Description of White Spirit
White spirit, also known as mineral spirits or turpentine substitute, is a clear, flammable liquid derived from petroleum. It is a mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons, which are organic compounds composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen atoms arranged in straight chains. These hydrocarbons give the white spirit its characteristic properties, including its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances, its low surface tension, and its relatively low boiling point. It’s commonly used as a solvent in various applications, primarily in painting.
History of white spirit
White Spirit, a petroleum-derived solvent, emerged in the early 20th century as a versatile product with a range of industrial applications. Its origins can be traced back to the growing demand for effective solvents during the Industrial Revolution. Early formulations were often crude and inconsistent, limiting their widespread use.
A significant milestone in the development of the white spirit came in 1924 with the introduction of Stoddard solvent. Developed by the Standard Oil Company of Louisiana, Stoddard solvent established a benchmark for the composition and properties of white spirit. It was characterized by its narrow boiling point range, low aromatic content, and high flash point, making it a safer and more reliable solvent compared to its predecessors.
The demand for Mineral spirits surged during the World Wars, driven by the need for efficient industrial processes in manufacturing and maintenance. The post-war era witnessed further growth in the use of white spirit as industrialization expanded and new applications were discovered.
Over the years, the production and formulation of white spirits have undergone continuous refinement to meet evolving standards and environmental concerns. Modern white spirit is typically produced through a careful distillation process to achieve specific properties tailored to different industries. The composition of Mineral spirits has also been adjusted to reduce its environmental impact, with a focus on minimizing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances.
Various grades of White spirit
Separation based on Refining Process:
- Type 0: Characterized by a high aromatic content.
- Type 1: Undergoes hydrodesulfurization to remove sulfur impurities.
- Type 2: Solvent extracted to reduce aromatic content.
- Type 3: Hydrotreated to produce an odorless product.
Separation based on Flash Point:
- Low flash: Flash point between 21°C and 30°C.
- Regular flash: Flash point between 31°C and 54°C.
- High flash: Flash point above 54°C.
The specific properties of a white spirit product, such as solvency power and flammability, are determined by the combination of its type and grade. Careful consideration of these factors is essential in selecting the appropriate grade for a given application.
Application and Uses of White Spirit
Industrial Applications:
Paint and Coatings:
Beyond thinning paints and varnishes, Mineral spirits play a crucial role in the formulation of alkyd resins, a key component in many oil-based paints. Its ability to dissolve and disperse pigments and resins ensures the proper consistency and application properties of these coatings. In the cleaning process, Mineral spirits effectively remove oil-based paints and varnishes from brushes, tools, and surfaces, preparing them for reuse or disposal.
Cleaning and Degreasing:
The degreasing capabilities of the Mineral spirits are essential in various industries. It efficiently removes grease, oil, and other contaminants from metal parts, ensuring optimal adhesion for subsequent coatings or assembly. In the automotive sector, white spirit is used for cleaning engine components, body panels, and tools. Its strong solvency power allows for thorough cleaning and preparation of surfaces before painting or repair.
Chemical Industry:
White spirit serves as a solvent in numerous chemical processes, including extraction, purification, and dilution. It is used to dissolve and separate different components in chemical mixtures. Additionally, white spirit is employed in the production of certain chemicals, such as rubber and synthetic resins.
Printing:
In the printing industry, white spirit is used as a cleaning agent for ink rollers, blankets, and other printing equipment. Its ability to dissolve and remove ink residues is crucial for maintaining print quality and preventing equipment malfunctions.
Household Use:
While primarily an industrial solvent, white spirit has limited household applications. It can be used to remove oil-based stains from fabrics, clean greasy surfaces, and strip old paint. However, due to its flammability and potential health risks, its use should be restricted to well-ventilated areas and appropriate safety measures must be followed.
packing
Industrial Mineral spirits packaging typically involves drums (steel or plastic), Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) (plastic), tank trucks (stainless steel or aluminum), and bulk storage tanks (steel). The choice of packaging depends on the volume of white spirit, the mode of transportation, and safety considerations. Drums and IBCs are suitable for smaller quantities, while tank trucks and bulk storage tanks are used for larger volumes. Safety regulations and the compatibility of packaging materials with white spirits are crucial factors to consider.
Specification of Low Aromatic White Spirit (L.A.W.S)
| CHARACTERISTICS | UNITS | RESULT | TEST METHOD |
| Density | Kg/m³ | 0.79-0.8 min | ASTM D1298 |
| Distillation | — | — | ASTM D86 |
| I.B.P | °C | 142-158 | ASTM D86 |
| F.B.P | °C | 210-230 | ASTM D86 |
| 10% Evaporated | °C | 158 min | ASTM D86 |
| 60% Evaporated | °C | 198 max | ASTM D86 |
| 90% Evaporated | °C | 230 max | ASTM D86 |
| Residue | Vol% | 1.5 max | ASTM D86 |
| Color Say Bolt | — | 30 min | ASTM D156 |
| Odor | — | Merchantable | — |
| Flash Point | °C | 38 min | ASTM D56 |
| Corrosion -3hrs@100°C | — | 10 | ASTM D130 |
| Sulphur Total | ppm | 800 max | ASTM D4294 |
| Doctor Test | — | Negative | ASTM D4952 |
| Aromatic Content | Vol% | 20 max | ASTM D1319 |
| Gum Existent | Mg/100 ml | 5 max | ASTM D381 |
| Neutrality | — | Pass | ASTM BS.245 |
| Acidity of Residue | — | Pass | ASTM D1093 |
Specification of Low Aromatic White Spirit (L.A.W.S)
