Calcium Chloride

In this article, we will discuss the nature of Calcium Chloride, and its characteristics. It is also intended to provide the readers with efficient information on various types of it, their unique features, and applications. Moreover, it provides an explanation about Iran’s Calcium Chloride production, and its privileges.

 

 

What is Calcium Chloride?

Calcium Chloride, denoted by the chemical formula CaCl2, is a salt that is widely used across various industries due to its high solubility in water and versatile properties. This compound can be produced through multiple methods, including the reaction of limestone with hydrochloric acid or as a by-product of the Solvay process.

 

Calcium Chloride’s specific features

It is a salt compound with various features. Here are some of its features:

Solubility: It is an extremely soluble compound in water, exhibiting a solubility of 74 grams per 100 milliliters at room temperature. This characteristic makes it a valuable ingredient in numerous applications, including but not limited to de-icing roads and sidewalks, controlling dust, and serving as a food additive.

Hygroscopicity: It is a compound that exhibits a high degree of hygroscopicity, which refers to its capability to attract and retain moisture from the surrounding air. This property makes it an effective desiccant or drying agent in a wide range of applications.

Corrosiveness: It is a highly corrosive substance that can cause damage to certain metals, including aluminum and zinc. As a result, its use may be limited in certain applications where these metals are present.

Density: It is a chemical compound with a density of 2.15 g/cm³, which is higher than that of water.

Melting and boiling point: It has a remarkably high melting point of 772 °C and a boiling point of 1,935 °C. Due to these properties, it is extensively used in various high-temperature applications. For instance, it is used as a coolant in refrigeration systems and as an additive in concrete to accelerate the setting process.

 

 

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Calcium Chloride

Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)

In this article, we will discuss the nature of sodium carbonate, and its characteristics. It is also intended to provide the readers with efficient information on various types of it, their unique features, and applications. Moreover, it provides an explanation about Iran’s sodium carbonate production, and its privileges.

 

 

What is sodium carbonate?

Sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash, is a water-soluble white solid compound with the chemical formula Na2CO3. It is an odorless basic salt that has various applications across different industries. It is a white powder with a melting point of 851°C and a density of 2.54 g/cm³. The material is highly soluble in water, forming an alkaline solution that has a pH of around 11.

Soda ash is classified as a basic salt due to its alkaline nature and can react with acids to form carbon dioxide gas. It is also an electrolyte that can conduct electricity when dissolved in water. This is due to the presence of sodium ions and carbonate ions in the compound.

 

Specific characteristics of Soda Ash

Sodium carbonate has several unique characteristics, which include:

Solubility: It exhibits high solubility in water with a solubility of approximately 22 grams per 100 milliliters at room temperature. This characteristic renders it useful in various applications such as water softening, detergent production, and soap manufacturing.

Alkalinity: It is a naturally occurring alkaline chemical compound. This property makes it useful in various industrial processes, such as the production of glass, paper, and textiles.

Reactivity: It is highly reactive with acids. When it comes into contact with an acid, it undergoes a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas. This property makes it useful in a variety of chemical reactions and industrial processes.

Hygroscopicity: It is hygroscopic in nature, meaning it can readily absorb moisture from the air. This property makes it useful as a drying agent in various applications such as in the production of certain chemicals and as an additive in detergents.

Melting point: It has a melting point of approximately 851°C (1564°F), which makes it an ideal substance for high-temperature applications. This property enables it to be used in the production of ceramics and glass, where it can withstand extreme temperatures without undergoing significant changes in its chemical structure.

 

 

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Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)

Heavy Alkylate Benzene (HAB)

In this article, we will discuss the nature of Heavy Alkylate Benzene, and its characteristics. It is also intended to provide the readers with efficient information on various types of it, their unique features, and applications. Furthermore, it provides an explanation about Iran’s HAB production.

 

 

 

Heavy Alkylate Benzene, and its characteristics

Heavy alkylate benzene is a type of benzene that is manufactured through the alkylation of benzene with high molecular weight olefins. This process yields a product with a significant degree of branching, enhancing its resistance to thermal and oxidative degradation. It has some critical characteristics.

