Introduction to liquid paraffin
Liquid paraffin is a chemical compound consisting of high molecular weight hydrocarbons. This compound is obtained as a refining material from the oil refining process.
Liquid paraffin is used as a solvent due to its physical and chemical properties. Due to its high boiling point, this compound is used as a suitable solvent for sensitive and dangerous chemicals such as drugs, dyes and perfumes. Also, liquid paraffin is used as a protective material because it can prevent corrosion and rusting of metals.
In addition, liquid paraffin is also used as a fuel. Due to its renewable energy and relatively low price, this compound has been proposed as an alternative to fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
Liquid paraffin is white or transparent, it boils at a temperature of 175 degrees Celsius and evaporates at a temperature of 265 degrees. Also, mineral oil is viscous and does not have fluorescence properties; That is, due to external factors such as heat and radiation, it does not show its luminosity
It should be noted that liquid paraffin can be extracted from coal and wood in addition to oil. It is called tar, but it is mainly made from oil.
History of liquid paraffin
Liquid paraffin was first used in the 1920s by Hastman-Tritch as a solvent and refining agent. At the time, this compound was used as a substitute for gasoline, but in the 1930s, its use was greatly reduced due to its high price.
After World War II, due to the need for alternative fuels and the cheapness of liquid paraffin compared to gasoline and diesel, the use of this compound as an alternative fuel increased in countries such as the United States and England.
In the 1960s, due to the need for solvents for processing chemicals, the use of liquid paraffin as a solvent for drugs, perfumes, dyes and other chemicals was considered.
Now, liquid paraffin is used as a refining agent, solvent, preservative and alternative fuel, and is known as an important chemical compound in various industries.
Paraffin production process
Paraffin is usually obtained from crude oil. Paraffin production process is obtained through oil refining process. In this process, crude oil will be refined and separated from it in an oil refining unit.
Liquid paraffin is separated from other hydrocarbons in the oil refining process due to its high pasting coefficient and high boiling temperature. High pressure distillation is used to separate liquid paraffin from crude oil. In this process, crude oil is subjected to high pressure and because of its high temperature, paraffin hydrocarbons are separated from other hydrocarbons.
After separation, liquid paraffin is sent to a special refining unit for final refining. In this process, liquid paraffin is refined using processes such as hydrocracking, hydrotreating, or carbonization processes and is used as a refining material or solvent.
This substance is considered a type of alkane and is in the group of hydrocarbons.
The chemical formula of paraffin is CnH2n+2
What is the difference between liquid paraffin and solid paraffin?
As the name suggests, liquid paraffin is a flammable liquid. And it has no color and smell. But solid paraffin is the same as candle paraffin, which is non-flammable and only melts and becomes solid after cooling, and it is available in all kinds of colors and shapes in the market.
. The main difference between liquid paraffin and solid paraffin is in their physical state. Liquid paraffin is liquid at room temperature, while solid paraffin is solid at room temperature. Another difference is that liquid paraffin is more fluid compared to solid paraffin. Another difference is that liquid paraffin usually contains fewer impurities than solid paraffin.
Other differences between liquid paraffin and solid paraffin are:
Boiling point: The boiling point of liquid paraffin is lower than the boiling point of solid paraffin.
Density: The density of liquid paraffin is lower than the density of solid paraffin.
Applications: Liquid paraffin has wider applications than solid paraffin.
Types of liquid paraffin
In general, liquid paraffin is produced in three types: sanitary, pharmaceutical and industrial, which are described below.
Industrial Liquid Paraffin: This type of liquid paraffin is often made from harder paraffins with a higher boiling point and is used for industrial applications such as solvents, paints and resins, printing, lubricants and food protection in packaging.
Edible or medicinal liquid paraffin
Liquid paraffin or mineral oil is used in the manufacture of some medicines such as laxatives and anti-constipation. Also, paraffin makes X-ray photography easier and shows the internal organs of the body better.
