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Abstract: Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that are widely used as fuels, solvents, and raw materials. In this article, we will explain how to calculate how much hydrocarbon you can fit in a 200-liter steel drum, using four examples: n-pentane, n-heptane, cyclopentane, and isohexane. We will use their densities and a safety filling factor of 95% to account for possible expansion or contraction due to temperature or pressure changes.

Keywords: hydrocarbons, density, net weight, safety filling factor, steel drum

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Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that consist of only carbon and hydrogen atoms. They have different shapes and sizes, which affect their physical and chemical properties. Some hydrocarbons are straight chains, such as n-pentane and n-heptane. Some are rings, such as cyclopentane. Some have branches, such as isohexane. These hydrocarbons are widely used as fuels, solvents, and raw materials for various industries.

But how much hydrocarbon can you fit in a 200-liter steel drum? This is an important question for storing and transporting hydrocarbons safely and efficiently. To answer this question, we need to know two things: the density and the safety filling factor of the hydrocarbon.

The density of a substance is the mass per unit volume. It is usually expressed in grams per milliliter (g/mL) or kilograms per liter (kg/L). The density of a hydrocarbon depends on its molecular structure, temperature, and pressure. For this article, we will use the density values at 20°C and 1 atm, which are available from various sources¹²³⁴.

The safety filling factor is the percentage of the drum volume that can be safely filled with the hydrocarbon. We cannot fill the drum completely, because the hydrocarbon may expand or contract due to temperature or pressure changes. This could cause the drum to leak or burst, which could be dangerous and wasteful. Therefore, we need to leave some empty space in the drum to allow for possible expansion or contraction. For this article, we will use a safety filling factor of 95%, which means that we will fill the drum with 95% of its volume.

The net weight of a hydrocarbon in a drum is the mass of the hydrocarbon that fills the drum. To calculate the net weight, we need to multiply the volume of the drum by the density of the hydrocarbon and by the safety filling factor. The formula is:

$$W = V \times D \times F$$

where W is the net weight in kilograms (kg), V is the volume of the drum in liters (L), D is the density of the hydrocarbon in kilograms per liter (kg/L), and F is the safety filling factor as a decimal number (0.95).

The volume of a drum is the space that it occupies. It is usually expressed in liters (L) or cubic meters (m^3^). The volume of a drum depends on its shape and size. For this article, we will assume that the drum is cylindrical, with a height of 0.9 m and a diameter of 0.6 m. The volume of a cylindrical drum can be calculated by multiplying the area of the base by the height. The area of the base is the area of a circle, which can be calculated by multiplying pi (π) by the square of the radius. The radius is half of the diameter. Therefore, the volume of the drum is:

$$V = \pi r^2 h$$

$$V = \pi (0.3)^2 (0.9)$$

$$V = 0.254 m^3$$

$$V = 254 L$$

Now, we can calculate the net weight of each hydrocarbon in the drum, using the formula and the density values from the sources. The results are:

• The net weight of n-pentane in the drum is:

$$W = 254 \times 0.626 \times 0.95$$

$$W = 150.7 kg$$

• The net weight of n-heptane in the drum is:

$$W = 254 \times 0.679 \times 0.95$$

$$W = 164.1 kg$$

• The net weight of cyclopentane in the drum is:

$$W = 254 \times 0.746 \times 0.95$$

$$W = 180.1 kg$$

• The net weight of isohexane in the drum is:

$$W = 254 \times 0.659 \times 0.95$$

$$W = 159.1 kg$$

In conclusion, we have explained how to calculate how much hydrocarbon you can fit in a 200-liter steel drum, using four examples: n-pentane, n-heptane, cyclopentane, and isohexane. We have used their densities and a safety filling factor of 95% to account for possible expansion or contraction due to temperature or pressure changes. This article can help us understand how to store and transport hydrocarbons safely and efficiently.

Abstract: Heptane is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C7H16. It is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid that is widely used as a solvent, fuel, and chemical intermediate. Pharmaceutical-grade heptane is a high-purity heptane that meets the standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the European Pharmacopoeia (EP). It is mainly used as a solvent for the extraction, purification, and crystallization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This article introduces the production process of pharmaceutical-grade heptane and its applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Keywords: heptane, pharmaceutical-grade, solvent, extraction, purification, crystallization, API

Article:

Heptane is one of the simplest alkanes, a class of hydrocarbons that consist of only carbon and hydrogen atoms. It has seven carbon atoms and 16 hydrogen atoms, arranged in a straight chain or a branched structure. There are nine possible isomers of heptane, which differ in the way the carbon atoms are connected. The most common isomer is n-heptane, which has a straight-chain structure. Other isomers include isoheptane, methylhexane, dimethylpentane, and ethylpentane.