The production of heavy alkylate benzene involves the use of exceptionally pure olefins. This process results in a product that is characterized by its high level of purity and free from impurities. The purity of the heavy alkylate benzene is essential in ensuring that it meets the required standards for its various industrial applications.

High stability is one of the most significant advantages of heavy alkylate benzene due to its high degree of branching. This unique chemical structure provides exceptional stability, even under extreme conditions such as high temperatures and pressures. As a result, it has become an ideal choice for various applications, including use as a solvent, fuel additive, and lubricant.

Its stability also makes it a popular choice in the production of high-performance plastics and synthetic rubber. It is a comparatively low-toxicity type of benzene, making it a safer option for various applications where exposure to benzene might pose a potential health hazard. This can be attributed to its unique molecular structure, which makes it less reactive and less likely to interact with biological systems. Additionally, it has a higher boiling point than other types of benzene, which reduces the likelihood of inhalation exposure.

 

Various applications of Heavy Alkylate benzene

Heavy alkylate benzene, commonly referred to as HAB, is a chemical compound that finds diverse applications across various industries. It is a crucial component in the manufacturing process of linear alkyl benzene (LAB), which is widely used in the production of household and industrial detergents.

One of the most significant uses of HAB is as a blending component in high-octane gasoline. Heavy alkylate benzene is added to gasoline to enhance its quality and performance, particularly in terms of increasing fuel efficiency. Additionally, HAB serves as a raw material in the production of detergents, lubricating oils, and other chemicals.

 

 

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Heavy Alkylate Benzene (HAB)

Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB)

In this article, we will discuss the nature of Linear Alkyl Benzene, and its specific features. It is also intended to provide the readers with efficient information on various types of Linear Alkyl Benzene, their unique characteristics, and applications. Moreover, it provides a brief explanation about Iran’s LAB production.

 

 

What is Linear Alkyl Benzene?

Linear alkyl benzene (LAB) is a colorless to pale yellow liquid that emits a strong, characteristic odor. It is composed of a complex mixture of predominantly linear and mono-alkylated isomers of alkyl benzenes. Linear alkyl benzene is a crucial organic compound extensively utilized in the production of biodegradable detergents. It belongs to the family of alkyl benzenes that are derived from linear olefins, obtained from crude oil or natural gas. The process of producing LAB involves the reaction of linear olefins with benzene, using a catalyst such as hydrofluoric acid or aluminum chloride. The resulting product is then subjected to purification and distillation processes to obtain the final high-quality LAB product.

It is a type of colorless liquid that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and acetone. It has a high boiling point and remains stable under normal conditions. The primary application of LAB is as a surfactant in detergents owing to its exceptional ability to reduce the surface tension of water and enhance the cleaning performance of the detergent. Apart from this, it finds extensive usage in other domains such as lubricants, solvents, and agricultural chemicals.

 

Linear Alkyl Benzene’s specific features

Linear Alkyl Benzene is a type of organic compound that has some features. The molecular structure of LAB is characterized by an aromatic hydrocarbon comprising a benzene ring and a linear alkyl chain that is attached to it. The length of the alkyl chain may differ, but it usually consists of 10 to 14 carbon atoms. It is a clear liquid that exhibits insolubility in water but solubility in organic solvents like benzene and toluene. After Sulfonation in downstream processing units, LAB is changed to Linear ALkyl Benzene Sulfonate Acid (LABSA) and it is used as the primary cleaning agent in household detergents including cleaning powders and liquids.

 

 

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Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB)

Caustic Soda - Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a highly caustic and corrosive compound that is commonly known as caustic soda or lye. The name “caustic soda” comes from its ability to corrode or burn organic materials upon contact due to its strong alkaline properties. NaOH is a type of sodium hydrate, meaning that it contains water molecules within its crystal structure.

 

 

What is caustic soda?

In its pure form, caustic soda appears as a waxy, white solid that readily absorbs moisture from the air and dissolves in water to form an aqueous solution. Overall, sodium hydroxide has a wide range of industrial applications, including in the production of paper, textiles, soaps, and detergents. It is also used in the manufacturing of various chemicals, such as plastics and pharmaceuticals. However, due to its highly corrosive nature, sodium hydroxide must be handled with care and caution to prevent injury or damage.

 

What are the applications of sodium hydroxide?

