With the growing emphasis on green development and resource efficiency in the petroleum and chemical industries, heavy paraffin fractions generated during the solvent de-waxing process have become an important byproduct of interest. Efficient recovery and reutilization of heavy paraffin fractions not only affect a company’s economic benefits but also have significant implications for resource recycling and environmental protection. This article will explore the features, technological processes, and application scenarios of "Efficient Recovery and Reutilization Technology for Solvent-De-Waxing Heavy Paraffin Fractions."
What is Solvent-De-Waxing Heavy Paraffin Fractions?
Solvent De-waxing is a commonly used refining process for lubricating oil. It employs specific solvents to separate wax components from the lubricating oil fractions, thereby improving the oil's low-temperature performance. Heavy paraffin fractions are high-carbon, long-chain hydrocarbons separated during the solvent de-waxing process and are characterized by high melting points and high viscosity.
Main Components:
· Long-chain alkanes
· Trace cycloalkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons
· Impurities: trace water, metal elements
Characteristics:
1. High Melting Point: Suitable for various industrial applications.
2. High Carbon Content: A valuable energy raw material.
3. Moderate Viscosity: Can serve as a base material for specialty chemicals.
Recovery Technology for Solvent-De-Waxing Heavy Paraffin Fractions
1. Solvent Recovery and Separation Technology
During the solvent de-waxing process, heavy paraffin fractions contain a certain amount of solvent that needs to be effectively separated:
· Distillation Method: Utilizes the boiling point differences between the solvent and paraffin to separate the solvent through vacuum distillation.
· Adsorption Method: Employs high-efficiency adsorbents to remove residual solvents, ensuring the purity of heavy paraffin fractions.
· Extraction Method: Adds selective extracting agents to separate target components, improving solvent recovery rates.
2. Impurity Removal Technology
To ensure the quality of heavy paraffin fractions, impurities need to be removed:
· Dehydration Process: Uses centrifugation or dehydrating agents to remove water.
· Metal Impurity Removal: Uses chemical precipitation or ion exchange resins to remove heavy metal impurities.
3. Catalytic Hydrogenation Treatment
Catalytic hydrogenation further enhances the purity and performance of heavy paraffin fractions:
· Desulfurization and Denitrogenation: Removes sulfur, nitrogen, and other impurities through hydrogenation.
· Increased Saturation: Improves chemical stability and thermal stability.
Reutilization Technology for Heavy Paraffin Fractions
1. Energy Applications
· Industrial Fuel: The high calorific value of heavy paraffin fractions makes them an excellent fuel for industrial boilers and power generation equipment.
· Liquefied Gas Feedstock: Can be cracked to produce liquefied petroleum gas, enhancing resource efficiency.
2. Specialty Chemical Production
· Lubricant Base Oil: Deep processing produces high-performance lubricant raw materials.
· Wax Products: Used as a primary material for industrial and specialty paraffins, applied in candles, insulating materials, and waterproof coatings.
3. Agricultural and Environmental Applications
· Soil Amendment: After treatment, heavy paraffin fractions can improve soil structure and water retention.
· Biodegradable Materials: Combined with biological materials to develop environmentally friendly biodegradable products.
Advantages of Efficient Utilization of Solvent-De-Waxing Heavy Paraffin Fractions
1. Economic Benefits
Efficient recovery and deep processing significantly increase the added value of heavy paraffin fractions, generating more profit for enterprises.
2. Resource Recycling
Secondary utilization of heavy paraffin fractions reduces resource waste and lowers raw material costs.
3. Environmental Benefits
Reduces waste emissions, optimizes resource distribution, and aligns with sustainable development goals.
4. Industry Chain Expansion
Promotes the development of upstream and downstream industries, enhancing industry competitiveness.
Technical Case Studies
Case 1: Solvent-De-Waxing Byproduct Handling in a Lubricating Oil Company
Background:
This company generates 500 tons of heavy paraffin fractions each month during the solvent de-waxing process, but these fractions were not fully utilized.
Solution:
· Introduced distillation and adsorption technologies to achieve a 90% solvent recovery rate.
· Used catalytic hydrogenation equipment to process heavy paraffin fractions into high-performance lubricant base oils.
Results:
· Annual profit increased by 3 million RMB while waste emissions were reduced by 30%.
Case 2: Energy Company’s Fuel Application for Heavy Paraffin
Background:
The company aimed to improve the energy utilization rate of heavy paraffin fractions.
Solution:
· Adopted a cracking process to produce liquefied gas for industrial boilers.
· Utilized residual products to manufacture specialty industrial waxes, expanding market applications.
Results:
· Production costs reduced by 20%, and market share increased by 15%.
Conclusion
Efficient recovery and reutilization of solvent-de-waxing heavy paraffin fractions not only enhance a company’s economic benefits but also promote resource recycling and environmental protection. With advanced recovery technologies and deep processing methods, heavy paraffin fractions can be widely applied in various fields, such as energy, chemicals, and agriculture, demonstrating significant development potential.
If you wish to learn more about the solvent de-waxing process or the utilization technology of heavy paraffin fractions, feel free to contact our technical team. We offer customized solutions to help your business achieve an efficient and eco-friendly future!
