Hexane is a colourless solvent. Food grade Hexane is primarily used in the extraction of Edible Oils. This calls for very high purity levels of Hexane, followed by safe and careful storage, handling and transportation right from production to end use. It also finds usage in a limited manner in preparation of rubber adhesives, can sealing compounds etc.
Specifications of Food Grade Hexane is given below:
| Sl No. | Characteristics | Requirements | Methods of Test
[P:]of IS:1448 | Ref. To Appndx |
| (i) | Distillation | | [P:18] Method B | — |
| | a. Initial boiling point (IBP) OC, Min | 63 | | |
| | b. Dry point OC, Max | 70 | — | — |
| | c. Temperature range of final 10% OC, Max | 2 | — | — |
| (ii) | Composition : | | | |
| | a. Aromatics, % v, Max | 1.0 | [P:63] | — |
| | b. Saturates, % v, Min | 98.5 | [P:23] | — |
| (iii) | Density at 25OC, gm/ ml, Max | 0.687 | IS:3470-66 | A |
| (iv) | Colour (Saybolt), Min | (+) 30 | [P:14] | — |
| (v) | Sulphur content, ppm, Max | 75 | IS:3470-66 | B |
| (vi) | Copper strip corrosion, 3 hrs. at 50OC | 1 | [P:15] Method C | — |
| (vii) | Doctor test | Negative | [P:19] | — |
| (viii) | Lead, gm/ litre, Max | 0.0005 | IS:3470-66 | C |
| (ix) | Phosphates, ppm, Max | 20 | [P:54] | — |
| (x) | Chlorides (as Cl), ppm, Max | 20 | IS:3470-66 | D |
| (xi) | Bromine number, Max | 1 | [P:44] | — |
| (xii) | Non-volatile residue, gm/ 100ml, Max | 0.001 | IS:3470-66 | E |
| (xiii) | Reaction of non-volatile residue | To pass the test | IS:3470-66 | F |
Conforms to IS:3470-1966 Specifications for Hexane, Food Grade
Food Grade Hexane in 200-L Steel Drum (130KG Net Weight), CAS NO 110-54-3Food Grade Hexane(FGH) Food grade hexane is a colorless solvent. They are primarily used in the extraction of edible oils. This calls for very high purity levels of hexane, followed by safe and careful storage. It also finds usage in a limited manner in preparation of rubber adhesives, can sealing compounds etc.
Polymer Grade Hexane(PGH): Polymer Grade Hexane is a fast evaporating hydrocarbon solvent that consists essentially of hexane isomers. A concentration of approximately 40% makes n-hexane the major component inthis mixture Polymer grade hexane is used as polymerization medium and in the manufacture of catalysts.
Isohexane: This is another compound of interest which also can be drawn from the recycle stream. It is a solvent used in industrial, professional, and consumer applications such as manufacturing process solvent, metalworking, and coatings. It is not sold directly to the public for general consumer uses; however, this product may be an ingredient in consumer and commercial product applications such as cleaning agents and coatings.
Special Boiling Point Spirit: Sometimes on the market demand one more product is made from the recycle stream called the Special Boiling Point Spirit 55/115. It is used in the rubber industry particularly during the process of vulcanization in tyre manufacturing or in preparation of certain rubber mixes, cements and adhesives. It is also used as thinner for varnish, paint and printing inks formulation where quick drying is required and as diluent for lacquer, enamels, high grade Leather drops. The table below gives the typical specifications of the products discussed above at a glance.
The typical specifications of Food Grade Hexane, Polymer Grade Hexane and Isohexane