White Spirit is a type of solvent that is produced from the distillation of kerosene in distillation towers. It consists of hydrocarbon compounds, including solvents 400, 402, 403, 406, and 410. These substances contain aromatic and linear hydrocarbon compounds, which give them their distinct properties and odor, depending on the percentage of aromatic compounds present. White Spirits are classified into two groups based on the percentage of aromatic compounds: high aromatic and low aromatic. Among the various types of White Spirit, solvent 402 holds significance and has special applications with high demand in the market.
Solvent 402 is categorized as a low aromatic White Spirit. It consists of a mixture of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons with carbon chains ranging from 7 to 12. It has very low water solubility and a detectable odor threshold in the range of 0.5 to 5 milligrams per cubic meter. The most common method for producing solvent 402 and other White Spirits is through kerosene distillation.
This solvent is used as an extraction agent, cleaner, and degreaser. It is also employed as a solvent in aerosols, paints, wood preservatives, varnishes, polishes, printing inks, rubber and resin solvents, and in the chemical, cosmetic, food, adhesive, and asphalt industries.
Solvent 402 is the most widely used solvent in the paint industry. It serves as a cost-effective substitute for plant-based turpentine and has lower flammability and toxicity compared to turpentine. In household applications, this solvent is commonly used for thinning paints, cleaning color-stained tools and surfaces, removing adhesives from non-porous surfaces, starting fluid for coal stoves, and various other day-to-day tasks.
In the automotive industry, it is used for degreasing and removing oil and grease from metal surfaces. In certain chemical processes, solvent 402 is also utilized for liquid-liquid extraction.
Types and Grades of White Spirit
White Spirit has four different types, each with three distinct grades. The composition of the various types of White Spirit depends on the production process.
Type 0: This special solvent is defined as a byproduct of unrefined distillation. It is mainly composed of C9-C12 saturated hydrocarbons with a boiling range of approximately °C140-220. (Highly aromatic)
Type 1: This type of solvent is obtained from catalytic sulfur removal of Type 0 and consists of hydrocarbons with carbon numbers ranging from C7 to C12. It has a boiling point range of approximately °C230-90 with less than 25% aromatics. (Hydro sulfurization)
Type 2: This solvent, known as low aromatic White Spirit, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons obtained through solvent extraction. It contains aliphatic hydrocarbons in the range of C7 to C12 with a boiling point range of approximately °C230-90 and less than 5% aromatics. (Low odor)
Type 3: The fourth type of solvent is a complex blend of hydrocarbons obtained through hydrogenation. It consists mainly of carbon numbers in the range of C6 to C13 with a boiling point range of approximately °C230-65 and less than 1% aromatics. (Odorless)
Each type of White Spirit has three different grades, determined based on the distillation conditions in the tower.
Low flash point grade, with a flash point in the range of °C30-21.
Normal flash point grade, with a flash point in the range of °C54-31.
High flash point grade, with a flash point higher than °C54.
The grade is determined by the type of crude oil used as a feedstock, distillation conditions, and aromatic content percentage.
– Solvent 402 has a relatively low flash point in the range of °C43-36. As a result, this solvent has a high flammability and its vapors can easily form an explosive mixture with air, which can ignite readily by flame or spark. Therefore, handling and storage of this solvent require control and supervision, and its release into the environment should be prevented. This solvent should not be used in close proximity to electrical appliances, heat sources, or in confined spaces. It is recommended to keep it in a tightly closed container in a cool environment, away from direct sunlight.
Safety:
In the event of a fire involving this substance, it can be extinguished using materials such as water spray, dry chemical agents, alcohol foam, or carbon dioxide.