Solvent white spirit: properties and features of use

White spirit is a special petroleum product obtained during the distillation and refining of oil. This solvent is obtained during the synthesis of synthetic hydrocarbons during the refining of oil. It is very often used in renovation and construction work. 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. These solvents are used to clean electric motors.

This solvent has a too strong smell, which is somewhat similar to the smell of kerosene. Even at a decent distance, this specific aroma can be felt. White spirit emits very poisonous fumes that can cause intoxication in the human body.

It is not difficult to find and buy white spirit today. The construction market offers a wide range of products from foreign and domestic manufacturers.

The basis for the manufacture of the solvent is a mixture of aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon bonds.

Often the manufacturer indicates the percentage of the components:

• aromatic - 14%;
• sulfuric - 0.035%.

The transparent viscous solvent resembles with its consistency engine 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 20 ° C - 0.69 g / cm3;
• consumption - 110 ... 160 g / m2.

White spirit can be purchased in containers:

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

Tare weight can be indicated in gross - 0.8 kg, for example. Dispose of empty canisters, drums, cans and solvent residues at a separate collection point for hazardous industrial waste.

There is a definite difference between imported and domestic products. Foreign solvent is distinguished by the absence of a sharp specific odor. But the Russian-made solvent is very effective and perfectly copes with its direct task. In addition, Russian white spirit cleans surfaces from fat much better.

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

• low level of chemical hazard;
• instant weathering;
• optimal price;
• wide range of applications.

A substance such as white spirit is used to:

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

It is very easy to apply the ready-made 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 a solvent needs to be added.

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

Always wear gloves to protect your hands before work., the solvent is too corrosive. It should be remembered about the volatility of white spirit. When working with a substance, you need to constantly ventilate the room.

White spirit does not belong to highly toxic agents.

It is required to comply with certain safety standards:

• When working with a solvent, special clothing must be used that can protect the body from contact with chemicals. You also need to remember about the mandatory use of a respirator.
• You need to work in an open or ventilated room.
• Direct rays of the sun should not fall on the container with the chemical, otherwise a fire may occur.
• It is impossible to work with white spirit near sources of artificial lighting, which are considered a source of ignition.

• When opening the container, do not use objects that can create a spark.
• Do not use pumps (compressed air) to drain or transfer solvent.
• Sand or foam can be used to extinguish a fire when a fire occurs. Extinguishing water is not used.

The organic type of solvents can be used not only in factories for the production of paints and varnishes. This tool began to be used in chemical plants where cleaning of structures and various parts is needed. Large-scale factories use a large volume of solvents for work. This amount of substance needs to be stored somewhere.

Places and storage conditions have special requirements:

• It is possible to store the solvent intended for washing parts and degreasing surfaces on the territory of a work or production room only in a volume that does not exceed the daily requirement.
• Store the substance in a hermetically sealed container. The expiration date is usually indicated on the label. Empty containers must be handled. Usually emptied containers are washed or steamed. This careful cleaning process will rid the container of accumulated explosive vapors.
• It is better not to store solvents in rooms with polymerization equipment.
• It is recommended to store the organic type of substances in a special glass container. In this case, 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, which are intended for the placement and subsequent storage of solvents.

A special room must be equipped with a ventilation systemto ensure that the conditions comply with the fire safety standards that are usually imposed on rooms for the storage of explosive substances, including flammable liquids. Chemical vapors should not accumulate there. Floors should be easy to clean and sloped. It is designed to drain off unnecessary water that may appear during wet cleaning. The doors of the room should be tightly locked.

Today, in addition to white spirit, many chemicals are presented, used for degreasing or cleaning surfaces:

• Petrol - perfectly increases the fluidity of paints and varnishes, oil and bitumen enamels. This material is used to wash off grease from the surface to be glued.
• Turpentine - used to dissolve oil and alkyd-styrene compounds. Pure turpentine is combined with other types of solvents to produce a mixture of moderate toxicity to apply a dry paint remover.

Like white spirit, similar chemicals are produced during the distillation of oil.

Among them, a variety of benzosolvents can be distinguished, which have similar properties to white spirit:

• small component composition;
• low level of toxicity;
• high boiling point;
• well diluted, allowing you to work with dyes and extractables, including film-forming products;
• compositions with a certain amount of aromatic hydrocarbons.

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