Heptane can be obtained from natural sources, such as crude oil and natural gas, or from synthetic sources, such as the catalytic cracking of petroleum or the Fischer-Tropsch process. Heptane is usually separated from other hydrocarbons by fractional distillation, a process that exploits the different boiling points of the components. Heptane has a boiling point of about 98°C, which is lower than that of octane (125°C) and higher than that of hexane (69°C).

Heptane has many industrial uses, such as a solvent, fuel, and chemical intermediate. As a solvent, heptane can dissolve or extract various organic compounds, such as fats, oils, waxes, resins, rubber, and plastics. As a fuel, heptane can be blended with other hydrocarbons to produce gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel. As a chemical intermediate, heptane can be used to synthesize other organic compounds, such as alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids.

Pharmaceutical-grade heptane is a special type of heptane that has a high purity and meets the specifications of the USP and the EP. These specifications include the limits of impurities, such as water, sulfur, aromatics, olefins, and other hydrocarbons. Pharmaceutical-grade heptane also has to pass certain tests, such as the assay, the density, the refractive index, the acidity, the peroxide value, and the residue on evaporation.

Pharmaceutical-grade heptane is mainly used as a solvent for the extraction, purification, and crystallization of APIs. APIs are the substances that are responsible for the therapeutic effects of drugs. They can be derived from natural sources, such as plants, animals, or microorganisms, or from synthetic sources, such as chemical synthesis or biotechnology. APIs have to be isolated and purified from the raw materials or the reaction mixtures, and then crystallized into solid forms that have the desired properties, such as purity, stability, solubility, bioavailability, and polymorphism.

Heptane is a suitable solvent for these processes because it has a low polarity, a low toxicity, a high volatility, and a good compatibility with other solvents. Heptane can dissolve or extract the APIs from the impurities, such as water, salts, sugars, proteins, and other organic compounds. Heptane can also be used to recrystallize the APIs by changing the temperature, the concentration, or the addition of other solvents. Heptane can be easily removed from the APIs by evaporation, filtration, or centrifugation, leaving behind a dry and pure solid.

Some examples of APIs that are extracted, purified, or crystallized with heptane are:

• Aspirin, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug that is synthesized from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride. Heptane is used to wash and dry the crude aspirin crystals, and then to recrystallize them with ethanol.
• Ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug that is synthesized from isobutylbenzene and propionic acid. Heptane is used to extract the ibuprofen from the reaction mixture, and then to recrystallize it with ethanol or acetone.
• Paracetamol, an analgesic and antipyretic drug that is synthesized from phenol and acetic anhydride. Heptane is used to extract the paracetamol from the reaction mixture, and then to recrystallize it with water or ethanol.
• Caffeine, a stimulant and diuretic drug that is derived from coffee beans or tea leaves. Heptane is used to extract the caffeine from the raw materials, and then to recrystallize it with water or ethanol.

Pharmaceutical-grade heptane is an important solvent for the production of APIs, as it can ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of the drugs. However, heptane also has some drawbacks, such as its flammability, its environmental impact, and its potential health hazards. Therefore, heptane has to be handled with care and disposed of properly, following the regulations and guidelines of the authorities and the industry.

Abstract: Rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) is a widely used material for insulation, construction, and packaging applications. However, RPUF has some drawbacks, such as high flammability, low thermal stability, and environmental issues. To overcome these problems, researchers have explored the use of isoamyl and cyclopentane blends as blowing agents for RPUF. Blowing agents are substances that create gas bubbles in the foam, affecting its density, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties. Isoamyl and cyclopentane are both hydrocarbons that have low ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP), making them more eco-friendly than conventional blowing agents. Moreover, they can improve the flame retardancy, thermal stability, and mechanical strength of RPUF. This article introduces the basic concepts of RPUF and blowing agents, and reviews the recent studies on the effects of isoamyl and cyclopentane blends on the properties and performance of RPUF.

Keywords: rigid polyurethane foam, blowing agent, isoamyl, cyclopentane, thermal conductivity, flame retardancy

Abstract:

Pipeline insulation is a technique that aims to reduce the heat loss and prevent the freezing of fluids in pipelines. Pipeline insulation is widely used in various industries, such as oil and gas, chemical, power, and water supply. Pipeline insulation can improve the energy efficiency, safety, and reliability of the pipeline system.