Sodium hydroxide has numerous applications across various industries. One of its most common applications is in the production of paper and pulp. In this process, caustic soda is used to break down lignin, a complex organic polymer found in wood, which helps to separate the cellulose fibers and create pulp. It accounts for around 90% of the total sodium hydroxide consumption in the paper industry.

Another application of sodium hydroxide is in water treatment, primarily for pH level regulation and elimination of impurities like heavy metals and organic compounds. Its application in water treatment is significant as it helps in the removal of contaminants from water, making it safe for consumption and industrial use.

Caustic soda finds extensive application in the chemical industry for manufacturing various chemicals including detergents, soaps, and bleach. Additionally, it is used in the extraction of alumina from bauxite ore during the production of aluminum by dissolving the ore in a sodium hydroxide solution. Moreover, apart from its industrial applications, this substance finds widespread usage in several other domains.

One such example is its frequent use as a drain cleaner, owing to its ability to dissolve grease and other organic substances. Additionally, it is employed in the food processing industry to sanitize surfaces and equipment. It is also used to remove impurities from food products such as cocoa and chocolate.

 

What are the various types of caustic soda?

There are several types of sodium hydroxide available in the market, each with its unique properties and applications, including:

A. Membrane-grade caustic soda

It is a type manufactured using an electrolytic process. This process involves the use of a membrane to separate the anode and cathode compartments. The resulting product has a high level of purity, up to 99%, which makes it ideal for use in high-end applications such as food processing and pharmaceuticals.

 

 

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Caustic Soda - Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

Epoxy adhesives

Epoxy adhesive is considered one of the most significant adhesives in history, since the beginning of adhesive use. Epoxy adhesives are composed of epoxy resin, which exhibits various properties and characteristics depending on the resin grade and fillers added, such as metals and ceramics. These adhesives have been utilized in the industry for over half a century, offering excellent chemical and physical properties. Typically, they are produced in two components: resin and hardener.

 

 

What is a epoxy adhesive and its applications?

Epoxy adhesives are known for their strong bonding capabilities and resistance to chemicals, heat, and water. They are used in a wide range of applications, including construction, automotive, aerospace, marine, and electronics industries. Epoxy adhesives can be used to bond various materials like metals, plastics, wood, and ceramics. One of the primary advantages of epoxy adhesives is their ability to form a strong bond even under harsh conditions. They can also fill gaps between surfaces and provide excellent electrical insulation. However, they require careful handling due to their potentially harmful nature.

 

Specific characteristics and privileges the substance

Epoxy resin-based products have a wide range of applications, including coatings, paints, adhesives, and sealants for repairing metal surfaces. Upon drying, epoxy adhesives become hard and rigid, with drying times ranging from a few minutes to several hours. Generally, the faster an adhesive dries, the lower its final strength will be, and vice versa. One-component epoxy adhesives require heat activation and have a higher drying speed than two-component epoxy adhesives.

 

Strong and durable adhesion conditions

To ensure a strong and durable adhesion of epoxy glues, it is crucial to prepare and clean the surface before applying the glue. This applies not only to epoxy glues but also to other adhesives such as polyurethane adhesive, MS polymer adhesive, and silicone adhesives. Neglecting to prepare the surface properly can significantly impact the quality of the final adhesion. The longevity of epoxy adhesives is contingent upon the location and conditions in which they are stored. When stored under appropriate conditions, epoxy adhesives can typically remain effective for several years.

 

Advantages of epoxy glue

Epoxy glue have several advantages over other types of adhesives such as silicone and polyurethane.

Firstly, they experience a decrease in volume, or shrinkage, after drying which ensures that the adhesive remains in place and does not crack or break due to changes in temperature or pressure.

Secondly, epoxy adhesives do not release any gas during the drying process which makes them ideal for use in confined spaces.

They are also highly compatible with a wide range of materials and can adhere to many different surfaces, including metals, plastics, and ceramics.

Additionally, epoxy adhesives offer excellent chemical and corrosion resistance as well as high resistance to erosion. They are also suitable for use as insulation for electrical cables.

