White spirit

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A 2-litre (3.5 imp pt) container of white spirit White spirit.JPG
A 2-litre (3.5 imp pt) container of white spirit

White spirit (AU, UK and Ireland) [note 1] or mineral spirits (US, Canada), also known as mineral turpentine (AU/NZ), turpentine substitute, and petroleum spirits, is a petroleum-derived clear liquid used as a common organic solvent in painting. [1] There are also terms for specific kinds of white spirit, including Stoddard solvent and solvent naphtha (petroleum). White spirit is often used as a paint thinner, or as a component thereof, though paint thinner is a broader category of solvent. Odorless mineral spirits (OMS) have been refined to remove the more toxic aromatic compounds, and are recommended for applications such as oil painting.

Contents

A mixture of aliphatic, open-chain or alicyclic C7 to C12 hydrocarbons, white spirit is insoluble in water and is used as an extraction solvent, as a cleaning solvent, as a degreasing solvent and as a solvent in aerosols, paints, wood preservatives, lacquers, varnishes, and asphalt products. In western Europe about 60% of the total white spirit consumption is used in paints, lacquers and varnishes. [1] White spirit is the most widely used solvent in the paint industry. In households, white spirit is commonly used to clean paint brushes after use, to clean auto parts and tools, as a starting fluid for charcoal grills, to remove adhesive residue from non-porous surfaces, and many other common tasks.

The word "mineral" in "mineral spirits" or "mineral turpentine" is meant to distinguish it from distilled spirits (alcoholic beverages distilled from fermented biological material) or from true turpentine (distilled tree resin).

Types and grades

Three different types and three different grades of white spirit exist. The type refers to whether the solvent has been subjected to hydrodesulfurization (removal of sulfur) alone (type 1), solvent extraction (type 2) or hydrogenation (type 3). [2]

Each type comprises three grades: low flash grade, regular grade, and high flash grade (flash refers to flash point). The grade is determined by the crude oil used as the starting material and the conditions of distillation. [2]

In addition there is type 0, which is defined as distillation fraction with no further treatment, consisting predominantly of saturated C9 to C12 hydrocarbons with a boiling range of 140–200 °C (284–392 °F). [3]

Stoddard solvent is a specific mixture of hydrocarbons, typically over 65% C10 or higher hydrocarbons, [4] developed in 1924 by Atlanta dry cleaner W. J. Stoddard and Lloyd E. Jackson of the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research as a less flammable petroleum-based dry cleaning solvent than the petroleum solvents then in use. [5] [6] Dry cleaners began using the result of their work in 1928 and it soon became the predominant dry cleaning solvent in the United States, until the late 1950s. [7]

Turpentine substitute is generally not made to a standard and can have a wider range of components than products marketed as white spirit, which is made to a standard (in the UK, British Standard BS 245, in Germany, DIN  51632). Turpentine substitute can be used for general cleaning but is not recommended for paint thinning as it may adversely affect drying times due to the less volatile components; while it may be used for brush cleaning its heavier components may leave an oily residue.

Chemical registry numbers

CAS EINECS NameDescriptive nameRef
8030-30-6232-443-2 Naphtha
8052-41-3232-489-3Stoddard solventStoddard solvent is a North American term corresponding to white spirit type 1 [3]
64742-88-7265-191-7white spirit type 0medium aliphatic solvent naphtha (petroleum) [3]
64742-82-1265-185-4white spirit type 1hydrodesulphurized heavy naphtha (petroleum) [3]
64741-92-0265-095-5white spirit type 2solvent-refined heavy naphtha (petroleum) [3]
64742-48-9265-150-3white spirit type 3hydrotreated heavy naphtha (petroleum) [3]

Physical properties

Type 1 white spirit is mainly used in most of Europe and Stoddard solvent is used in the US, both of which correspond to each other. [3]

White spirit types 1–3 physical properties [1]
PropertyT1: Low flashT2: RegularT3: High flash
Initial boiling point (IBP)130–144 °C (266–291 °F)145–174 °C (293–345 °F)175–200 °C (347–392 °F)
Final boiling pointIBP+21 °C (70 °F), max. 220 °C (428 °F)
Average relative molecular mass 140150160
Relative density 15 °C (59 °F)0.7650.7800.795
Flash point 21–30 °C (70–86 °F)31–54 °C (88–129 °F)> 55 °C (131 °F)
Vapour pressure kPa at 20 °C (68 °F)1.40.60.1
Volatility n-butyl acetate = 10.470.150.04
Autoignition temperature240 °C (464 °F)240 °C (464 °F)230 °C (446 °F)
Explosion limits (Flammable Range)  % by volume in air0.6–6.50.6–6.50.6–8
Vapour density air=14.5–54.5–54.5–5
Refractive index at 20 °C (68 °F)1.41–1.441.41–1.441.41–1.44
Viscosity cps, 25 °C (77 °F)0.74–1.650.74–1.650.74–1.65
Solubility  % by weight in water< 0.1< 0.1< 0.1
Kauri-butanol value 29–3329–3329–33
Aniline point 60–75 °C (140–167 °F)60–75 °C (140–167 °F)60–75 °C (140–167 °F)
Reactivity reaction with strong oxidizing agents
Odor threshold mg/m30.5–64

