What Is Petroleum Paraffin: Types + Properties And Applications

What is petroleum paraffin? It is one of the key derivatives of crude oil refinement. Due to its saturated hydrocarbon structure, stable physical properties, and high purity, petroleum paraffin occupies a unique position in various industries. Therefore, manufacturers produce it in solid, liquid, crystalline, and microcrystalline grades. Furthermore, depending on the refining method, it is used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, industry, and candle making.

With features such as a controlled melting point, resistance to oxidation, and flexibility, petroleum paraffin serves as a multipurpose material in producing hygiene products, packaging, electrical insulators, and lubricants. Therefore, if you want to know more about this product, its uses and features, read this article from the Iran Etrade blog.

What Is Petroleum Paraffin?

What is paraffin? It is a saturated hydrocarbon compound obtained from crude oil distillation. Because of its stable and non-reactive properties, it has wide applications in candle making, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, textiles, and insulation, in both solid and liquid form.

To answer the question “What is petroleum paraffin?”, we can say that it is a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons with linear and branched chain structures produced through crude oil distillation.

Although many people mainly associate paraffin with candle making, its range of applications is much broader. This substance has two forms: solid and liquid. Solid paraffin is mainly used for candle making and packaging, while liquid paraffin is widely applicable in industries such as textiles, rubber production, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care, and even insulation.

Also, due to its diverse properties, paraffin also serves as a lubricant, a crack-preventing agent, and a moisture barrier.

Properties And Characteristics of Petroleum Paraffin

Petroleum paraffin is a saturated substance with diverse physical, mechanical, and edible properties.

Understanding petroleum paraffin’s properties and characteristics is essential to recognising its industrial applications. As one of the key derivatives of crude oil refining, petroleum paraffin has unique physical, mechanical, and edible features that make it suitable for both industrial and consumer uses.

As a result, manufacturers produce it in different grades with varying levels of purity and melting points, and its properties change depending on the refining process.

Physical Properties

What is petroleum paraffin, and what physical characteristics make it distinct? This substance appears in solid and semi-solid forms. Also, depending on the refining method, petroleum paraffin’s color ranges from transparent white to light cream. Furthermore, its melting point usually falls between 46 and 68 degrees Celsius.

Other key physical properties of petroleum paraffin include its low density, resistance to oxidation, and high flexibility, which play a vital role in producing candles, waterproof coatings, and cosmetic products.

Mechanical Properties

From a mechanical perspective, petroleum paraffin provides softening ability, flexibility, and resistance to cracking. As a result, these properties make it useful in packaging, electrical insulation, and lubricant production.

In addition, microcrystalline paraffins, because of their finer crystal structure, show higher adhesion and surface tension compared to their regular types.

What Is Petroleum Paraffin’s Edible Properties?

From a food perspective, petroleum paraffin in food-grade form serves as a protective coating for fruits, vegetables, and cheeses to prevent moisture loss and early spoilage.

For such applications, food-grade paraffin must be fully refined and free from petroleum impurities to meet food safety standards. It is also used in producing chewing gum, chocolate, and certain dietary supplements as a lubricant or coating agent.

When Does Paraffin Form in Oil?

Before we delve more into what petroleum paraffin is, we will address how it forms during crude oil extraction and transportation. This compound forms when the temperature of crude oil in pipelines or storage tanks drops below its cloud point.

Under these conditions, heavy saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) begin to crystallize, creating paraffin deposits. This phenomenon is especially common in oils with high paraffin content, in cold regions, or in long transportation pipelines.

Methods To Prevent Paraffin Formation In Oil

What is petroleum paraffin’s method to control its deposits? To prevent paraffin from forming in oil, operators use chemical paraffin inhibitors, heat the pipelines, insulate the pipes, and design appropriate flow velocities.

Mechanical methods, such as pigging for periodic pipeline cleaning, also play an important role in reducing paraffin buildup. Therefore, the choice of method depends on the type of oil, environmental conditions, and existing infrastructure.

How Is Petroleum Paraffin Produced?

Petroleum paraffin, as a product derived from crude oil refining, is produced through separation and purification processes of heavy hydrocarbons. Manufacturers produce it in different grades depending on the level of refinement and purity, for industrial, pharmaceutical, and food applications.

Two Main Methods For Producing Paraffin From Crude Oil

Petroleum paraffin is extracted through two primary refining methods, each of which has its own distinct characteristics:

What Is Petroleum Paraffin’s Cold Refining Method?

