White spirit solvent: properties and features of use

White spirit is a special oil product obtained during the distillation and refining of oil. This solvent is obtained in the synthesis of synthetic carbons during the purification of oil. It is very often used in repair and construction works. The English name white-spirit means "white or transparent spirit."

This liquid is used in the process of mixing various paints and varnishes. In addition, the solvent is used in the dilution of alkyd, varnish and oil paints. White spirit also performs other functions, for example, it perfectly dissolves various oils and fats. Such solvents are used to clean electric motors.

This solvent has a too strong smell that is somewhat similar to the smell of kerosene. Even at a decent distance, this particular flavor can be felt.White spirit produces very toxic fumes that can cause intoxication in the human body.

Find and buy white spirit today is easy. A wide range of products of foreign and domestic manufacturers is presented on the construction market.

For the basis for the manufacture of the solvent take a mixture of aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon bonds.

Often the manufacturer indicates the percentage of components:

• aromatic - 14%;
• sulfur - 0.035%.

The clear viscous solvent resembles with its consistency motor oil with a corresponding specific odor. It turns out to be of high quality thanks to the use of the latest European technologies, which make it possible to avoid obtaining imperfect products.

There are certain indicators by which you can determine the quality of a good solvent:

• volatility index - 3.5 ... 5;
• the density of the solvent at 20ºС - 0.69 g / cm3;
• consumption - 110 ... 160 g / m2.

White spirit can be purchased in containers:

• capacity 1 l;
• in the plastic canister of 5, 10 and 20 liters;
• in the metal drum of 20 and 50 l;
• in PET bottles of 500 ml and 1 l.

Tare weight can be specified in gross - 0.8 kg, for example. Dispose of empty cans, barrels, cans and residues of the solvent should be in a separate paragraph, which collects hazardous technical household waste.

There is a certain difference between imported and domestic product. Foreign solvent is characterized by the absence of a strong odor. But the solvent produced in Russia is very effective and copes with its direct task. In addition, the Russian white spirit cleans the surface of fat much better.

The main advantages of using a solvent for dilution and degreasing are called:

• low level of chemical hazard;
• instant weathering;
• optimal price;
• wide scope of application.

A substance such as white spirit is used to:

• production of paints and varnishes;
• the manufacture of antimicrobial substrates that are used for finishing wood;
• manufacturing of primers;
• cleaning specialized equipment, machine parts;
• remove grease from metallic coatings;
• making polishing pastes;
• surface cleaning before painting.

It is very simple to put ready solvent:

• A certain amount of white spirit is placed in the desired substance.
• The mixture is thoroughly mixed until smooth.
• The procedure can be repeated if you need to add a solvent.

To degrease the surface using white spirit is easy. Often the solvent is used when it is necessary to clean the area for painting in order to increase the adhesion of the enamel to the substrate. A small amount of white spirit is applied to the area to be treated, rubbing with a cloth. After that, the coating should be left for a couple of minutes, then wipe the surface dry.

To protect hands before work, be sure to wear glovessolvent too caustic.Should be aware of the volatility of white spirit. Working with a substance, you need to constantly air the room.

White spirit is not a highly toxic substance.

Certain safety standards are required:

• When working with solvents, you need to use special clothes that are able to protect the body from contact with chemicals. Also need to remember about the mandatory use of a respirator.
• Work in an open or ventilated room.
• The direct rays of the sun on the container with the chemical should not fall, otherwise there may be a fire.
• Next to sources of artificial lighting, which are considered to be a source of ignition, it is impossible to work with white spirit.

• When opening the container do not use objects that can create a spark.
• Pumps (compressed air) should not be used to drain or pump solvent.
• Sand or foam can be used to extinguish a fire when a fire breaks out. Water for extinguishing is not used.

Organic type of solvent can be used not only in factories for the production of paints and varnishes. This tool began to be applied at chemical plants where cleaning of structures and various parts is necessary. On large-scale industries for work use a large amount of solvents. This amount of substance needs to be stored somewhere.

Special requirements are placed on the places and storage conditions:

• It is possible to store the solvent intended for washing parts and degreasing surfaces on the territory of the working or production premises only to the extent that does not exceed the daily requirement.
• Keep the substance in a hermetically sealed container. Expiration date is usually indicated on the label. Empty containers need to be processed. Usually the emptied container is washed or steamed. Such a thorough cleaning process will relieve the tank of accumulated explosive vapors.
• It is better not to store solvents in rooms with equipment for polymerization.
• The organic type of substances is recommended to be stored in a special glass container. At the same time, possible damage to such a container should be completely excluded.

In addition to general safety rules, there are special requirements for individual rooms where the solvent will be stored. These can only be cool, dry and dark rooms that are designed for the placement and subsequent storage of solvents.

Special room must be equipped with a ventilation system.so that the conditions comply with fire safety standards, which are usually applied to rooms for the preservation of explosive substances, including flammable liquids. Chemical vapors should not accumulate there. Floors must be cleaned with ease and have a slope. It is designed to drain waste water that may appear during wet cleaning. The doors of the room should be tightly locked.

Today, in addition to white spirit, a variety of chemical agents are presented, used for degreasing or cleaning surfaces:

• Petrol - perfectly increases the fluidity of paints, oil and bitumen enamels. This material is used when flushing fat from the surface to be glued.
• Turpentine - used to dissolve oil and alkyd-styrene compounds.Pure turpentine is combined with other types of solvents, obtaining a mixture with moderate toxicity to apply the composition to remove dried paint.

As well as white spirit, similar chemical preparations are made in the course of oil distillation.

Among them are a variety of benzo-solvent, which have similar properties with white spirit:

• small component composition;
• low level of toxicity;
• high boiling point;
• well diluted, allowing to work with dye and extractable substance, including film-forming products;
• formulations with a certain amount of aromatic hydrocarbons.

In this video, you can see the effect of solvent white alcohol on the car paintwork.