White Spirit Overview

White spirit, also called mineral spirits or mineral turpentine, is a petroleum-derived solvent widely used in painting, decorating, and industrial cleaning. It effectively thins oil-based paints, cleans brushes and equipment, and acts as a degreasing agent. Colorless and volatile, white spirit is less toxic than turpentine but should still be handled with care.

Chemically, white spirit is a mixture of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons, obtained from crude oil distillation. Common solvent types include 400, 402, 403, 404, 406, and 410, differing mainly in aromatic content. These solvents are classified as high aromatic or low aromatic. Among them, Solvent 402 is highly regarded for its industrial versatility. Mineral spirits typically have a melting point of -40°C and a boiling range of 150–200°C.

---

Key Characteristics of White Spirit

• Colorless Liquid: Clear and visually transparent.

• Volatile: Evaporates quickly at room temperature.

• Low Toxicity: Safer than turpentine but still requires caution.

• Non-Corrosive: Safe for most surfaces.

• Solvent Power: Effectively dissolves oils, greases, resins, and adhesives.

---

Uses of White Spirit

• • Paint Thinner: For oil-based paints and varnishes.

  • Brush Cleaner: Removes paint residues from brushes and tools.

  • Degreasing Agent: Cleans grease and grime from metal surfaces.

  • Stain Remover: Removes certain stains from fabrics and surfaces.

  • Fuel: Used occasionally in portable stoves and heaters.

  • Adhesive Remover: Helps remove labels, glue, and stickers (can be used in combination with Monoethanolamine (MEA) for industrial adhesive formulations).

  • Surface Preparation: Prepares surfaces for painting by removing contaminants.

---

Benefits of White Spirit

• Versatile Solvent: Suitable for painting, cleaning, and industrial use.

• Low Odor & Toxicity: Safer alternative to other petroleum solvents.

• Effective Degreasing: Excellent for industrial cleaning.

• Wide Grade Range: Adaptable to household, commercial, and industrial requirements.

---

White Spirit Grades

White spirit is classified based on refinement and aromatic content:

Type 0

• Description: Least refined grade.

• Characteristics: High aromatic content.

• Uses: Heavy-duty industrial cleaning and degreasing.

Type 1

• Description: Moderately refined.

• Characteristics: Medium aromatic content.

• Uses: General-purpose solvent for paints, varnishes, and cleaning.

Type 2

• Description: Most refined.

• Characteristics: Lowest aromatic content; low odor and toxicity.

• Uses: Household cleaning, indoor painting, and low-odor applications.

---

Solvent 402, 404 & 406

Solvent 402

• Type: Low aromatic white spirit.

• Characteristics: Low odor, low toxicity, high flash point, controlled evaporation.

• Uses: Paint thinning, degreasing, adhesives, surface cleaning, industrial applications, fatty epoxies, varnishes, polishes, dry cleaning, wood protection, nail polish, asphalt production, and household uses like washing tools and removing glue marks.

Solvent 404

• Type: Intermediate refinement.

• Uses: General industrial and household cleaning, surface preparation.

Solvent 406

• Type: Higher aromatic content.

• Uses: Heavy-duty industrial degreasing and cleaning.

---

Packing of White Spirit

White spirit (Solvent 402) is supplied in various economical and reliable packaging options:

• Metal Barrels: 170.5 kg each.

• ISO Tank Containers: For bulk shipping.

• Flexi Tanks: For large-scale industrial transport.

• Bulk Shipments: Customized quantities.

Container Loading:

• One 20 ft container can carry approximately 18–20 tons in barrels.

• ISO tanks and flexi tanks allow larger shipment volumes depending on client needs.

---

Specification of Low Aromatic White Spirit (L.A.W.S)