Benzene (C6H6, CAS 71-43-2) is a clear, highly flammable aromatic hydrocarbon with a sweet odor, a specific gravity of about 0.876, a boiling point of 176°F (80°C) and a flash point near 12°F (-11°C). It is a known human carcinogen. Benzene is a major feedstock for ethylbenzene and styrene, cumene and phenol, cyclohexane and nylon, and detergents. Benzene storage is tightly regulated and needs vapor-controlled, grounded tanks. Use the compatibility ratings to choose the right tank resin, fittings and gaskets.
Nylon is the most economical tank material for Benzene, rated Excellent. PVDF (Kynar®) is also rated Good or better. Avoid HDPE and polypropylene tanks; HDPE, CPVC and polypropylene fittings; Buna-N and EPDM gaskets. Rated Fair (contact us before use): PVC fittings.
How Benzene works with the plastics used to make our storage tanks.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| HDPE | |
| Polypropylene | |
| Nylon | |
| PVDF (Kynar®) |
How Benzene works with the plastics used for tank fittings.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| HDPE | |
| PVC | |
| CPVC | |
| Polypropylene | |
| PVDF |
How Benzene works with gasket and O-ring materials.
| Material | Rating |
|---|---|
| Buna-N | |
| EPDM | |
| Viton® |
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