bonds without chemically reacting or altering the substrate. This mechanism allows it to remove thick layers of paint or adhesives gently yet thoroughly.

Aside from organic dissolution, Methylene Chloride exhibits slight solubility in water, which facilitates easier separation during waste treatment and industrial cleaning. It is also miscible with many organic solvents, allowing formulation flexibility in product blends for adhesives, extraction solvents, or chemical intermediates.

Being highly volatile and dense (about 1.33 g/cm³ at 20°C), it requires careful formulation and storage to prevent evaporation losses and exposure risks. Its industrial performance is distinguished by rapid action combined with effective degreasing and stripping capabilities, which manufacturers in East Africa utilize for metal finishing, pharmaceutical processing, and polymer film removal.

Zenco Systems Ltd's supply fidelity and tailored technical support align with the demanding specifications required for industrial solvents in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, guaranteeing users access to competitive, reliable Methylene Chloride that meets their operational needs.

Applications and Uses of Methylene Chloride

Paint Stripping

Methylene Chloride is a leading solvent for removing old paint layers efficiently without damaging the underlying substrate. Its rapid evaporation facilitates easy cleanup and limits drying times on treated surfaces. Used in maintenance workshops and manufacturing plants, it dissolves multiple paint types including oil-based and epoxy coatings, making it ideal for refurbishment and surface preparation.

Degreasing Solvent

In metal cleaning and maintenance, its strong solvency power dissolves oils, greases, and machining residues rapidly. This application ensures thorough surface cleanliness prior to further processing like plating, coating, or bonding. Operationally, it minimizes downtime due to its quick evaporation and effectiveness at room temperature.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Methylene Chloride serves as an extraction and solvent agent in pharmaceutical synthesis and intermediates production. Its ability to selectively dissolve organic compounds allows precise isolation and purification of active ingredients, with manageable residue levels due to volatility.

Adhesive Formulation

Suppliers use it as a carrier solvent in formulating adhesives and polymer solutions because it effectively dissolves polymers and resins without altering their chemical structure. This supports consistent adhesive application and curing in industrial assembly.

Metal Cleaning

The solvent’s capacity to penetrate and dissolve oils and contaminants from metal surfaces improves cleaning efficiency in fabrication and maintenance. Its fast drying reduces recontamination risk, essential in automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery sectors.

Adhesive Removal

Methylene Chloride’s strong solvency properties enable efficient breakdown and removal of cured adhesives from surfaces, equipment, and tools. This reduces mechanical effort and potential damage during maintenance or product repair.

Polymer Film Removal

In polymer processing, it removes unwanted polymer film residues from machinery or molds by dissolving organic matrix materials without affecting metal substrates, facilitating smooth production runs and maintenance schedules.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Solvents & Thinners range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Rapid Evaporation Improves Process Efficiency

Because Methylene Chloride evaporates quickly at low temperatures, it drastically reduces drying times in applications like paint stripping and degreasing. This benefits industrial operations by allowing faster turnaround times without requiring high heat or energy inputs.

Strong Solvency for Diverse Organic Materials

Its chemical structure enables dissolution of a broad range of organic compounds, from oils to polymers, making it versatile for multiple industrial uses. This reduces the need to stock multiple solvents, simplifying procurement and storage.

Compatibility With Other Solvents and Processes

Being miscible with many organic solvents allows product formulators to customize blends while preserving performance. Additionally, its slight water solubility aids in managing residues during chemical processing and waste treatment.

Consistent Quality Supply Supporting East African Industries

Through Zenco Systems Ltd, manufacturers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda can access Methylene Chloride with assured purity and packaging integrity, which is crucial to maintaining production quality and regulatory compliance.

Packaging Information

Methylene Chloride is delivered in practical industrial packaging such as 25kg and 50kg drums, as well as larger 200L steel drums suited for bulk users. These formats support safe handling and storage consistent with East African logistics and operational environments. Bulk deliveries can be arranged for significant volume consumers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring markets, leveraging Zenco Systems Ltd's robust supply chain.

Standard formats: 25kg drum, 50kg drum, 200L drum

Storage and Handling

Store Methylene Chloride tightly sealed in cool, well-ventilated areas away from heat or ignition sources due to its volatility and flammability risk. Use corrosion-resistant containers such as steel drums. Segregate from incompatible chemicals like strong oxidizers and alkali metals. Exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures must be avoided to prevent pressure buildup or degradation. Typical shelf life is around 1 to 2 years when stored properly. Handle with chemical-resistant gloves and adequate ventilation to minimize inhalation exposure.

Safety Information

Methylene Chloride is classified as toxic and a potential carcinogen, requiring careful handling under safety protocols. Users must wear gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection where ventilation is insufficient. Avoid skin contact and inhalation. In case of exposure, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Disposal of waste and residues must follow local hazardous material regulations. Access the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Zenco Systems Ltd for full hazard and emergency response information.

Technical Specifications

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
DensityApprox. 1.33 g/cm³ at 20°C
FormulaCH2Cl2
Packaging25kg drum, 50kg drum, 200L drum
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid
CAS Number75-09-2
SolubilitySlightly soluble in water, miscible with many organic solvents
Boiling Point39.6°C
Chemical NameDichloromethane
Storage ConditionsCool, dry, ventilated area away from ignition sources

Applications

  • Paint stripping
  • Degreasing solvent
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Adhesive formulation
  • Metal cleaning
  • Adhesive removal
  • Polymer film removal

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
DensityApprox. 1.33 g/cm³ at 20°C
FormulaCH2Cl2
Packaging25kg drum, 50kg drum, 200L drum
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid
CAS Number75-09-2
SolubilitySlightly soluble in water, miscible with many organic solvents
Boiling Point39.6°C
Chemical NameDichloromethane
Storage ConditionsCool, dry, ventilated area away from ignition sources

Product Features

  • - Colorless transparent liquid
  • - Low boiling point (39.6°C)
  • - High solvency for organic compounds
  • - Slightly soluble in water
  • - Miscible with many organic solvents
  • - Density approximately 1.33 g/cm³ at 20°C

Industries Served

  • - Pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • - Paint and coatings
  • - Metal fabrication and cleaning
  • - Adhesive production
  • - Polymer processing
  • - Automotive maintenance

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions About Methylene Chloride

What is Methylene Chloride used for?

Methylene Chloride is primarily used as a solvent for paint stripping, degreasing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, adhesive formulation, metal cleaning, and polymer film removal.

What purity grades are available for Methylene Chloride?

Zenco Systems Ltd offers Methylene Chloride in grades suitable for industrial applications; exact purity specifications can be confirmed upon inquiry as they vary by batch and end-use requirements.

How should Methylene Chloride be stored?

Store in tightly sealed steel drums in cool, well-ventilated, and dry areas away from ignition sources to prevent volatilization and degradation.

Is Methylene Chloride supplied outside Kenya?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Methylene Chloride throughout East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, with tailored logistics support for timely delivery.

What safety precautions are necessary when handling Methylene Chloride?

Due to its toxicity and volatility, always use protective gloves, goggles, and adequate ventilation, and consult the SDS for emergency procedures and disposal.

What packaging sizes are available?

Methylene Chloride is typically available in 25kg, 50kg drums, and 200L steel drums suited for both small scale and bulk industrial users.

Can Methylene Chloride be mixed with other solvents?

Yes, it is miscible with many organic solvents, allowing for flexibility in formulating industrial cleaning agents, adhesives, and pharmaceutical solvents.

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