What is Solvent 502?

Solvent 502 is a light, clear, and colorless hydrocarbon liquid from the White Spirit (Solvent Naphtha) family, produced from specific petroleum fractions. It is a mixture of paraffinic (aliphatic) hydrocarbons, cycloparaffins (naphthenic), and a small amount of aromatic hydrocarbons. Due to its flammability, handling and use require adherence to proper safety precautions.

Typical technical specifications of Solvent 502 (based on industrial standards):

• Boiling range: approx. 120–170 °C
• Density: 0.76–0.79 g/cm³ at 15 °C
• Low vapor pressure (for improved flash safety)
• Free from water and sulfur
• Mild petroleum odor

Production process of Solvent 502

Production at refineries and petrochemical plants involves the following main stages:

1. Crude oil distillation

Separation of kerosene and naphtha fractions in the desired boiling range within the atmospheric distillation column.

2. Hydrotreating

Hydrogen treatment to remove sulfur, nitrogen, and other impurities, improving product color stability and odor.

3. Blending

Mixing of different hydrocarbon cuts to achieve target technical specifications, especially in boiling range and solvency power.

4. Final purification and packaging

Filtering any suspended particles, conducting quality control, and filling in standard containers for storage and transportation.

Applications of Solvent 502

Thanks to its composition and properties, Solvent 502 is widely used in various industries:

• Paints and resins: As a thinner for oil-based and alkyd paints, and for cleaning painting tools.
• Printing inks and lacquers: In the formulation of printing inks, industrial lacquers, and thinners.
• Industrial adhesives and resins: Diluting petroleum‑based adhesives and certain specialty polymers.
• Industrial cleaning and degreasing: Removing grease, oil, and contamination from machinery parts and equipment.
• Auxiliary products: As a base solvent in car wax, polish, anti‑rust coatings, and cleaning products.
• Chemical extraction: Acting as a solvent in extracting certain organic compounds from raw materials.

The Solvent 502 market in Iran

This product is currently produced in Iran by Bistoon Petrochemical Company, Isfahan Oil Refinery, and Iran Chemical Industries Investment Company, and is traded in the physical market of the Iran Energy Exchange.

In 2024 (Iranian year 1403), sales of Solvent 502 in the Iran Energy Exchange were as follows:

• Bistoon Petrochemical Company: over 26,184 billion IRR
• Isfahan Oil Refinery: over 10,149 billion IRR
• Iran Chemical Industries Investment Company: over 4,167 billion IRR

Conclusion

Solvent 502 is a light, clear, and colorless hydrocarbon liquid from the White Spirit family, consisting mainly of paraffinic and cycloparaffinic hydrocarbons with a small aromatic fraction. With its mid‑cut boiling range (approx. 120–170 °C), mild odor, sulfur‑free composition, and high solvency, it holds a key position in industries such as paints, resins, printing, adhesives, industrial cleaning, and auxiliary products like wax and anti‑rust coatings.

Its production involves crude oil distillation, hydrotreating, blending, and final purification, carried out in Iranian refineries and petrochemical plants. A thriving domestic market and steady supply–demand balance have established Solvent 502 as one of the essential products in Iran’s downstream petroleum industry.