Liquid paraffin or white oil is a product obtained from refining crude oil. The produced product has a medium viscosity and is used in various industries such as pesticides, textile, cable making, battery making, defense industries, dyeing, glue, cloud production (polystyrene foam), estrange oil production, insulation, wax and Polishing, cosmetics and hygiene, lubricants are used. This type of paraffin is produced in different grades and can be supplied in different packages.
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.
In general, liquid paraffin is known as an important and versatile chemical compound that is used in various industries.
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 chemical processing, 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.
How to produce paraffin
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.
In addition, liquid paraffin may also be obtained from vegetable oils such as soybean and palm oils. In this case, liquid paraffin is obtained exclusively from the hydrogenation of vegetable oils.
Types of liquid paraffin
Liquid paraffin is a chemical compound that can be obtained from several different types of paraffin, each of which has different properties and uses. Some types of liquid paraffin are:
Medical liquid paraffin: This type of liquid paraffin is usually made from pure liquid paraffins and is used for medical applications such as skin care, treatment of dry body parts and eye discharge.
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 protecting food in packaging.
Edible Liquid Paraffin: 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. to be used.
Fuel liquid paraffin: This type of liquid paraffin is usually made from harder paraffins with a higher boiling point and is used as a light and relatively clean fuel for use in special situations such as heaters and heating systems.
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.
Types of applications of liquid paraffin
As mentioned, liquid paraffin is one of the most important and widely used materials in various industries and is used as a raw material or solvent in many industrial, medical, cosmetic and sanitary applications.
Some of the uses of liquid paraffin are:
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
Which products contain liquid paraffin?
Liquid paraffin is a colorless and odorless fatty substance that is widely used in many consumer products. Some products containing liquid paraffin are:
Candles: Some candles contain liquid paraffin, which is used to increase the yield and quality of the candles.
Skin creams: Some skin creams contain liquid paraffin, which are used to repair and improve the skin.
Cosmetics: Some cosmetics such as lipstick and nail polish contain liquid paraffin, which is used to improve their consistency and durability.
Waxes: Some waxes contain liquid paraffin, which are used to control moisture and protect various surfaces.
Lip protector: Some lip protectors contain liquid paraffin, which are used to protect the lips from dryness and cracking.
Food preservatives: liquid paraffin is used to increase shelf life and preserve food in some food products such as chocolate and canned foods.
The use of liquid paraffin in some consumer products is used to protect various surfaces due to its waterproof and protective properties, but for internal use, the use of liquid paraffin in food and food supplements should be avoided.
Why is liquid paraffin used?
Liquid paraffin is one of the types of mineral oils that are used for various purposes, including in the pharmaceutical industry, oil and gas industry, chemical industry, plastic industry and detergents. The reasons for using liquid paraffin include the following:
1. Suitable physical properties: liquid paraffin is suitable for use in various industries due to its suitable physical properties, including density, viscosity, boiling temperature and freezing point.
2. Stability: Due to its high thermal and oxidation stability, liquid paraffin is naturally resistant to rust and discoloration, and as a result, it is 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.
Safety in the use of liquid paraffin
Liquid paraffin is a chemical substance that is used as a solvent in many industries such as textile industries, dyeing industries and paper and wallpaper production. At the same time, the use of liquid paraffin should be done with caution. Here are some safety tips for using liquid paraffin:
Always read the product label and instructions carefully before using liquid paraffin.
It is recommended to use liquid paraffin in a cool and dry environment. This material is flammable and exposed to high heat and flames, it can explode.
If you swallow liquid paraffin, you should see a doctor immediately. This substance can seriously harm your health.
When using liquid paraffin, you should wash your hands carefully and avoid contact with your eyes and face with this substance.
Liquid paraffin should be stored in a cool and dry environment, away from heat sources and fire. Also, this material should be placed in a place where children's access to it is limited.
Buy liquid paraffin
It is a clear white oil used as a stabilizer, preservative and waterproofing agent for many applications.
You can buy liquid paraffin at chemist and online stores, beauty supply stores, and chemical supply stores. Before buying, make sure that the product you intend to buy is the right choice for you by comparing its specifications and type of use. Also, before using liquid paraffin, it is better to read the expert guidance on the instructions for use and maintenance of the product.
In addition, to buy liquid paraffin in bulk, you can contact the companies that produce and distribute this product and ask for wholesale prices. This method is usually suitable for industries and factories that widely use liquid paraffin.
However, to buy liquid paraffin, it is better to buy from reliable and experienced stores to ensure the quality and authenticity of the product. Also, before buying, it is better to read the opinions and experiences of others about the product in question.