In the cold refining method, petroleum paraffin separates from the base oil by lowering the temperature. As the oil cools, paraffin crystals form and are separated from the liquid phase using special filters. Therefore, this method is useful to produce solid paraffins with high melting points and suitable purity.

Warm Refining Method

What is petroleum paraffin’s warm refining method? In the warm refining method, petroleum paraffin oil is first mixed with specific solvents. Then, under controlled temperature and pressure, the paraffin separates from the oil.

Therefore, this method is better suited for producing softer paraffins intended for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Types of Petroleum Paraffin

Different types of petroleum paraffin include solid, liquid, crystalline, gel, molded, flake, and transparent forms, each with specific industrial applications.

Petroleum paraffin is a product of crude oil refining. Also, depending on its molecular structure, degree of refining, and intended use, it is classified into solid, liquid, crystalline, gel, and industrial types.

Each type of petroleum paraffin has distinct physical and chemical properties that make it suitable for health, food, cosmetic, or industrial applications.

Solid Paraffin (Paraffin Wax)

The solid form of petroleum paraffin is produced as white or colorless wax, which has applications in various industries.

1. Hygienic paraffin: High-purity solid petroleum paraffin is used for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes, such as massage and skin treatments.
2. Industrial paraffin: Solid petroleum paraffin with lower refining levels is suitable for candle making, insulation, and lubricants.
3. Edible paraffin: Refined petroleum paraffin is applied as a coating for fruits, cheese, and chewing gum in accordance with food safety standards.

Liquid Paraffin

Liquid paraffin consists of lighter saturated hydrocarbons and is available in pharmaceutical, industrial, and edible grades.

Crystalline Paraffin

What is Petroleum paraffin in crystalline form? Petroleum paraffin with a regular crystalline structure and high melting point is crystalline paraffin. This type of paraffin is suitable for producing decorative candles, waterproof coatings, and cosmetic products.

Microcrystalline (Heavy) Paraffin

Microcrystalline paraffin has a finer crystalline structure and higher adhesion. Therefore, it is applicable in rubber manufacturing, cosmetics, and protective coatings.

Gel Paraffin

The manufacturers produce this type of paraffin by adding specific oils to solid paraffin. As a result, it is applicable in cosmetic, therapeutic, and massage products.

Molded (Acid) Paraffin

This type of paraffin is produced by adding specific acids and is good for industrial applications such as molded candle production and building insulation.

Flake Paraffin For Candle Making

What is petroleum paraffin for candle making? Flake paraffin is produced in small pieces, which allows for faster melting and more uniform shaping in candle molds.

Thread Paraffin Coating

To prevent friction and tearing and to lubricate threads, industries apply paraffin coating in textile manufacturing.

Transparent Paraffin

Transparent paraffin is fully refined and free of impurities, and is usable in cosmetic, decorative, and pharmaceutical industries.

What Are The Applications of Petroleum Paraffin?

Due to its stable chemical properties, high purity, and non-toxicity, petroleum paraffin has uses in a wide range of applications:

• Cosmetic and personal care industry: Petroleum paraffin serves as a skin softener and a base for creams and lotions.
• Food industry: Food-grade petroleum paraffin is applicable to coat fruits, cheese, and chewing gum.
• Industrial applications: It is usable in candle making, electrical insulation, lubricants, and waterproofing materials.
• Pharmaceutical industry: Petroleum paraffin acts as a drug carrier.

Different Grades of Paraffin And Their Uses

Petroleum paraffin is produced in unrefined, refined, fully refined wax, microcrystalline, and mineral grades.

What is petroleum paraffin’s different grades? Depending on the level of refining, molecular structure, and final application, petroleum paraffin is manufactured in different grades, each with its own specific properties and uses.

Unrefined Paraffin

Paraffin oil in this grade contains petroleum impurities and aromatic compounds. Its main use is in heavy industries such as rubber production, industrial lubricants, and insulation. However, this type of paraffin is not suitable for hygienic or food applications.

Refined Paraffin

What is refined petroleum paraffin, and how is it produced? In this grade of paraffin, the manufacturers remove aromatic compounds and sulfur. Therefore, the final product is more suitable for cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food applications. Also, high purity and a controlled melting point are key characteristics of this grade.

