White Spirit
Physical Properties,
Types, and Grades
White spirit or mineral spirit belongs to a large family of solvents known as soluble or paint thinners.
This product is a paraffin derived material, used as a solvent in cleaning products and as a degreasing factor in the industry.
White spirit is a colorless material with a low water solubility that has a special smell. The boiling point of this chemical is between 150 and 220° C.
Although white spirit has a wide range of applications, it plays a vital role in the production of paints and nail polish.
Would you like to know more about this product’s application? Click on the Application of White Spirit.
How is White Spirit Manufactured?
White spirit is produced by distillation of naphtha or kerosene. Also called white spirit type 0 or high aromatic white spirit, this chemical substance is a mixture of aliphatic and alicyclic C7 to C12 hydrocarbons. The maximum density for these aromatic hydrocarbons in white spirit is 25%.
High aromatic white spirit is hydrodesulphurized afterwards to form low aromatic white spirit (around 13 to17% aromatics). Manufacturers of white spirit may also use hydrogenation to produce another type, which is termed odorless white spirit (less than 5% aromatics).
What are Different Types of White Spirit?
What are Different Types of White Spirit?
White spirit has 3 different types and grades. These grades are determined by the crude oil used as the starting material and the conditions of distillation.
- Hydrodesulphurized heavy naphtha which contains 25% aromatics and is called white spirit type 0.
- Solvent-refined heavy naphtha that contains13 to 17% aromatics and is known as low aromatic white spirit.
- Hydrotreated heavy naphtha in which aromatics has changed to saturated alicyclic hydrocarbons.
Note that the higher aromatic composition of the white spirit, the greater their solvent strength and smell.
Advantages of Low Aromatic White Spirit
Low aromatic white spirit (LAWS) is a refined type of white spirit that contains less sulfur. That’s why the majority of industries prefer LAWS to other types.
This type of white spirit is less toxic than high aromatic white spirit. Applying LAWS as paint thinner, reduces the unpleasant smell of the paint and protects you from dizziness or nausea.
White Spirit; Various Grades and their Advantages
Infinity Galaxy predominantly supplies low aromatic white spirit or solvent 402 in two grades of A and B.
Grade A is highly applied in painting buildings and oil thinner.
Grade B has a vast application in gasoline, fuel, and hydrocarbon.
It also has other usages in producing MC bitumen, paints, lacquers, aerosols, varnishes, etc.
Referring to the standard specifications of these two grades according to ASTM is vital.
White Spirit; Various Grades and their Advantages
Infinity Galaxy predominantly supplies low aromatic white spirit or solvent 402 in two grades of A and B.
Grade A is highly applied in painting buildings and oil thinner. Grade B has a vast application in gasoline, fuel, and hydrocarbon. It also has other usages in producing MC bitumen, paints, lacquers, aerosols, varnishes, etc.
Referring to the standard specifications of these two grades according to ASTM is vital.
Advantages of Low Aromatic White Spirit grade A
- Has less than 1% sulfur,
- The aromatic content is less than 20g,
- The flash point is 38° C min,
- It is not smelly,
It is appropriate for residences and public areas.
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Infinity Galaxy LAWS – Grade A |
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| ANALYSIS ∞ | UNIT | LIMIT | TEST METHOD | Test Condition |
| Density @ 15°C | Kg/m3 | <785 | ASTM D 1298 | 15°C |
| Distillation : | ASTM D 86 | |||
| I.B.P | °C | 142-158 | ” “ | |
| 10% Evaporated @ | °C | 158 min | ” “ | |
| 50% ” @ | °C | 179 max | ” “ | |
| 90% ” @ | °C | 194 max | ” “ | |
| Dry point | °C | 205 max | ” “ | |
| Residue | Vol % | 1.5 max | ||
| Color Saybolt | – | 25 min | ASTM D 156 | |
| Odor | – | Merchantable | – | |
| Flash Point tag | °C | 38 min | ASTM D 56 | |
| [email protected]°C | – | 1a | ASTM D 130 | 100°C |
| Sulphur Total | wt% | 0.1 max | ASTM D 1266 | |
| Doctor Test | – | Negative | ASTM D 4952 | |
| Aromatic Content | Vol % | 20 max | ASTM D 1319 | |
| Gum Existent | mg/100 ml | 5 max | ASTM D 381 | |
| Neutrality | – | pass | BS.245 | |
| Acidity of Residue | – | pass | ASTM D1093 | |
Advantages of Low Aromatic White Spirit grade B
- Its density is more than grade A <798,
- The flash point is 44° C min,
- It is appropriate for producing fuels.
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LAWS – Grade B |
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| ANALYSIS | UNIT | LIMIT | TEST METHOD | Test Condition |
| Density @ 15°C | Kg/m3 | <798 min | ASTM D 1298 | 15°C |
| Distillation : | ASTM D 86 | |||
| I.B.P | °C | 156 | ” “ | |
| 10% Evaporated @ | °C | 165 min | ” “ | |
| 50% ” @ | °C | 181 max | ” “ | |
| 90% ” @ | °C | 211 max | ” “ | |
| Dry point | °C | 230 max | ” “ | |
| Residue | Vol % | 1 max | ||
| Color Saybolt | – | 25 min | ASTM D 156 | |
| Odor | – | Merchantable | – | |
| Flash Point tag | °C | 44 min | ASTM D 56 | |
| [email protected]°C | – | 1a | ASTM D 130 | 100°C |
| Sulphur Total | wt% | 0.1 max | ASTM D 1266 | |
| Doctor Test | – | Negative | ASTM D 4952 | |
| Aromatic Content | Vol % | 22 max | ASTM D 1319 | |
| Gum Existent | mg/100 ml | 5 max | ASTM D 381 | |
| Neutrality | – | pass | BS.245 | |
| Acidity of Residue | – | pass | ASTM D1093 | |
What are Alternatives to White Spirit?
What are Alternatives to White Spirit?
Turpentine can be used instead of white spirit when you want to thin oil paint.
For cleaning painting tools, turpentine will be suitable as well.
In degreasing metal equipment and cleaning them, denatured alcohol can be used instead of white spirit.
For items that need to be cleaned out of dirt and glue, white spirit can be substituted by acetone.
What is the Difference between White Spirit and Turpentine?
Mineral spirit and turpentine can be used interchangeably as a solvent. However, there are differences you need to consider before applying these products.
White spirit is petroleum based, but turpentine is extracted from trees.
Turpentine is proved to be more flammable and toxic than white spirit.
If you use turpentine instead of white spirit, be careful about the smell, because it takes more time to evaporate.
What is the Difference between White Spirit and Acetone?
Acetone is a solvent, too. For general cleaning and getting rid of contamination, acetone can be used.
In comparison to white spirit, it is safer to use. When cleaning plastics pick acetone instead of white spirit, since it may not damage it.