This type of liquid paraffin is mainly made for use in the food industry and can be used to protect food, add shine to chocolate, plant extracts and other foods, and also as a lubricant for food packaging.
Cosmetic uses
Liquid paraffin is widely used in the cosmetic industry and it is generally used to produce all kinds of softening creams, vaseline, softening lotions and for paraffin skin therapy.
According to the characteristics of different paraffins, they can be divided into several categories in terms of characteristics:
1.Soft paraffins: There are paraffins that have a low melting point and high softness. These paraffins are used as lubricants, preventing evaporation, skin creams, butter, lipstick and crayons for colored pencils.
2.Medium paraffins: There are paraffins that have a medium melting point and high durability. These paraffins are used in the paper, food, footwear, clothing, cable and rubber industries.
3.Hard paraffins: There are paraffins that have a high melting point and very high hardness. These paraffins are used in printing, rubber, pen, paper, waterproof and protective materials industries.
In general, soft paraffins are used for skin and beauty related applications, medium paraffins are used for industrial applications and hard paraffins are used for applications where high durability and protection are required.
Applications of liquid paraffin
Liquid paraffin has a wide range of applications in various industries, the most important of which are the following:
As a solvent in the production of chemicals such as paint, resin and plastic
Use in the production of candles
Use in the production of health and cosmetic products such as lotions, sunscreens, lipsticks and other skin products
As a solvent in motor oils and industrial lubricants
Use in the oil refining industry as an adsorbent to separate hydrocarbons
Use in the production of shoes, leather, clothing, etc. as a waterproof material
Use in the food industry as a preservative for edible foods
Used in the jewelry industry as a processing agent for cleaning jewelry
It is used in the production of electronic components. It is used as a solvent to coat electronic components during the manufacturing process and also as a stabilizer for electronic devices.
It is used in the production of chemicals such as polymers and dyes.
It is used as a lubricant and preservative for many car parts such as doors, windows, wheel caps and other parts.
It is used as a lubricant in the production of many medicines.
Use in battery factories, rubber factories, glue production, etc.
Other uses of liquid paraffin include the following.
Production of insecticides
Use as coolant for electrical systems
To lubricate the sewing machine
For lubrication of weaving machines in the textile industry
In the agricultural industry to make poisons
Making stationery such as paper
To show the citrus fruits brilliantly
Making an air filter
Infrared spectroscopy
Cable making
Casting industries
Why is liquid paraffin used?
1.Suitable physical properties: Liquid paraffin is suitable for use in various industries due to its suitable physical properties, including density, viscosity, boiling point and freezing point.
2.Stability: Due to its high thermal and oxidation stability, liquid paraffin is naturally resistant to rust and discoloration and is therefore used as a preservative in many products.
3.Low impact on the environment: Liquid paraffin is suitable for use in various industries, including food and pharmaceutical industries, due to its lack of solubility in water and low impact on the environment.
4.Low cost: Liquid paraffin is used in many industries as a cheaper alternative to other materials due to its low cost of production and supply.
In general, liquid paraffin is used in various industries as a multi-purpose material due to its suitable physical properties, stability, low impact on the environment and low cost.
Important points in preparing liquid paraffin:
Store liquid paraffin in a dry place, away from heat, away from sunlight and with proper ventilation.
Protect this mixture from any physical damage and make sure the lid of the can is closed.
Use gloves, masks and special clothing when working with chemicals such as liquid paraffin.
Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited in the storage of this substance.
In case of contact with skin or eyes, immediately wash the contact area with plenty of water.
If this substance is eaten, go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Global liquid paraffin market
Paraffin is a chemical used as a base material in many industries, including textile industry, plastic industry, skin and hair care industry, rubber industry, etc. Therefore, the global paraffin market is considered one of the most important industrial markets in the world.
Due to the production of paraffin in different countries, the price and supply and demand of this substance in the world market varies. On the other hand, the development of various industries in developing countries has caused a greater demand for paraffin.
In general, due to the importance of liquid paraffin as a basic material in various industries, the global paraffin market is considered as a dynamic and changing market.