Hexachloroethane (C₂Cl₆) Degassing Tablets
Hexachloroethane (C2Cl6), also known as Carbon Hexachloride, is a crystalline solid historically used in the form of tablets or briquettes as a powerful degassing and demagging agent for molten non-ferrous metals, primarily aluminum and its alloys. When plunged into the melt, the tablets decompose at high temperatures, releasing large volumes of reactive chlorine gas (Cl2) and other chloride-based compounds.
Main Components and Reaction
The compound acts as a solid source of chlorine, which is the active agent for purification.
| COMPONENT | FORMULA | FUNCTION |
| Hexachloroethane | C2Cl6 | Solid precursor; breaks down to release chlorine gas (Cl2). |
| Chlorine Gas | Cl2 | Scavenging agent for dissolved hydrogen and non-metallic inclusions. |
| CLASSIFICATION | DECOMPOSITION T | PRIMARY APPLICATION FOCUS |
| Degassing Agent | ~187°C (Sublimes) | Removal of dissolved hydrogen (H) from aluminum melts. |
| Demagging Agent | High T | Removal of undesirable magnesium (Mg) from aluminum alloys. |
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Degassing Efficiency | HIGH | The rising Cl2 bubbles absorb dissolved H2 gas, carrying it to the surface. |
| Fluxing/Demagging | MODERATE | Cl2 reacts with reactive metals (Mg) and metal oxides (Al2O3), promoting their removal as slag/dross. |
| Ease of Use | GOOD | Solid tablet form allows for simple, pre-weighed dose control. |
Degassing and Demagging Functions
The primary role of the released chlorine and chloride vapors is to clean the molten metal:
- Hydrogen Removal (Degassing): Aluminum readily absorbs hydrogen (H2) gas when molten, primarily from atmospheric moisture. This dissolved H causes porosity in the final casting. The rising Cl2 gas bubbles act as sinks, absorbing the H from the melt and carrying it out.
- Magnesium Removal (Demagging): In some recycling operations, the molten aluminum may contain excess magnesium (Mg), which must be removed. Cl2 reacts with Mg to form magnesium chloride (MgCl2), which is a light, low-melting salt that separates into the slag (dross).
- Dross Cleaning/Fluxing: Chloride compounds break up the aluminum oxide film (Al2O3) that forms on the melt surface, cleaning the dross and allowing for better metal recovery.
Environmental and Safety Limitations (Crucial Note)
Due to significant environmental and worker safety concerns, Hexachloroethane is largely obsolete and heavily regulated, if not outright banned, in many industrial nations.
- Toxicity: Hexachloroethane decomposes to release highly toxic and corrosive gases, including chlorine (Cl2) and phosgene (COCl2), which are extremely harmful to workers and the environment.
- Replacement: C2Cl6 has been almost entirely replaced by safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly methods, such as inert gas fluxing (using Argon (Ar) or Nitrogen (N2) and rotary degassers) or cleaner solid flux blends.
Technical Guidance (Historical/Legacy Use)
If used in a legacy process, tablets are plunged to the bottom of the melt using a graphite plunger to ensure the gases are released and dispersed throughout the molten metal bath. Extremely robust ventilation and exhaust scrubbing are mandatory.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