Use

Degreasing and lubricating

In industry, white spirit is used for cleaning and degreasing machine tools and parts, and in conjunction with cutting oil as a thread cutting and reaming lubricant.

White spirit is commonly used for cutting fluid in ultraprecision lathes (commonly referred to as diamond turning machines).[ citation needed ]

White spirit is used for regripping golf clubs. After the old grip is removed, the white spirit is poured into the new grip and shaken. After the white spirit is poured on, the new underlying tape and the new grip are slid on. After an hour of drying out, the new grip and club are ready to use.[ citation needed ]

Solvent and paint thinner

White Spirit is a petroleum distillate used as a paint thinner and mild solvent.

White spirit is an inexpensive petroleum-based replacement for the vegetable-based turpentine. It is commonly used as a paint thinner for oil-based paint and cleaning brushes, and as an organic solvent in other applications. Mineral turpentine is chemically very different from turpentine, which mainly consists of pinene, and it has inferior solvent properties. [8] [ failed verification ] Artists use white spirit as an alternative to turpentine since it is less flammable and less toxic. Because of interactions with pigments in oil paints, artists require a higher grade of white spirit than many industrial users, including the complete absence of residual sulfur.

White spirit was formerly an active ingredient in the laundry soap Fels Naptha, used to dissolve oils and grease in laundry stains, and as a popular remedy for eliminating the irritant oil urushiol in poison ivy. It was removed as a potential health risk.

White spirit has a characteristic unpleasant kerosene-like odor. Chemical manufacturers have developed a low odor version of mineral turpentine which contains less of the highly volatile shorter hydrocarbons. [9] Odorless mineral spirits is white spirit that has been further refined to remove the more toxic aromatic compounds, and is recommended for applications such as oil painting, where humans have close contact with the solvent.

In screen printing (also referred to as silk-screening), white spirit is often used to clean and unclog screens after printing with oil-based textile and plastisol inks. It is also used to thin inks used in making monoprints.

White spirit is often used inside liquid-filled compasses and gauges. [10]

White spirits are a major ingredient in some popular automotive fuel/oil additives, such as Marvel Mystery Oil, as they are capable of dissolving varnish and sludge buildup. [11]

Portable stoves

Although white spirit is used as an alternative to kerosene in portable stoves [ citation needed ], this is not advisable as typical grades of white spirit have a lower flash point than kerosene. It cannot be used as an alternative to white gas, which is a much more volatile gasoline-like fuel.

Toxicity

White spirit is mainly classed as an irritant. It has a fairly low acute toxicity by inhalation of the vapour, dermal (touching the skin) and oral (ingestion) routes. However, acute exposure can lead to central nervous system depression resulting in lack of coordination and slowed reactions. Exposure to very high concentrations in enclosed spaces can lead to general narcotic effects (drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, etc.) and can eventually lead to unconsciousness. Oral ingestion presents a high aspiration hazard. Prolonged or repeated skin exposure over a long period of time can result in severe irritant dermatitis, also called contact dermatitis. [2]

Continuous exposure to an average white spirit concentration of 240 mg/m3 (40 ppm) for more than 13 years can lead to chronic central nervous system effects. Similar long-term studies have been made in which some of the observed effects included memory impairment, poor concentration, increased irritability etc. White spirit is implicated in the development of chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE) among house painters. In severe cases CTE may lead to disability and personality changes. [2] [3] These effects in painters were first studied in the 1970s in the Nordic countries. [3]

Owing to the volatility and low bioavailability of its constituents, white spirit, although it is moderately toxic to aquatic organisms, is unlikely to present significant hazards to the environment. It should not however, be purposely poured down the sink or freshwater drain. [2]

People can be exposed to Stoddard solvent in the workplace by breathing it in, swallowing it, skin contact, and eye contact. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the legal limit (Permissible exposure limit) for Stoddard solvent exposure in the workplace as 500 ppm (2900 mg/m3) over an 8-hour workday. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has set a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 350 mg/m3 over an 8-hour workday and 1800 mg/m3 over 15 minutes. At levels of 20,000 mg/m3, Stoddard solvent is immediately dangerous to life and health. [12]

See also

Footnotes

  1. Primarily in the United Kingdom and Australia. In New Zealand "white spirit" can also refer to Coleman fuel (white gas).