 

 

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Epoxy adhesives

Types of bitumen & applications - Buying bitumen

Bitumen is a dark brown or black, non-crystalline and highly viscous substance with adhesive and waterproof properties. It is soluble in organic solutions such as toluene and carbon disulfide. This substance is mainly composed of hydrocarbons, which typically contain around 80% carbon and 15% hydrogen. It is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and other compounds that gives it unique physical and chemical properties.

 

What are the features?

It is a highly strong and resilient adhesive substance, capable of binding an extensive range of materials, even when their properties do not match. The durability of this adhesive is critical for significant engineering projects, including the construction of roads and waterways that require a lifespan of 20 years or more.

It is insoluble in water and can act as an effective waterproofing insulator. It also resists most acids, alkalis and salts and does not contaminate water, so it can be used for water flow lines.

It is insoluble in water and can act as an effective waterproofing insulator. It also resists most acids, alkalis and salts and does not contaminate water, so it can be used for water flow lines.

The substance in question is a type of thermoplastic material that has the unique property of becoming liquid when exposed to heat and solidifying when it cools down. This characteristic makes it highly versatile and easy to work with, as it can be liquefied using one of three methods: through the application of heat, by dissolving it in petroleum solvents, or by dispersing it in water as an emulsion. This allows for the material to be easily spread and applied in areas where it is needed.

The mineral aggregate mix used in road construction requires a material that provides controllable flexibility, and this is why it is widely used. This material is available at an affordable cost almost everywhere in the world.

 

What are the applications of this substance?

The applications of bitumen are diverse and can be categorized into road construction, industrial applications, waterproofing of buildings, and electrical insulation. However, it is important to note that the primary use of this material is in road construction.

 

Producers and buyers of this substance

China, United States, Canada, Russia, Venezuela, Iran, Mexico, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates were the top 10 producers of bitumen in 2022.

China, India, United States, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia were the top 10 buyers of this substance in 2022.

 

 

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Types of bitumen & applications - Buying bitumen

Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin is an adaptable and useful material that has a wide range of applications in various industries. It is a type of synthetic polymer that is created by mixing two different components together, an epoxy resin and a hardener.

 

 

The nature of epoxy resin and its various types

There are several types of epoxy resins with unique features and applications, including:

1. Bisphenol An Epoxy Resin (DGEBA): The most commonly used type of epoxy resin is Bisphenol epoxy resins, which are produced by reacting bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin. These resins have high mechanical strength, good adhesion, and excellent chemical resistance, making them ideal for a wide range of applications such as coatings, adhesives, composites, and electronics.
2. Novolac Epoxy Resin: Novolac epoxy resins are synthesized through the reaction between epichlorohydrin and phenolic novolac resins. These resins exhibit exceptional thermal stability and high cross-link density, making them ideal for use in applications that require high-temperature resistance such as coatings for chemical processing equipment, tanks, and pipelines.
3. Aliphatic Epoxy Resin: Aliphatic epoxy resins are produced as a result of reacting aliphatic amines with epichlorohydrin. These resins exhibit exceptional color stability and UV resistance, which makes them an ideal choice for outdoor applications such as coatings for buildings, bridges and automobiles.
4. Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Resin: Cycloaliphatic epoxy resins are produced by reacting cycloaliphatic diamines with epichlorohydrin. The low viscosity and excellent chemical resistance properties of these substances make them ideal for utilization in adhesives and coatings.
5. Glycidyl amine Epoxy Resin: Glycidyl amine epoxy resins are produced by reacting amines with epichlorohydrin. They have excellent impact resistance and toughness, making them suitable for use in composites and adhesives.

 

The applications of epoxy resins

Epoxy resins have several various applications, including using as adhesives because of their strong bonding capabilities. The aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics industries all use epoxy adhesives extensively.

They are used as Coatings for floors, walls, and other surfaces. They are a popular choice for commercial and industrial sectors, such as factories, due to their durable and visually appealing finish that is highly resistant to chemicals, abrasion, and impact.

Epoxy resins are used as Composites, which are known for their lightweight and strong, making them ideal for use in aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods applications.

 

 

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Epoxy Resin

Polystyrene (PS) G1551, G1461, G1161 in Iran

Polystyrene (PS) G1551, G1461, G1161 in Iran

Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer made from monomer styrene. It is a rigid, transparent, and lightweight plastic that is commonly used in packaging materials, insulation, disposable cups and containers, and toys. Polystyrene can be produced in two forms: solid (commonly used for packaging) and foam (used for insulation and cushioning).

