Industrial Chemicals
Industrial chemicals play a vital role in various manufacturing processes, contributing to the production of countless goods and materials essential for modern life. Here's an overview of industrial chemicals:
Definition: Industrial chemicals serve diverse purposes, ranging from raw material inputs to catalysts, solvents, and intermediates in various industrial sectors.
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Ethanol
Description
Ethanol is a clear, colourless, and volatile liquid with a mild alcoholic odour. Known for its versatility, it's widely used as a solvent, fuel additive, disinfectant, and in personal care products.
Raw Materials
- Natural: Sugarcane, corn, molasses (fermentation)
- Synthetic: Ethylene (petrochemical route)
Technical Specs
- Formula: C₂H₅OH
- Purity: 95%–99.9%
- Boiling Point: 78.3°C
- Flash Point: 12°C
- Miscibility: Miscible with water & organic solvents
Applications
- Paints & coatings (solvent)
- Pharmaceuticals (medicines, antiseptics)
- Hand sanitizers & disinfectants
- Perfumes & cosmetics
- Fuel (bioethanol blends)
Used In
Paint, Pharma, Personal Care, Cleaning, Fuel, Food & Lab industries
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Citric Acid
Description
Citric Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in citrus fruits. It is a white, crystalline substance with a tart taste. Commonly used in food and beverages as an acidity regulator, preservative, and flavour enhancer. It also finds application in cleaning products and cosmetics.
Raw Materials
- Sugarcane or corn (fermentation process)
- Citrus fruits (natural extraction)
Technical Specs
- Formula: C₆H₈O₇
- Purity: 99%+
- Melting Point: 153°C
- pH (5% solution): ~2.2
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Applications
- Food & beverages (acidulant, preservative)
- Cleaning products (descaling agents)
- Cosmetics (pH adjuster, exfoliant)
- Pharmaceuticals (effervescent tablets, syrups)
Used In
Food, Beverages, Cleaning, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals
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Lactic Acid
Description
Lactic Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in milk and fermented foods. It is a clear, syrupy liquid with a mild acidic odour. It is widely used in food, personal care products, and biodegradable plastics.
Raw Materials
- Carbohydrates (glucose or sucrose via fermentation)
- Milk (natural extraction)
Technical Specs
- Formula: C₃H₆O₃
- Purity: 80%–90%
- Boiling Point: 325°C
- Flash Point: 150°C
- Solubility: Miscible with water
Applications
- Food (preservative, acidity regulator)
- Personal care (skin care, pH adjuster)
- Biodegradable plastics (PLA)
- Pharmaceuticals (antiseptics, creams)
Used In
Food, Beverages, Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, Plastics
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Zeolites
Description
Zeolites are microporous, aluminosilicate minerals used as molecular sieves, catalysts, and adsorbents. They have a wide range of applications, including water purification, air filtration, and as catalysts in petrochemical processes.
Raw Materials
- Synthetic: Silica & alumina
- Natural: Found in volcanic rocks
Technical Specs
- Chemical Formula: (Na₂O•Al₂O₃•2SiO₂•nH₂O)
- Form: Pellets
- Pore Size: 3Å to 10Å
- Surface Area: High (typically 300–1000 m²/g)
Applications
- Water & air purification
- Petrochemical & refining (catalyst)
- Detergents (softening agents)
- Soil remediation
Used In
Water Treatment, Petrochemicals, Detergents, Agriculture, Air Filtration
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Biomass
Description
Biomass refers to organic materials derived from plants, animals, and waste that can be used for energy production. It is a renewable and carbon-neutral resource, often converted into biofuels like bioethanol or biodiesel.
Raw Materials
- Wood chips
- Agricultural waste (corn stover, rice husks)
- Algae
- Food & yard waste
Technical Specs
- Form: Solid, liquid, or gas
- Moisture Content: 10%–50%
- Energy Density: Varies by feedstock
- Property: Renewable & Carbon Neutral
Applications
- Biofuels (ethanol, biodiesel)
- Biomass power generation
- Biochemical production (bio-based chemicals)
- Waste-to-energy systems
Used In
Energy, Agriculture, Waste Management, Biofuels
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Compressor Oil
Description
Compressor Oil is a specialized lubricant used to ensure smooth operation and efficiency of air compressors. It reduces friction, prevents wear, and helps cool the compressor during operation.
Raw Materials
- Mineral oils or synthetic oils
- Additives (anti-wear, oxidation inhibitors)
Technical Specs
- Viscosity Grade: ISO VG 32/46/68
- Flash Point: ~220°C
- Pour Point: -20°C
- Colour: Pale yellow to amber
Applications
- Rotary screw compressors
- Reciprocating compressors
- HVAC systems
- Industrial refrigeration
- Pneumatic tools & machinery
Used In
Manufacturing, HVAC, Industrial Equipment, Automotive
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Mineral Oil
Description
Mineral Oil is a petroleum-based lubricant known for its purity and stability. It is widely used in industrial applications and cosmetics due to its non-reactivity and smooth texture.
Raw Materials
- Refined from crude oil
Technical Specs
- Viscosity: Varies by grade (light, heavy)
- Flash Point: 200–300°C
- Boiling Point: 350°C–400°C
- CAS No.: 8042-47-5
Applications
- Lubricants & oils for machinery
- Base oil in cosmetics (creams, lotions)
- Hydraulic fluids
- Transformer oils
- Food-grade applications
Used In
Machinery, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Food Processing, Industrial Lubrication