One of the main materials used for pipeline insulation is polyurethane foam (PUF), which is a type of thermosetting polymer that has excellent thermal and mechanical properties. PUF is formed by the reaction of polyol and isocyanate, which are mixed with a blowing agent that creates bubbles in the foam. The blowing agent determines the density, thermal conductivity, and environmental impact of the PUF.

Cyclopentane is a hydrocarbon that has been widely used as a blowing agent for PUF in recent years. Cyclopentane has many advantages over other blowing agents, such as low ozone depletion potential (ODP), low global warming potential (GWP), high solubility in polyol, and low cost. Cyclopentane can also enhance the flame retardancy and aging resistance of the PUF.

In this article, we will introduce the principle and process of pipeline insulation, the properties and advantages of cyclopentane as a blowing agent, and the challenges and solutions of using cyclopentane in pipeline insulation. We will also review the current status and future prospects of cyclopentane in pipeline insulation.

Keywords: pipeline insulation, polyurethane foam, cyclopentane, blowing agent, energy efficiency

Excerpt:

Molecular sieve dewaxing (MSDW) is a process that uses zeolite catalysts to selectively convert long-chain n-paraffins into isoparaffins, thereby reducing the pour point and cloud point of diesel and lubricating oil. MSDW is an alternative to conventional solvent dewaxing, which has high energy consumption and environmental pollution.

One of the key factors affecting the performance of MSDW is the choice of desorbent, which is used to regenerate the catalyst after the reaction. Desorbent should have a low boiling point, a high selectivity for n-paraffins, and a low solubility in the product oil. Among various candidates, n-pentane has been widely used as a desorbent in MSDW due to its advantages of low cost, easy availability, and high efficiency.

n-Pentane can effectively desorb the n-paraffins from the catalyst pores and restore the catalyst activity. n-Pentane can also improve the product quality by reducing the aromatics and sulfur content in the product oil. Moreover, n-pentane can be easily separated from the product oil by distillation, and recycled for reuse in the process.

In this article, we will introduce the principle and mechanism of MSDW, the properties and advantages of n-pentane as a desorbent, and the optimization and control of the process parameters. We will also review the recent developments and challenges of MSDW, and provide some suggestions for future research.

Expandable polystyrene (EPS) is a type of thermoplastic foam that can be expanded by heating to form various shapes and sizes of products. EPS is composed of polystyrene beads or granules that contain a blowing agent and other additives. The most commonly used blowing agent for EPS is pentane, a low-boiling hydrocarbon that can generate gas bubbles when heated.

EPS has many advantages, such as low density, good thermal insulation, sound absorption, shock resistance, water resistance, acid and alkali resistance, etc. EPS is widely used in packaging, insulation, food containers, furniture, appliances, and automotive industries.

Pentane is a colorless, flammable, and volatile liquid that belongs to the alkane family. Pentane has three isomers: n-pentane, isopentane, and neopentane. Pentane is mainly used as a solvent, a fuel, and a blowing agent for EPS and other foams.

The global production of pentane is dominated by a few leading companies, such as Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Junyuan Petroleum Group and Total. These companies have advanced technologies, large-scale facilities, and extensive distribution networks to meet the growing demand for pentane, especially in the emerging markets of Asia and Africa.

Refrigeration and air conditioning systems are essential for preserving food, maintaining comfort, and enhancing productivity in various sectors. However, these systems also consume a lot of energy and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, finding ways to improve the efficiency and environmental impact of refrigeration and air conditioning systems is a crucial challenge for the industry.

One of the key factors that affects the performance and sustainability of refrigeration and air conditioning systems is the choice of insulation material. Insulation material is used to reduce the heat transfer between the refrigerated or conditioned space and the surrounding environment, thus minimizing the energy loss and the cooling load. The insulation material is usually made of polyurethane (PU) foam, which is formed by injecting a blowing agent into the liquid PU mixture. The blowing agent expands the PU mixture into a foam with tiny cells that trap air and provide thermal resistance.

The blowing agent is an important component of the insulation material, as it determines the thermal conductivity, density, and stability of the foam. Traditionally, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were used as blowing agents, but they were found to have a high ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP), meaning that they damage the ozone layer and contribute to climate change. Therefore, these substances were phased out by the Montreal Protocol and replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which have a lower ODP but still a high GWP.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using hydrocarbons as blowing agents, especially cyclopentane. Cyclopentane is a flammable organic compound with five carbon atoms arranged in a ring. It has several advantages over HFCs as a blowing agent, such as:

• Cyclopentane has a zero ODP and a negligible GWP, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to HFCs.
• Cyclopentane has a lower thermal conductivity than HFCs, resulting in a higher insulation value and a lower energy consumption for the refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
• Cyclopentane has a lower density than HFCs, allowing for a thinner insulation layer and a larger usable volume for the refrigerated or conditioned space.
• Cyclopentane has a higher stability than HFCs, reducing the aging and degradation of the foam over time.