 

 

What is Polystyrene (PS)?

Polystyrene is an inexpensive material that is easy to manufacture and mold into different shapes. It has good insulation properties, making it an ideal material for use in building insulation and packaging materials. However, polystyrene is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose, which has led to concerns about its impact on the environment.

 

Application of polystyrene

Polystyrene foam is often used as a cushioning material for fragile items during shipping because of its ability to absorb shock. It is also used in disposable food containers because it is lightweight, inexpensive, and can be easily molded into different shapes. However, there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with using polystyrene in food packaging.

In summary, polystyrene is a synthetic polymer made from monomer styrene that is commonly used in packaging materials, insulation, disposable cups and containers, and toys due to its low cost and ease of manufacturing. However, its impact on the environment and potential health risks have raised concerns about its use.

 

What is Polystyrene (PS) G1551 and its usage in the industry?

Polystyrene G1551 is a type of polystyrene resin that is commonly used in the manufacturing of consumer goods, such as toys, electronic components, and food packaging. It is a thermoplastic material that is known for its high strength, rigidity, and resistance to impact and moisture.

 

 

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Polystyrene (PS) G1551, G1461, G1161 in Iran

Gasoline D2 or Diesel D2 in Iran

Gasoline D2 or Diesel D2 in Iran

A refinery abbreviation for Gasoil is Diesel D2 or Gasoline D2. Unlike crude distillate, it does not require reformers or additives for use. Before petrol cars as we know them today were invented, diesel engines used D2 as fuel. This is due to the fact that a German engine called Diesel requires no spark plugs. When pressure increases, the diesel engine will ignite and combust so that the heated “plug” explodes. As a result, diesel engines are based on the same principles. As a result, the refinery will add additives to the automotive diesel that you fill to make the engine more efficient and easier to start over the winter season.

The “Flash Point” of diesel changes in the winter, according to the small print. Like petrol, diesel also has additives to absorb water that condenses in the cylinder – but because the nozzles are injected directly into the cylinder, ice will destroy the nozzles before the engine. Your fuel pipes may freeze and burst if you use summer diesel in the winter, and the wax can make the diesel flow thicker. Summer diesel gives you better mileage, but you will have to deal with more fuel pipe freezing and bursts.

 

 

 

The role of sulfur in GASOIL and Diesel D2

It is the sulfur content of GASOIL and Gasoline D2 that makes them different. A limit of 4% sulfur in GASOIL was introduced by the US EPA 10 years ago, while Europe and the rest of the world followed later. Most of the time, when sulfur needs to be removed, ways of doing it more efficiently are quickly discovered. Sulfur can now be traded profitably with sulfuric acid, which is now motivating farmers to extract as much as possible.

In essence, ‘Low Sulphur Gasoil‘ is now below 0.2% rather than 4%. As for Ultra Low Sulphur, it has a maximum sulfur content of 0.02%, and there are two limitations here: (a) mass spectrographs need extensive calibration to measure below 1000ppm, and (b) sulfur can form clogs. As explained above, Diesel D2 is a distillate, and it has not been “cracked” by the refinery. As a result, the molecules bind to free hydrogen molecules, forming a cluster that will break. The average sulfur content in a barrel is less than 0.02%, so you only got a cluster of molecules in your pint of ULSG.

 

 

Oil companies standard for production Diesel D2

Oil companies use a standard for Gasoline D2 or Diesel D2 from the International Standardization Organization – ISO.

As a result of proposals from ASTM, API, and EPA, ANSI has defined the US national standard for Diesel D2.

There are national variants in Europe, for instance, DIN in Germany, and GOST in Russia.

According to the ISO standard, the GOST variant for D2/Gasoil has a maximum sulfur content of 0.02 MAX. As the ANSI standard, it calls it “Ultra Low Sulphur”, and 0,2% (2000ppm) will be referred to as “Low Sulphur”. Many cities have reduced their pollution as a result of the reduction of sulfur in their gasoil.

 

 

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Gasoline D2 or Diesel D2 in Iran