Normal Paraffin
What is Normal Paraffin?
Normal paraffin is a mixture of straight-chain alkanes or paraffin hydrocarbons, which are saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2. Normal paraffins are also referred to as n-paraffins or linear paraffins because they have a linear, unbranched chain structure.
Normal paraffin is commonly used as a feedstock in the production of detergents, solvents, and other chemicals. It is also used as a fuel in lamps and stoves, and as a refrigerant in some applications. The properties of normal paraffin, such as boiling point, viscosity, and density, vary depending on the specific composition of the mixture. The term "normal" in the name refers to the fact that the paraffins are straight-chain, as opposed to branched-chain or cyclic hydrocarbons.
Quality of Normal Paraffin
The quality of normal paraffin can be evaluated based on several factors such as purity, composition, and physical properties. Here are some of the quality parameters tat are commonly used to assess the quality of normal paraffin:
Purity: The purity of normal paraffin is typically measured by the percentage of straight-chain alkanes present in the mixture. The higher the percentage of straight-chain alkanes, the higher the purity of the normal paraffin.
Composition: The composition of normal paraffin refers to the specific distribution of straight-chain alkanes in the mixture. The composition can affect the physical and chemical properties of the normal paraffin, such as its boiling point, melting point, and viscosity.
Density: The density of normal paraffin is an important quality parameter because it can affect its handling and transport. The density of normal paraffin can vary depending on the specific composition of the mixture.
Color: The color of normal paraffin can range from colorless to light yellow, and the presence of impurities can result in a darker color.
Odor: Normal paraffin should have a mild odor, and the presence of any unpleasant odor can indicate the presence of impurities.
In general, high-quality normal paraffin should have a high purity, a consistent composition, a low odor, and a clear color.
History of Normal Paraffin
The history of normal paraffin dates back to the early 19th century when it was first isolated as a substance from petroleum. The discovery of petroleum as a source of fuel and chemical feedstock in the mid-19th century led to the development of refining techniques to isolate the different hydrocarbon components of crude oil.
Normal paraffin was initially produced as a byproduct of kerosene refining, which was the primary fuel for lighting at the time. In the 1860s, kerosene was refined from crude oil using distillation techniques, and the heavier components, including normal paraffin, were separated and sold as a byproduct.
In the early 20th century, the demand for normal paraffin increased as new uses were discovered, such as in the production of detergents and other chemicals. The development of new refining techniques, such as cracking and reforming, allowed for the production of higher quality and more pure normal paraffin.
Today, normal paraffin is produced on a large scale as a feedstock for a wide range of industrial applications. It is commonly used as a solvent, in the production of plastics, and as a fuel in lamps and stoves.
Usages of Normal Paraffin
Normal paraffin has a wide range of industrial applications and is used in various industries. Here are some of the common usages of normal paraffin:
Solvent: Normal paraffin is used as a solvent for oils, waxes, and other organic materials. It is commonly used in the production of industrial and household cleaners, as well as in the printing industry.
Chemical Feedstock: Normal paraffin is used as a feedstock for the production of various chemicals, including detergents, synthetic resins, and plastics.
Fuel: Normal paraffin is used as a fuel in lamps and stoves. It has a high energy density and burns cleanly, making it an ideal fuel for portable heating and lighting applications.
Lubricant: Normal paraffin is used as a lubricant in a variety of applications, including in the production of candles and in the textile industry.
Cosmetics: Normal paraffin is used in the production of cosmetics, including skin creams and lotions, as well as in hair products, such as shampoos and conditioners.
Pharmaceuticals: Normal paraffin is used as an excipient in the production of pharmaceuticals. It can act as a carrier for drugs and can also be used as a coating material for tablets.
Packing of Normal Paraffin
Normal paraffin is typically packed in drums or tanks for transportation and storage. The packaging may vary depending on the quantity and specific application of the normal paraffin. Here are some common types of packaging for normal paraffin:
Drums: Normal paraffin is commonly packed in steel or plastic drums that have a capacity of 55 gallons or 208 liters. The drums are typically sealed to prevent contamination and damage during transportation.
ISO Tanks: For larger quantities of normal paraffin, it can be packed in ISO tanks, which are large, intermodal containers that can hold up to 26,000 liters of liquid. ISO tanks are commonly used for international shipping of normal paraffin.
Flexitanks: Flexitanks are large, collapsible bags made of polyethylene that are placed inside a standard shipping container. They can hold up to 24,000 liters of liquid and are an economical option for transporting large quantities of normal paraffin.
Bulk Tankers: For industrial applications that require large quantities of normal paraffin, it can be transported in bulk tankers that have a capacity of up to 50,000 liters.
Regardless of the packaging used, it is important to ensure that the normal paraffin is stored and transported in a safe and secure manner to prevent any spills or leaks that could result in harm to the environment and personnel. Proper labeling and handling procedures should also be followed to ensure that the normal paraffin is used safely and effectively.
Prices of Normal Paraffin
The prices of normal paraffin can vary depending on several factors such as the grade, quality, quantity, and location. In addition, market demand and supply can also have an impact on the price of normal paraffin.
As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, the price of normal paraffin in the global market ranged from USD 500 to 700 per tonne, depending on the specific grade and quality. However, it is important to note that these prices are subject to change and may vary depending on various factors mentioned above.
It is recommended to contact suppliers or consult with industry experts to obtain the most up-to-date and accurate information on the current market prices of normal paraffin.
Delivery time and Readiness of Normal Paraffin
The delivery time and readiness of normal paraffin can vary depending on the supplier and the specific requirements of the customer. Here are some factors that can affect the delivery time and readiness of normal paraffin:
Quantity: The delivery time can vary depending on the quantity of normal paraffin required. For small quantities, the delivery time can be relatively short, while larger quantities may require more lead time for production and delivery.
Location: The distance between the supplier and the customer can affect the delivery time. If the customer is located far from the supplier, it may take longer to transport the normal paraffin, which can affect the delivery time.
Availability: The availability of normal paraffin can affect the delivery time. If the supplier has the required quantity and grade of normal paraffin in stock, it can be delivered more quickly than if the supplier needs to produce the normal paraffin.
Customization: If the customer requires customized or specialty grades of normal paraffin, it may take longer to produce and deliver, which can affect the delivery time.
In general, suppliers aim to deliver normal paraffin as quickly and efficiently as possible while meeting the specific requirements of the customer. It is recommended to contact potential suppliers to discuss the delivery time and readiness of normal paraffin based on the specific needs of the customer.
Analysis Table of Normal Paraffin
| Chemical Property | Specification |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density (at 20°C) | 0.75 - 0.80 g/mL |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | 55 - 85°C |
| Boiling Point | 200 - 400°C |
| Pour Point | -5 - 25°C |
| Carbon Chain Length | C9 - C16 |
| Viscosity (at 40°C) | 3 - 9 cSt |
| Sulfur Content | Max. 30 ppm |
| Color (ASTM) | Max. +30 |