Related Research Articles

Kerosene, or paraffin, is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid which is derived from petroleum. It is widely used as a fuel in aviation as well as households. Its name derives from Greek: κηρός (kērós) meaning "wax", and was registered as a trademark by Nova Scotia geologist and inventor Abraham Gesner in 1854 before evolving into a generic trademark. It is sometimes spelled kerosine in scientific and industrial usage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solvent</span> Substance dissolving a solute resulting in a solution

A solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution. A solvent is usually a liquid but can also be a solid, a gas, or a supercritical fluid. Water is a solvent for polar molecules, and the most common solvent used by living things; all the ions and proteins in a cell are dissolved in water within the cell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hexane</span> Chemical compound

Hexane or n-hexane is an organic compound, a straight-chain alkane with six carbon atoms and has the molecular formula C6H14.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turpentine</span> Liquid distilled from pine resin

Turpentine is a fluid obtained by the distillation of resin harvested from living trees, mainly pines. Principally used as a specialized solvent, it is also a source of material for organic syntheses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dry cleaning</span> Cleaning of fabrics in non-aqueous solvents

Dry cleaning is any cleaning process for clothing and textiles using a solvent other than water.

Naphtha is a flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture. Generally, it is a fraction of crude oil, but it can also be produced from natural gas condensates, petroleum distillates, and the fractional distillation of coal tar and peat. In some industries and regions, the name naphtha refers to crude oil or refined petroleum products such as kerosene or diesel fuel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mineral oil</span> Liquid mixture of higher alkanes from a mineral source, particularly a distillate of petroleum

Mineral oil is any of various colorless, odorless, light mixtures of higher alkanes from a mineral source, particularly a distillate of petroleum, as distinct from usually edible vegetable oils.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Varnish</span> Transparent hard protective finish or film

Varnish is a clear transparent hard protective coating or film. It is not to be confused with wood stain. It usually has a yellowish shade due to the manufacturing process and materials used, but it may also be pigmented as desired. It is sold commercially in various shades.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Petroleum jelly</span> Chemical substance used as a lubricating agent and topical ointment

Petroleum jelly, petrolatum, white petrolatum, soft paraffin, or multi-hydrocarbon, CAS number 8009-03-8, is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons, originally promoted as a topical ointment for its healing properties. Vaseline has been an American brand of petroleum jelly since 1870.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Permanent marker</span>

A permanent marker or indelible marker is a type of marker pen that is used to create permanent or semi-permanent writing on an object.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oil paint</span> Type of slow-drying paint

Oil paint is a type of slow-drying paint that consists of particles of pigment suspended in a drying oil, commonly linseed oil. The viscosity of the paint may be modified by the addition of a solvent such as turpentine or white spirit, and varnish may be added to increase the glossiness of the dried oil paint film. The addition of oil or alkyd medium can also be used to modify the viscosity and drying time of oil paint. Oil paints were first used in Asia as early as the 7th century AD and can be seen in examples of Buddhist paintings in Afghanistan. Oil-based paints made their way to Europe by the 12th century and were used for simple decoration, but oil painting did not begin to be adopted as an artistic medium there until the early 15th century. Common modern applications of oil paint are in finishing and protection of wood in buildings and exposed metal structures such as ships and bridges. Its hard-wearing properties and luminous colors make it desirable for both interior and exterior use on wood and metal. Due to its slow-drying properties, it has recently been used in paint-on-glass animation. The thickness of the coat has considerable bearing on the time required for drying: thin coats of oil paint dry relatively quickly.

A paint thinner is a solvent used to thin oil-based paints. Solvents labeled "paint thinner" are usually mineral spirits having a flash point at about 40 °C (104 °F), the same as some popular brands of charcoal starter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emery (rock)</span> Metamorphic rock

Emery, or corundite, is a dark granular rock used to make an abrasive powder. It largely consists of corundum, mixed with other minerals such as the iron-bearing spinels, hercynite, and magnetite, and also rutile (titania). Industrial emery may contain a variety of other minerals and synthetic compounds such as magnesia, mullite, and silica.

