What is White Spirit?

White Spirit, also known as mineral spirit, is a transparent liquid similar to Solvent 402 and 403. It is a common organic solvent widely used in painting and decoration. White Spirit is the most commonly used solvent in the paint industry and is primarily utilized for cleaning paintbrushes after painting.

As an organic solvent, White Spirit has a melting point of -40°C and a boiling point ranging between 150°C and 200°C.

This substance consists of a mixture of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons (C7 to C12) and serves as an extraction solvent, a cleaning solvent, and a solvent in aerosols, paints, wood preservatives, varnishes, polishes, and asphalt products. In Western Europe, approximately 60% of the total White Spirit production is used in paints, varnishes, and polishes.

The odor and functional capacity of White Spirit as a solvent depend on the amount of hydrocarbon content present in it. Well-known aromatic hydrocarbons, including xylene and toluene, are present in White Spirit in only small amounts.

Various types of White Spirit, such as Solvent 402 and 403, are available. Odorless varieties are produced by almost completely removing aromatic hydrocarbons, which enhances the solvent’s capacity.

White Spirit is a highly effective cleaning agent and a powerful, versatile solvent. With increasing industrial activities and growing hygiene requirements, the use and market demand for this substance are expected to rise in the future.

Types of White Spirit

In general, White Spirit is classified into two main categories:

1. Based on the percentage of aromatic compounds
2. Based on flash point

Classification by Aromatic Content

There are four types of White Spirit under this classification:

• Type 0 (High Odor)
• Type 1 (Hydrodesulfurized)
• Type 2 (Low Odor)
• Type 3 (Odorless)

The composition of each type depends on the production process.

Type 0:

This is a high-odor White Spirit. It primarily consists of saturated hydrocarbons with carbon numbers ranging from C9 to C12 and has a boiling point range of approximately 140°C to 220°C.

Type 1:

This type is obtained by catalytic desulfurization of Type 0. It contains hydrocarbons with carbon numbers ranging from C7 to C12 and has a boiling point range of approximately 90°C to 230°C, with an aromatic content of less than 25%.

Type 2:

Also known as low-aromatic White Spirit, this is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons produced using solvent extraction. It contains aliphatic hydrocarbons ranging from C7 to C12 and has a boiling point range of approximately 90°C to 230°C, with an aromatic content of less than 5%.

Type 3:

This type is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons obtained through hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst. It has a boiling point range of approximately 65°C to 230°C and consists mainly of hydrocarbons with carbon numbers ranging from C6 to C12. The aromatic content is less than 1%, making it odorless.

Classification by Flash Point

Each type of White Spirit is further classified into three different grades based on flammability, determined by distillation conditions:

• Low Flash Point: Ranges between 21°C and 30°C.
• Normal Flash Point: Ranges between 31°C and 54°C.
• High Flash Point: Exceeds 54°C.

This classification is based on the crude oil used as the raw material and the distillation process applied.

Properties of White Spirit

White Spirit is a clear, colorless, and flammable liquid. It has very low solubility in water and a mild odor. Other key characteristics include:

• High chemical stability
• Non-corrosive nature
• Fast evaporation rate

White Spirit is commonly used as a cleaner and degreaser for machinery parts and tools. It has unique properties for cleaning metal surfaces by removing oil, grease, carbon, and other residues. Due to its lower toxicity, painters often use it as a safer alternative to turpentine.

Production Process of White Spirit

White Spirit is primarily produced through refining processes. The main feedstock for its production is kerosene, which undergoes extractive distillation using solvents like sulfolane, sulfur dioxide, and N-methylpyrrolidone.

Kerosene is a heavy hydrocarbon mixture composed of chains containing 10 to 17 carbon atoms, consisting of:

• Linear and branched alkanes, and cycloalkanes (about two-thirds of kerosene’s composition)
• Aromatic compounds (approximately 20-25%)
• Olefins (around 5%)

White Spirit is a mixture of hydrocarbons with carbon numbers ranging from C7 to C12.

Through cracking heavy kerosene, a lighter product is obtained, which then undergoes distillation to produce Solvent 402 or other White Spirit variants.

Distillation Stages

The fractional distillation of kerosene yields three key components in the 140°C to 215°C range:

1. The first fraction contains 20% aromatics, forming Type 0 White Spirit.
2. Type 1 White Spirit is obtained through hydrodesulfurization of Type 0.
3. Type 3 White Spirit (Odorless) is produced by hydrogenation, reducing its aromatic content to less than 5%.