Cyclopentane is widely used as a blowing agent for refrigerators and freezers, as it can improve the energy efficiency, CO2 reduction, and cost savings of these appliances²³⁵. Cyclopentane can also be used for other refrigeration and air conditioning applications, such as cold storage rooms, refrigerated trucks, and air conditioners¹⁴. However, the use of cyclopentane also poses some challenges, such as the flammability and toxicity of the substance, which require special safety measures and regulations during the production, transportation, and installation of the insulation material.

In conclusion, cyclopentane is a promising blowing agent for refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as it can enhance the performance and sustainability of these systems. Cyclopentane can reduce the energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and costs of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, while increasing the usable volume and durability of the insulation material. Cyclopentane can also contribute to the protection of the ozone layer and the mitigation of climate change, as it has a zero ODP and a negligible GWP. Therefore, cyclopentane is a breath of fresh air for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry..

n-Heptane is a chemical compound with the formula C7H16, consisting of a chain of seven carbon atoms and 16 hydrogen atoms. It is a colorless, flammable liquid that belongs to the group of alkanes, which are the simplest and most common type of hydrocarbons. N-Heptane is widely used as a solvent in various industries, such as paints, coatings, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and oil extraction. It is also used as a reference fuel to measure the octane rating of gasoline, as it has the lowest octane number of zero. This means that n-heptane burns more easily and causes engine knocking, which is a problem for gasoline engines. Therefore, gasoline is blended with other hydrocarbons that have higher octane numbers to prevent knocking and improve engine performance.

N-Heptane is mainly produced from the refining of crude oil, which is a complex mixture of different hydrocarbons. N-Heptane can be separated from crude oil by a process called fractional distillation, which involves heating the crude oil and collecting the different fractions that boil at different temperatures. N-Heptane is one of the components of the light naphtha fraction, which boils between 30°C and 200°C. N-Heptane can also be synthesized from other hydrocarbons, such as ethylene, propylene, and butane, by a process called oligomerization, which involves combining smaller molecules into larger ones.

The supply and demand of n-heptane are influenced by various factors, such as the price and availability of crude oil, the demand from downstream industries, the environmental regulations, and the geopolitical situations. The price of n-heptane is closely linked to the price of crude oil, as it is one of the main raw materials for its production. The price of crude oil is determined by the balance between the global supply and demand, as well as the market expectations and speculations. The supply of crude oil depends on the production capacity and output of the major oil-producing countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United States. The demand for crude oil depends on the economic growth and energy consumption of the major oil-consuming countries, such as China, India, and the European Union. The price of crude oil can also be affected by unexpected events, such as natural disasters, wars, and sanctions, that disrupt the normal production and transportation of oil.

The demand for n-heptane is driven by the demand from the downstream industries that use it as a solvent or a fuel additive. The demand for n-heptane can vary depending on the season, the region, and the industry. For example, the demand for n-heptane as a solvent for paints and coatings can increase in the summer, when the construction and renovation activities are more active. The demand for n-heptane as a solvent for oil extraction can increase in the winter, when the viscosity of the crude oil is higher and needs to be reduced for easier pumping. The demand for n-heptane can also differ across regions, depending on the local preferences and regulations for gasoline quality. For example, some countries, such as China and India, have stricter standards for gasoline octane rating, which require more n-heptane to be blended with gasoline to lower its octane number and reduce its emissions.

The supply and demand of n-heptane can also be influenced by the environmental regulations and policies that aim to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and improve the air quality. These regulations and policies can affect the production and consumption of n-heptane in different ways. For example, some regulations, such as the Clean Air Act in the United States, can limit the amount of n-heptane that can be used as a solvent or a fuel additive, as it contributes to the formation of ozone and smog, which are harmful to human health and the environment. On the other hand, some policies, such as the Renewable Fuel Standard in the United States, can encourage the use of n-heptane as a solvent or a fuel additive, as it can help to increase the blending of biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, with gasoline and diesel, which are more environmentally friendly.

