From HCFC-141b to n-Pentane: The Global Shift in Polyurethane Foam Blowing Agents

The polyurethane (PU) foam industry is undergoing a rapid transformation. With the global phase-out of HCFC-141b, manufacturers are seeking sustainable alternatives that maintain high performance while meeting environmental standards.

That’s where n-Pentane comes in — a clean, efficient, and cost-effective blowing agent that’s redefining insulation foam production.

Why n-Pentane is replacing 141b:

• Environmentally compliant: No ozone depletion potential (ODP = 0) and significantly lower global warming potential (GWP).
• Excellent insulation performance: Ensures fine and uniform cell structure for superior thermal efficiency.
• Lower production cost: Competitive raw material pricing and easy integration with existing foaming equipment.
• Proven applications: Widely used in PU sandwich panels, air duct insulation boards, and cold storage systems by leading manufacturers worldwide.

As demand grows for green insulation materials, switching to n-Pentane is not just a regulatory requirement — it’s a strategic advantage.

Make your insulation greener, safer, and more efficient.
Choose n-Pentane — the new standard for rigid polyurethane foam production.

Why Junyuan Petroleum Group’s n-Hexane Leads the Brazilian Market

High-Purity n-Hexane for Industrial Applications
Junyuan Petroleum Group produces high-quality n-Hexane with consistent purity, ideal for industrial applications in Brazil. Our n-Hexane meets the strict requirements of pharmaceutical, food processing, and adhesive industries, outperforming many competitors in reliability and performance.

Flexible Packaging and Reliable Delivery
We provide n-Hexane in drums and ISO tanks, offering flexibility for both small and bulk orders. Our efficient logistics network ensures timely delivery to Brazilian customers, even during peak demand periods like soybean oil production season.

Competitive Pricing and Transparent Supply
Junyuan Petroleum Group’s efficient production and global supply chain allow us to offer cost-effective n-Hexane solutions. Customers in Brazil benefit from competitive pricing without compromising quality.

Technical Support and Local Expertise
Our team offers technical guidance and application support, helping Brazilian industries maximize the performance of n-Hexane. By understanding local market needs, we deliver solutions, not just products.

Safety and Sustainability
Safety and environmental compliance are priorities. Our n-Hexane has lower impurities and predictable performance, aligning with global sustainability standards.

Conclusion/CTA:
For high-purity, reliable, and competitively priced n-Hexane in Brazil, Junyuan Petroleum Group is the trusted choice for industrial customers. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

Major Manufacturers, Suppliers, and Distributors of n-Hexane in Brazil

n-Hexane is a versatile aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent primarily composed of C6 isomers. Known for its low boiling point, fast evaporation rate, and characteristic odor, n-Hexane is widely used in adhesives, coatings, cleaners, pharmaceuticals, vegetable extraction, and tire and rubber manufacturing.

Brazil has a growing chemical industry with several reliable manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors ensuring a steady supply of n-Hexane for industrial and commercial applications. Companies operating in Brazil focus on fast delivery, technical support, and compliance with safety and environmental standards, making it easier for local industries to source high-quality n-Hexane efficiently.

Applications of n-Hexane in Brazil

1. Adhesives and Coatings: n-Hexane is extensively used as a solvent in adhesive formulations and protective coatings due to its fast evaporation and effective solvency.
2. Cleaners: Its ability to dissolve oils and greases makes it a preferred solvent in industrial and commercial cleaning solutions.
3. Pharmaceuticals: Used in extraction processes and formulations requiring high-purity solvents.
4. Vegetable Extraction: Ideal for extracting oils from seeds and plants in the food industry.
5. Tire and Rubber Manufacturing: Plays a role in the production of rubber and other elastomer products.

Characteristics of n-Hexane

• Water white appearance
• Medium boiling point
• Medium evaporation rate
• Flammable
• Characteristic odor

Reliable Supply in Brazil

Leading chemical companies in Brazil maintain private fleets and extensive logistics networks to ensure quick and reliable distribution of n-Hexane. Many suppliers also provide technical support and guidance to optimize industrial applications while maintaining safety standards.

With the growing demand for solvents in Brazil’s industrial, pharmaceutical, and food sectors, securing a trusted supplier or distributor is essential for uninterrupted operations. n-Hexane remains a cornerstone solvent due to its efficiency, versatility, and wide-ranging applications.

When is TBPS or DTBPS preferred over DMDS?

Refineries may select TBPS/DTBPS when:

• A lower sulfiding temperature is required.
• Methane formation (“methane make”) is a concern.
• Operators prefer less odor and improved safety profile (TBPS/DTBPS are less volatile than DMDS).
• The unit requires gradual sulfur release for temperature-sensitive catalysts.

How is the sulfiding process monitored?

A controlled sulfiding procedure includes:

1. Drying the catalyst bed (200–250°F).
2. Wetting with clean straight-run feed.
3. Injecting DMDS or DTBPS at 450–500°F in hydrogen-rich atmosphere.
4. Monitoring H₂S concentration to detect catalyst activation (“breakthrough”).
5. Holding temperature (600–660°F) until sulfiding is complete.

Modern refineries use online H₂S and hydrogen analyzers to ensure precision and safety throughout the process.

Why is sulfiding necessary?

Without sulfiding, the catalyst remains inactive and cannot drive hydrodesulfurization (HDS) or hydrodenitrification (HDN) reactions. Proper sulfiding ensures the catalyst achieves full activity and longevity, preventing deactivation and maintaining fuel quality standards (sulfur <10 ppm).

How is the sulfiding process monitored?

Modern refineries use online H₂S and hydrogen analyzers to monitor sulfiding progress. The process involves:

1. Drying and wetting the catalyst bed.
2. Gradually heating the reactor while introducing the sulfiding agent.
3. Tracking H₂S concentration in the effluent gas to detect breakthrough — the point at which the catalyst becomes fully sulfided.
4. Holding at a final temperature (typically 600–660°F) until completion.

What is sulfiding in refineries?

Sulfiding is the activation process for hydrotreating and hydrocracking catalysts. Fresh catalysts are manufactured in oxide form and must be converted into their active sulfide form before they can remove sulfur, nitrogen, and other impurities from fuels. The process involves feeding a sulfur-containing compound (sulfiding agent) with hydrogen into the reactor to form hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), which reacts with the catalyst to create the active sulfide phase.

To activate hydrotreating and hydrocracking catalysts, refineries use sulfiding agents — specialized sulfur compounds that convert metal oxides (like CoMo or NiMo) into their active sulfide forms.

The most widely used sulfiding agents today are:

Note:
In refinery practice, TBPS and DTBPS are often used interchangeably. DTBPS (Di-tert-Butyl Polysulfide) is a high-purity variant of TBPS, offering greater thermal stability and a smoother sulfiding profile.

Why Refineries Choose These Agents

• DMDS is preferred globally due to its higher sulfur concentration and cost efficiency.
• DTBPS (or TBPS) is selected where lower sulfiding temperatures or improved safety and odor control are priorities.

Both are crucial in ensuring complete and controlled activation of hydrotreating catalysts — a key step for producing ultra-low sulfur fuels.