White Spirit Characteristics

These compounds are clear, colorless, and flammable liquids. White spirits have very low solubility in water and a mild odor. Other characteristics include high chemical stability, non-corrosiveness, and a fast evaporation rate. White spirit is used as a cleaner and degreaser for machine parts and tools. These solvents have unique properties for cleaning metal surfaces from oils, grease, carbon, and other materials. Additionally, painters use these solvents as a safer alternative to turpentine due to their lower toxicity.

White Spirit Production Process

White spirits are mainly produced through refinery processes. These processes involve extractive distillation of the feedstock, which is usually kerosene, with sulfolane, sulfur dioxide, and N-methyl pyrrolidone. Kerosene is a heavy compound consisting of chains with 10 to 17 carbon atoms. It contains linear and branched alkanes, as well as cycloalkanes, which make up about two-thirds of kerosene. Aromatics constitute about 20-25% of kerosene, while olefinic compounds account for approximately 5% of its volume.

White spirit is a mixture of hydrocarbons with 7 to 12 carbon atoms. By cracking heavy kerosene, a lighter material can be obtained. During this process, these chains are broken down to produce solvent 402 or other types of white spirit, which is achieved through kerosene distillation. Kerosene distillation produces three fractions between 140°C and 215°C. The initial distillation fraction contains 20% aromatic content, known as Type 0 solvent. Type 1 solvent is obtained through hydrodesulfurization of Type 0, while Type 3 solvent, with less than 5% aromatics, is obtained through hydrogenation, which is also referred to as odorless white spirit.

Applications of White Spirit

White spirits are widely used as solvents in various industries, including chemical, cosmetic, construction, and automotive sectors. Below are some of their key applications:

Construction Industry

White spirit is an effective organic solvent used extensively as a paint thinner and drying agent. It reduces paint viscosity, allowing it to dry faster. This solvent also helps smooth painted surfaces. Additionally, it is commonly used to clean paintbrushes after painting.

Chemical Industry

White spirit is used as a solvent for degreasing and material extraction. It is employed for cleaning grease from machine parts and removing excess oils. It is also used to clean and unlock printing plates after using oil-based and plastisol inks.

Other applications in this industry include:

• Adhesives
• Rubber and resins
• Polishes
• Asphalt products
• Liquid photocopier toners

Cosmetic and Automotive Industry

In the cosmetic industry, white spirit is used as a nail polish remover. In the automotive sector, it is utilized for cleaning grease, oil, and dirt from metal surfaces.

Other applications include:

• Solvent for furniture, flooring, and shoe polishes
• Dry-cleaning solvent in diamond cutting machines
• Solvent for fabric printing

Important Safety Precautions for Using White Spirit

Due to its high flammability, white spirit should not be released into the surrounding environment or stored near oxidizing agents. It must never be used near electrical appliances, heat sources, or in enclosed spaces.

White spirit should be stored in a cool place, away from direct sunlight, in a sealed container. Transportation and storage require careful control and supervision.

White spirit contains aromatic hydrocarbons and is classified as an irritant. Improper handling can pose significant health risks. Below are some critical safety considerations:

• Ingestion: Swallowing white spirit can cause stomach discomfort, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, heart and respiratory issues, unconsciousness, or even death.
• Lung Exposure: If white spirit enters the lungs, it can cause respiratory damage.
• Inhalation: Inhaling white spirit can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to nausea, dizziness, and other symptoms.
• Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure can cause skin irritation, dryness, blistering, or dermatitis.
• Eye Contact: Direct contact may result in redness and irritation, and prolonged exposure can lead to more serious complications.
• Long-Term Exposure: Prolonged exposure to white spirit can cause symptoms similar to drug addiction, leading to unconsciousness.

Where to Buy White Spirit

White spirit is a chemical solvent widely used for dissolving oil-based paints. It is produced and marketed by petroleum product manufacturers, and consumers can purchase it from production companies. As the most commonly used industrial solvent in the paint industry, it is extensively applied in painting, varnish production, and polishing materials. Additionally, it is a crucial raw material in adhesive, lacquer, resin, polish, and leather manufacturing.

White Spirit Price

As a petroleum-based solvent, white spirit is priced according to different boiling points and applications in various industries. Its price is also influenced by global oil market fluctuations. White spirit is widely used in industries due to its boiling point and solvency power. It serves as a universal solvent, an effective metal surface cleaner, and a strong degreasing agent in the automotive industry. Moreover, it is commonly used in aerosol, adhesive, and polish production.