Petroleum ether is the petroleum fraction consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons and boiling in the range 35–60 °C, and commonly used as a laboratory solvent. Despite the name, petroleum ether is not an ether; the term is used only figuratively, signifying extreme lightness and volatility.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2-Butoxyethanol</span> Chemical compound

2-Butoxyethanol is an organic compound with the chemical formula BuOC2H4OH (Bu = CH3CH2CH2CH2). This colorless liquid has a sweet, ether-like odor, as it derives from the family of glycol ethers, and is a butyl ether of ethylene glycol. As a relatively nonvolatile, inexpensive solvent, it is used in many domestic and industrial products because of its properties as a surfactant. It is a known respiratory irritant and can be acutely toxic, but animal studies did not find it to be mutagenic, and no studies suggest it is a human carcinogen. A study of 13 classroom air contaminants conducted in Portugal reported a statistically significant association with increased rates of nasal obstruction and a positive association below the level of statistical significance with a higher risk of obese asthma and increased child BMI.

Cosmoline is the genericized trademark for a common class of brown, wax-like petroleum-based corrosion inhibitors, typically conforming to United States Military Standard MIL-C-11796C Class 3. They are viscous when freshly applied, have a slight fluorescence, and solidify over time with exposure to air. The main ingredient in cosmoline is aliphatic petroleum solvent, which is volatile and evaporates over time.

Petroleum naphtha is an intermediate hydrocarbon liquid stream derived from the refining of crude oil with CAS-no 64742-48-9. It is most usually desulfurized and then catalytically reformed, which rearranges or restructures the hydrocarbon molecules in the naphtha as well as breaking some of the molecules into smaller molecules to produce a high-octane component of gasoline.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tung oil</span> Chemical compound

Tung oil or China wood oil is a drying oil obtained by pressing the seed from the nut of the tung tree. Tung oil hardens upon exposure to air, and the resulting coating is transparent and has a deep, almost wet look. Used mostly for finishing and protecting wood, after numerous coats, the finish can even look plastic-like. Related drying oils include linseed, safflower, poppy, and soybean oils. Raw tung oil tends to dry to a fine, wrinkled finish ; this property was used to make wrinkle finishes, usually by adding excess cobalt drier. To prevent wrinkling, the oil is heated to gas-proof it.

Petroleum benzine is a hydrocarbon-based solvent mixture that is classified by its physical properties rather than a specific chemical composition. This complicates distinction within the long list of petroleum distillate solvent mixtures: mineral spirits, naphtha, petroleum naptha, white gas, white spirits, turps substitute, mineral turpentine, petroleum ether, ligroin, and Stoddard solvent.

Hydrocarbon pneumonitis is a kind of chemical pneumonitis which occurs with oral ingestion of hydrocarbons and associated aspiration. It occurs prominently among children, accounting for many hospital admissions each year. Common hydrocarbons involved are mineral spirits, mineral seal oil, lamp oil, kerosene (paraffin), turpentine, gasoline, and lighter fluid. Pneumatocele is a complication of hydrocarbon pneumonitis. In both childhood and adult pneumonitis, hydrocarbon aspiration occurs at the time of initial ingestion event or subsequently with vomiting. Low viscosity of an ingested hydrocarbon is considered a major factor promoting aspiration. Contrary to aspiration hydrocarbon pneumonitis, hydrocarbon (solvent) vapor inhalation manifests primarily in either central nervous system or cardiac effects.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "White spirit (EHC 187, 1996)". www.inchem.org. Geneva: World Health Organization. 1996. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "White spirit (HSG 103, 1996)". www.inchem.org. 1996. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 European Chemical Agency: Committee for Risk Assessment, "Annex 1 – Background document to RAC opinion on white spirit", p. 5, adopted 10 June 2011.[ dead link ]
  4. "STODDARD SOLVENT". hazard.com. Archived from the original on 2020-11-27. Retrieved 2017-11-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. Environmental law handbook. Sullivan, Thomas F. P., Bell, Christopher L. (21st ed.). Lanham, Md.: Government Institutes. 2011. ISBN   9781605907253. OCLC   757405855.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  6. "A Chronology of Historical Developments in Drycleaning" (PDF). drycleancoalition.org. State Coalition for Remediation of Drycleaners. 2007.
  7. "Cleaning Up the Dry Cleaning Standard". www.nfpa.org. Archived from the original on 18 March 2019. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  8. Dieter Stoye “Solvents” in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry2002, Wiley-VCH, Wienheim. doi : 10.1002/14356007.a24_437
  9. "Mineral Turpentine (Low Odour) Product Sheet" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-04-30.
  10. "The Prince of Guides". Boating Magazine: 24. September 2004.
  11. "National Transportation Safety Board Incident Report" . Retrieved 2012-11-11.
  12. "CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Stoddard solvent". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-11-21.