Methylene Dichloride

Dichloromethane (DCM) — or methylene chloride — is an organic compound

with the formula CH2Cl2. This colorless, volatile liquid with a moderately sweet
aroma is widely used as a solvent. Although it is not miscible with water, it is
miscible with many organic solvents.

Properties of MDC

Appearance Colourless liquid

Odour Chloroform like odour

Solublity Soluble in Water
Specific Gravity 1.32 gm/100 gm H2O at 20 ˚C
Boiling Point 39.8 ˚C
Melting Point -97 ˚C
Vapor Pressure 4310 mmHg at 25 ˚C

Solvent Recovery process of MDC

The solvent recovery process of MDC is done in order to get the pure form of
MDC from spent MeCl2 by the simple process of distillation. In this process of
distillation the packed type of distillation tower is used.

The flow diagram and the steps involved in this process are shown as follows:
Steps for Solvent Recovery process for Spent MeCl2

Sr. Name of Equipment Process Process Description

No.
1. Spent MeCl2 Receiving Used to receive the spent
Tank methylene dichloride from
MeCl2 recovery plant
2. Distillation Column Liquid-Liquid Used to separate MDC from
Seperation the mixture

3. Condenser Condensation Used to obtain liquid form of

MDC from its vapor form

4. Reflux Drum Used to send back the

condensed MDC obtained
for distillation to increase
purity
5. MDC Chiller Removes heat Used to convert the final
from liquid via obtained pure MDC in liquid
vapor form
condensation
6. Distilled MDC Receiving Used to store the distilled
Tank MDC

Uses of MDC

It is widely used as a paint stripper and a degreaser. In the food industry, it has

been used to decaffeinate coffee and tea as well as to prepare extracts of hops and
other flavorings. Its volatility has led to its use as an aerosol spray propellant and
as a blowing agent for polyurethane foams.