Fully Refined Paraffin Wax

Fully refined paraffin wax refers to the solid type with very high purity. Therefore, it is applicable in sensitive industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and decorative or therapeutic candle making. Also, this type of paraffin is free of odor, color, and harmful substances.

Microcrystalline Paraffin

What is petroleum paraffin’s structure in microcrystalline form? This type has a finer crystalline structure and higher adhesion. Therefore, it is applicable in the production of cosmetics, protective coatings, and specialized lubricants.

Mineral Paraffin

Petroleum paraffin in the mineral grade serves as a base oil in lubricant production, grease manufacturing, and other industrial products. This type is usually in liquid form with high viscosity.

What Are The Disadvantages of Paraffinic Oil?

One disadvantage of paraffinic oil is that it is a saturated compound prone to depositing at low temperatures. This is an issue because it can cause pipeline blockages, pressure drops, extraction problems, and storage limitations for crude oil.

Paraffinic oils, because of their high percentage of saturated hydrocarbons, tend to form solid deposits at low temperatures. Therefore, this trait can create serious issues in crude oil extraction, transportation, and storage, while also increasing operational costs.

How Does Petroleum Paraffin Cause Deposition in Pipelines?

At low temperatures, the paraffins present in crude oil begin to crystallize and adhere to the inner walls of the pipelines. These deposits reduce the effective diameter of the pipe and create flow restrictions, which necessitate periodic cleaning operations such as pigging.

Flow Reduction And Pressure Drop

What is petroleum paraffin’s flow reduction? The accumulation of paraffin in transmission lines leads to increased flow resistance, pressure drop, and reduced production rate. This phenomenon is especially more severe in long pipelines and cold regions and requires the precise design of heating systems and insulation.

Production And Extraction Challenges

Paraffinic crude oil can cause well blockages, reduce pump efficiency, and increase maintenance costs during extraction. Paraffin deposits in subsurface equipment, such as production tubing and control valves, disrupt system performance and require more frequent use of paraffin inhibitors or thermal treatments.

Limitations in Oil Transportation and Storage

In storage tanks, paraffin can settle at the bottom, reducing the effective storage capacity. Also, during loading and unloading, the rise in viscosity caused by paraffin slows operations and makes heating the crude oil necessary.

Petroleum Paraffin Producing Countries

The production of petroleum paraffin, as a byproduct of crude oil refining, occurs in countries with high refining capacity and abundant oil resources. Therefore, some of its major producers include:

• China: the largest producer of paraffin wax in the world
• Iran: a significant exporter of petroleum paraffin in various grades
• Germany: producer of high-standard industrial and pharmaceutical paraffins
• USA: producer of microcrystalline and food-grade paraffins
• India: producer of industrial and semi-refined paraffins

Major Petroleum Paraffin Consuming Countries

What is petroleum paraffin’s largest consuming countries? Due to its wide applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, candle making, and packaging, petroleum paraffin has high consumption in industrialized and populous countries. Therefore, its major consumers include:

• China
• USA
• Germany and France
• India
• Turkey and the UAE

Factors Affecting The Price of Petroleum Paraffin

As a product derived from crude oil, the price of petroleum paraffin is affected by the energy market fluctuations and the following factors:

• Global crude oil prices
• Type and grade of petroleum paraffin
• Refining and purification costs
• Global supply and demand
• Environmental regulations and safety standards
• Transportation and export costs

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we address the most common questions regarding petroleum paraffin:

What Is Paraffin?

Paraffin is a compound of saturated hydrocarbons extracted from crude oil or coal and is used in solid or liquid form for industrial, cosmetic, and food applications.

What Is Edible Paraffin?

What is petroleum paraffin in its edible form? Edible paraffin is a highly refined type with high purity, used in the food industry to coat fruits, cheese, and chewing gum.

What Is The Difference Between Refined And Semi-refined Petroleum Paraffin?

Refined petroleum paraffin has high purity and is suitable for hygienic and food applications. However, semi-refined paraffin is used for more general industrial purposes and may contain petroleum impurities.

What Are The Uses of Petroleum Paraffin?

Petroleum paraffin has a wide range of applications. For instance, it is usable in the production of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, insulation, lubricants, waterproof coatings, candle making, rubber manufacturing, and many other industries.

What Are The Types of Petroleum Paraffin?

What is petroleum paraffin, and what are its types? Petroleum paraffin is produced in various grades, including solid paraffin (wax), liquid, crystalline, microcrystalline, gel, molded, flake, and transparent forms.

source: intechopen
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