Magdy T. Zaky

Separation of Paraffin Wax Using Solvent Fractionation

Abstract In order to separate and characterize some grades of paraffin waxes from El-Ameria crude waxes (slack waxes), a one-stage fractional crystallization technique has been done to separate the paraffin waxes with different characteristics by using different solvents and solvent mixtures at ambient temperature of 20°C and fixed dilution and washing solvent ratios (S/F) of 4:1 and 2:1 by weight, respectively. The fractionating solvents used are n-hexane, methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), dioxane, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate as a single solvent and a mixture of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) containing benzene (B) and toluene (T) as a mixed solvent. The resulting data revealed that dioxane and n-hexane solvents are not suitable for fractional crystallization of slack waxes, and the most suitable solvents for separating paraffin waxes with the standard specifications are ethyl and butyl acetates, MIBK, and the mixture of MEK, B, and T (60:20:20 by weight, respectively).

Separation of Microcrystalline Waxes from Local Crude Petrolatums using Solvent–Antisolvent Mixtures

Abstract In order to separate and characterize the microcrystalline waxes from Suez and Alexandria crude petrolatums, multistage fractional crystallization technique has been used to fractionate Suez crude petrolatum by using n-hexane as a single solvent at different fractionating temperatures ranging from 20 to −20°C and at two different dilution and washing solvent ratios. Suez and Alexandria crude petrolatums were subjected also to multistage fractional crystallizations with solvent mixture at ambient temperature of 20°C and at fixed dilution and washing solvent ratios of 4:1 and 2:1 by weight, respectively. The solvent mixture composed of n-hexane as the main solvent and different percentages of absolute ethyl alcohol (ranging from 10 to 50 wt.%) as antisolvent. The solvent to feed ratios of dilution and washing were studied in the range of 2:1 to 8:1 and 2:1 to 6:1 by weight, respectively. Finally, one stage fractional crystallization has been done at the most suitable conditions to separate the microcrystalline waxes from Suez and Alexandria crude petrolatums followed by finishing via percolation in molten state through an activated bauxite column. The resulting finished microcrystalline waxes are evaluated according to the standard specifications of microcrystalline waxes, molecular type composition, degree of crystallinity, and scanning electron microscope (SEM).

A Study on the Dependence of Penetration on the Physical and Molecular Characteristics of Paraffin Waxes

Abstract: In order to study the dependence of penetration on the physical and molecular characteristics of paraffin waxes, one stage fractional crystallization has been done to separate the paraffin waxes with different characteristics by using different solvents and solvent mixtures at various fractioning temperatures. The solvents used are methyl acetate (MA) and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and the solvent mixtures are methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) containing toluene (T) and MEK containing toluene (T) and benzene (B). The effect of needle penetration on the physical and molecular characteristics of isolated paraffin waxes was also studied at different fractionating temperatures ranging from 20–0°C.

Characterization and Classification of Some Egyptian Petroleum Crude Waxes Using Different Techniques

Abstract In order to characterize and identify some crude waxes, derived from various Egyptian petroleum distillates and residues, suitable for production of different types of petroleum waxes, many standard test procedures have been used for measurement the physical characteristics of crude waxes and wax products. Moreover, some analytical techniques such as gas chromatography (GC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR), urea adducting analysis, and solid-liquid chromatography have been used to characterize the crude waxes. Finally, one stage fractional crystallization has been done to separate the hard waxes from El-Ameria and Suez heavy slack waxes and Alexandria and Suez crude petrolatums using ethyl acetate solvent at an ambient temperature of 20○C and at fixed dilution and washing solvent ratios of 7:1 and 6:1 by weight, respectively. The resulting wax products are evaluated according to TAPPI-ASTM equation and petroleum wax specifications.

Raising the efficiency of petrolatum deoiling process by using non-polar modifier concentrates separated from paraffin wastes to produce different petroleum products

Deoiling of crude petrolatum was enhanced by the addition of 1 wt% of non-polar modifier concentrates separated from slack wax waste and compared with pure n-alkane mixtures of (C20 + C22) and (C24 + C26). The data revealed that 1 wt% of the separated (C20 + C22) n-alkane mixture is the preferable modifier to improve the deoiling process of crude petrolatum. X-ray diffraction patterns and SEM photographs showed that the addition of 1 wt% of non-polar modifier concentrates gave hard waxes having some crystal growth and larger crystal sizes and possessing more holes than the hard waxes separated without using a modifier. Different petroleum products were produced using both of the products of the petrolatum deoiling process: the microcrystalline wax and the slop wax. Various grades of hardened ceresin were formulated by the addition of low density polyethylene to the separated microcrystalline wax. Fourteen formulated blends of petrolatum were prepared based on the microcrystalline wax and slop wax saturate with heavy and light paraffin oils, respectively. According to the standard specifications of the US Pharmacopoeia and National Formulary of petrolatum and Ultra Chemical Inc. of liquid petrolatum, the blend formulations (3–8) were classified as technical petrolatums. Two of these blends (7 & 8) were also classified as liquid petrolatums. The blend formulations (9–14) were classified as white pharmaceutical petrolatums. Meanwhile, three of these blends (12–14) were also within the limits of the standard specifications of ultrapure liquid petrolatums.

Manufacture of High Softening Waxy Asphalt for Use in Road Paving

Abstract This research aims to manufacture a special type of high softening waxy asphalt of penetration grade 60/70 to be used as a suitable binder in production of a hot mix asphalt (HMA) consisting of low quality aggregate (high absorptive type). This type of aggregate is found in Egypt on a large scale, especially in Sharkia governate. To achieve this aim, crude microcrystalline wax, which is characterized by its high congealing point, kinematic viscosity, and its low penetration, was mixed with the normal penetration grade asphalt 60/70 in percentage ranging from 2 to 6% by weight. The resultant asphalt samples were found to have high softening point ranging from 58°C to 75°C and penetration values within the current specifications. The produced waxy asphalt samples were used in preparing the HMA using the high absorptive aggregate. The mixes were evaluated using the Marshall method and tested for rutting resistance. The laboratory results show that the prepared mixes are suitable for use as a wearing or base course for the medium and low traffic roads.