Reports show that the pentane market size was $105.7 million in 2020. And experts predict that the product will reach a $153.8 million valuation by 2030.
But, how can the solvent help you? And should you buy Pentane in the first place?
The article below will show you how to increase your industrial processes’ product quality, cost efficiency, and performance using pentane.
What is Pentane?
Pentanes are blowing agents made of saturated hydrocarbons with five carbon atoms. There are three types of that alkane, n-pentane, iso-pentane, and cyclopentane.
Manufacturers extract N-pentane and iso-pentane from natural crude oil or as a result of gas production. On the other hand, cyclopentane is a constituent of the raw material known as naphtha (crude petrol). And industries get that compound from refineries through a cracking process.
You’ll get varying amounts of pentanes from crude oil. Those concentrations depend on various factors. Examples include the origin of the raw material, the technique and equipment used in refining, and quality control standards.
Pentanes are easy to separate during extraction. Why? Because of the significant differences in their boiling points. To illustrate, Iso-pentane has the lowest boiling point at 29 °C, N-pentane at 35 °C, and Cyclopentane at 49 °C.
What are the Differences in Pentane Types?
You can use the three pentane classes as individual agents or as a blend. Here are their respective unique properties and uses.
Iso-pentane Applications
The product readily mixes with organic substances such as aromatics, esters, ethers, paraffin, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. However, alkane has little to no miscibility with water. That property makes industries use iso-pentane as a reagent in the following processes:
- Cosmetic industries make beauty products such as shower gels and shaving foam.
- Geothermal plants use the product as a working medium.
- Plastic companies use Isopentane for manufacturing polyethylene and polypropylene.
N-pentane Applications
Manufacturers prefer using n-pentane in refrigeration to ammonia or fluorinated hydrocarbons. That bias is because the alkane is less toxic and works well with most metal refrigeration systems. Other uses of that solvent include raw material for polyethylene production (LLDPE) and lab applications as a non-polar reagent.
Cyclopentane Applications
Technicians prefer using cyclopentane as a blowing agent for making insulating materials. The unique structure and low boiling point of that alkane make it an industrial favourite. Some of the solvent’s applications include:
- Technicians use it as a blowing agent in the Polyurethane foaming process.
- Manufacturers use it as an Insulation agent for insulation boards.
- Scientists use it as a laboratory solvent.
- Appliance companies use it to manufacture refrigerators and freezers.
What are the Industrial Benefits of Pentane?
Making Personal Care Products
The beauty industry adds iso-pentane as a crucial ingredient in most of their products to improve efficiency. For example, the solvent helps shower gels and shaving creams form a generous foam for a cleaner bath or a cleaner shave.
Furthermore, the manufacturers add glycerin that protects your skin. And they infuse aromas that give you a pleasant scent.
Energy Production
Geothermal plants use isopentane as the medium for transferring heat from underground to the surface for conversion to electricity. Engineers thus use the solvent in heating pumps. Consequently, alkane contributes to the rising percentage of renewable energy globally.
Making Plastics
Plastic manufacturers use isopentane as a cooling agent in making Polyethylene and Polypropylene. Those compounds are the most popular raw materials for making plastic products.
How is Pentane utilized? Right after polymerizing ethylene in the gas phase. And in that process, technicians use the solvent in the cooling stage of manufacturing. That solvent thus promotes the dust-fine plastic to become beads and prevents sticking to the equipment.
The artisans introduce iso-pentane into the gas chambers in liquid form. And as it evaporates, it cools the reaction. Interestingly, you can also tap and recycle the solvent. Thus, you save on production costs.
Making Insulators and Packaging
Cyclopentane helps make durable and effective insulators. You’ll get that benefit because the solvent leaves a residue in the polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams. And therefore, the product is perfect for cooling devices and thin insulation boards.
Electricians use insulators for household appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, and cold storage machines. In construction companies, engineers use those products as part of buildings. And other people use those electronics in industrial applications such as piping.
Manufacturers use pentane for packaging chips. That solvent forms part of the polyethylene material. To illustrate, technicians use the reagent as a blowing solvent to make Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) from polymer granulate.
Conclusion
There are three types of pentane: isopentane, n-pentane and cyclopentane. And each solvent has applications in various industries. Those alkanes are invaluable reagents in making various appliances and smooth lining industrial operations.
Prominent pentane utilities include manufacturing cosmetics, energy production, and making plastics and insulators. Experts recommend storing pentane in a well-ventilated area and away from flames because it’s highly flammable.
Writer’s bio: Nikolay Stoyanov is the founder of cannabis SEO agency in Denver, Colorado. Nik and his team help CBD brands drive more online traffic and sales via search engine optimization.