The challenge of n-heptane supply is to balance the supply and demand of this important chemical compound in a volatile and uncertain market. The producers and consumers of n-heptane need to monitor the market trends and dynamics, and adjust their production and procurement strategies accordingly. The producers of n-heptane need to optimize their production capacity and output, and diversify their sources of raw materials and markets. The consumers of n-heptane need to secure their supply contracts and inventories, and explore alternative solvents and fuels. The governments and regulators need to provide clear and consistent policies and regulations, and foster cooperation and coordination among the stakeholders. The researchers and innovators need to develop new and improved technologies and processes, and discover new and better applications and uses of n-heptane.

Abstract: N-hexane is a molecule with six carbon atoms and fourteen hydrogen atoms. It is a clear, flammable, and evaporating liquid that belongs to a group of chemicals called alkanes. N-hexane is widely used as a special solvent, which means it can dissolve or separate some substances that are hard to dissolve or separate by other solvents. This article reviews the main applications of n-hexane as a special solvent in the food, pharmaceutical, and printing industries, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using n-hexane as an extractant and a cleaning agent. The article also highlights the potential health and environmental risks of n-hexane exposure and suggests some alternative solvents that are safer and greener.

I can help you write a popular science article in English about n-hexane as a special solvent. Here is a possible draft:

N-hexane is a molecule with six carbon atoms and fourteen hydrogen atoms. It is a clear, flammable, and evaporating liquid that belongs to a group of chemicals called alkanes. N-hexane is widely used as a special solvent, which means it can dissolve or separate some substances that are hard to dissolve or separate by other solvents.

One of the main applications of n-hexane as a special solvent is in the food industry. N-hexane can extract vegetable oils from crops such as soybeans, corn, and sunflower. These oils can be used for cooking, frying, or making margarine and biodiesel. N-hexane can also remove unwanted components from food, such as pigments, waxes, and pesticides, which can affect the color, texture, and safety of food.

Another application of n-hexane as a special solvent is in the pharmaceutical industry. N-hexane can extract active ingredients, vitamins, and antioxidants from herbs, flowers, and seeds. These extracts can be used to make drugs and medicines that can treat various diseases and improve health. N-hexane can also purify drugs and medicines by removing impurities and contaminants that can reduce their effectiveness and quality.

A third application of n-hexane as a special solvent is in the printing industry. N-hexane can clean the printing machines and the printing plates by dissolving the ink, grease, and dirt. This can improve the quality and speed of printing and prevent the machines from clogging and breaking down. N-hexane can also be used as a component of some inks that can print on different materials, such as paper, plastic, and metal.

N-hexane has several advantages as a special solvent, such as low cost, high availability, low toxicity, high selectivity, and easy recovery. However, n-hexane also has some challenges and risks, such as flammability, volatility, and environmental impact. Therefore, n-hexane should be used with caution and care, and some alternatives or improvements should be explored for future development.

N-hexane is a versatile and valuable special solvent that has many applications in different fields. By understanding its properties and functions, we can appreciate its role in our daily life and society.

N-pentane is a simple molecule with five carbon atoms and twelve hydrogen atoms. It is a clear, flammable, and evaporating liquid that belongs to a group of chemicals called alkanes. N-pentane is widely used as an extractant, which means it can dissolve or separate some substances from a mixture. Extraction is a useful technique in many industries, such as oil, food, and medicine, to isolate and purify valuable products.

One of the main applications of n-pentane as an extractant is in the oil industry. N-pentane can separate different types of hydrocarbons, which are molecules made of carbon and hydrogen, from crude oil and natural gas. By doing so, n-pentane can improve the quality and yield of gasoline and diesel, which are important fuels for transportation and power generation.

Another application of n-pentane as an extractant is in the food industry. N-pentane can extract essential oils, flavors, and aromas from plants, fruits, and spices. These extracts can be used to enhance the taste and smell of food and beverages. N-pentane can also remove unwanted components from food, such as pigments, waxes, and pesticides, which can affect the color, texture, and safety of food.

A third application of n-pentane as an extractant is in the pharmaceutical industry. N-pentane can extract active ingredients, vitamins, and antioxidants from herbs, flowers, and seeds. These extracts can be used to make drugs and medicines that can treat various diseases and improve health. N-pentane can also purify drugs and medicines by removing impurities and contaminants that can reduce their effectiveness and quality.

N-pentane has several advantages as an extractant, such as low cost, high availability, low toxicity, high selectivity, and easy recovery. However, n-pentane also has some challenges and risks, such as flammability, volatility, and environmental impact. Therefore, n-pentane should be used with caution and care, and some alternatives or improvements should be explored for future development.

N-pentane is a versatile and valuable extractant that has many applications in different fields. By understanding its properties and functions, we can appreciate its role in our daily life and society.