About Various Surfactants and Their Applications in Textile Industry

Surfactants and Their Role in the Textile Industry

What are Surfactants?

These are compounds that lower the surface tension of a liquid. Surfactants are organic compounds that have amphiphilic molecules this implies that hey have both a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic group or vice versa. They lower surface tension between two liquids or a liquid and a solid. Surfactant may be used as detergents, wetting agents, forming agents, emulsifiers and so on. There are different types of surfactants such as the ethoxylates, fatty alcohol ethoxylate, fatty acid ethoxylate and fatty amines ethoxylate.

What is the Importance of Surfactants in The Textile Industry?

In the textile industry surfactants are used for three main processes as discussed below.

Scouring- in the textile industry, scouring for natural and synthetic fibers is very paramount. Scouring is aimed at ensuring the fabric is well prepared and impurities, either man made or natural are removed.

Lubrication- after the scouring operation, the fats in the initial fabric are eliminated. This implies that materials have to be added which will serve as lubricants. This is because lubrication is very important in the spinning, cording, and weaving operation. Surfactants act as lubricants and softeners.

Dying and finishing - these process uses most of the surfactants in the textile industry. Surfactants act as wetting agents, dying agents and as penetrates.

These are the major uses of surfactants in the textile industry amongst many more uses. This shows that surfactants play a very important role in the textile industry.

Various Surfactants used in the Textile Industry

There are many types of surfactants, below are some of the surfactants that are used in the textile industry.

Ethoxylates - These are produced from the ethoxylation processes. In the textile industries, the ethoxylates are used for scouring, lubricating, finishing and dying of the fabrics.

Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate - These range from clear yellowish liquids to wax solids, depending on their length of the alkyl chain. Fatty alcohol ethoxylates are used for scouring and emulsifying in the textile industry. They are also used in dye leveling and as wetting agents. The major function of fatty alcohol ethoxylates is emulsification.

Fatty Acid Ethoxylate - They are used as non ionic surfactants in a number of processes in the textile industry. Fatty acid ethoxylates are used as emulsifiers, water softeners, wetting agents and as spin dying agents.

Fatty Amines Ethoxylate - They are good oil emulsifiers, and dye dispersants. They are also good as wetting agents. Fatty amine ethoxylates are important in the textile industry in for they act as fiber lubricants and also as dying agents.

These are some of the most commonly used surfactants used in the textile industry. All of them have a very important role to play. Get more information on Various Surfactants Applications in Textile Industry.

Ethoxylates, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, fatty acid ethoxylates and fatty amines ethoxylates are very significant in the textile industry. Without them the textile industry cannot be complete. Their significance cannot be underestimated. They ensure that the textile industry is efficient. Every textile industry therefore needs surfactants for they are paramount in their operations.

This article has been written by Govind Patel.

Effective Application of Corrosion Inhibitors Under Changing Flow Conditions

The nature of the oil extraction process involves use of a myriad of reagents for the extraction process. These range from fracturing fluids, water, oxygen, brine and even hydrogen sulfide. When combined there occurs serious danger of corrosion and measures must be taken to reduce this corrosion. The rate of maturity and deterioration of pipelines is fast and continuous replacement of these installations is very costly. This has led to development of various corrosion inhibitors, and more research is being done in the improvement of the existing pipeline corrosion inhibitors.

Statistics on the Utilization of Corrosion Inhibitors

Under the current and existing corrosion management systems, over 3.7 billion dollars is spent per year to reduce the effect of corrosion in the oil production and refining industry. In an effort to bring this cost down there has been a tremendous effort by researchers to develop an optimal combination of flow enhancers and crude oil line corrosion inhibitors in order to increase protection of the surfaces.

This prolongs the life of the equipments and effectively reduces the cost of operation and maintenance.

Available Active Ingredients for Corrosion Management

Corrosion inhibitors are formulated with ingredients such as;

• Intermediate inhibitors
• Carboxylic acid  
• Demulsifier or surfactant in an aromatic solvent
• Alcohol

The intermediate inhibitor is the main active constituent in the inhibition process.90 % of all inhibitors used in the oil production process are nitrogen containing compounds. They are effective due to the 2 free electrons in the nitrogen atom. These are easily adsorbed to the metal surface and their hydrocarbon chain resulting in the formation of a hydrophobic film on the surface of the metal, creating inhibition. Kindly Visit - http://www.rimpro-india.com/demulsifier.html

Effect of Flow Enhancers in Pipeline Management

The management of corrosion is highly improved by the alteration of the flow properties of the crude. Gas oil corrosion inhibitors are combined with flow enhancing compounds simply called Drag Reducing agents (DRA’s)

Modification Effects of Combining Amine Inhibitors with Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors

New research has led to the development of volatile corrosion inhibitors (VpCL’s) which when combined with the amine based inhibitors, offer greater protection on the steel surfaces. They work by creating a self regenerating mono molecular layer on the surface giving great protection against carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen and other corrosive contaminants

Drag Reducing Effects of Various Active Ingredients

Research shows that drag reducing compounds combined with oxidation inhibitors produce to better performance in corrosion inhibition. Drag reducers bring down frictional pressure which occurs during the turbulent flow of crude inside the pipe. They are therefore wonderful combinations when used with oil pipeline corrosion inhibitors.

Ongoing Research on Modification of Oxidizing Chemicals

Research on the inhibitor performance is still ongoing. Areas of focus include evaluation of inhibitor performance at high pressure and temperature (the high pressure wheel test); the “continuous wheel test” method is also designed to simulate ongoing crude treatment in the field.

Conclusion

Development of different combinations of pipeline gas and water corrosion inhibitors and modifying agents has led to good reduction in the operating pressure of the pumping systems as well as longer lasting infrastructure. This has ultimately led to improved oil production and increased revenue.

This article has been written by Govind Patel.

Manufacture High Quality Detergents and Shampoos Using Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate

Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate are a special class of non-ionic surfactants. It is manufactured by mixing ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols which have alkayl carbon atoms.  They have about 12 to 14 lauryl alcohols atoms and are commercially designated by the name LAE.

Properties of Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate

Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate surfactants have many properties that make them ideal for manufacture of detergents, soaps and shampoos.  They have a straight chain Oleo chemical alcohol that makes them exhibit good wetting, dispersion and emulsification properties.

They have high calcium ion tolerance, very high solubility for oily substances and are easily biodegradable. They are also hygroscopic, hydrophilic and lipophilic in nature.

Manufacture of Shampoos and Detergents Using Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate

Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate are widely used to manufacture detergents and soaps due to their solubility and wetting properties. They are supplied in different grades which determine whether liquid or solid detergents will be made.

Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate are used to manufacture sodium Lauryl ether sulphate which is the main ingredient in many detergents and shampoos. The process starts with heating of coconut oil mixed with sodium hydroxide to convert the oil into lauric acid (fatty acids).   The fatty acid is then hydrogenated to convert it to fatty alcohol (lauryl alcohol). Lastly, the sulfonation process converts lauryl alcohol into lauryl sulfate which is then reacted with sodium hydroxide to form sodium lauryl sulfate which is the ingredient in detergents.  In some cases lauryl sulfate is reacted with ammonia to form ammonium lauryl sulfate which is also a detergent.   

The ethoxylation process enhances the wetting and degreasing agents of lauryl sulfate. Lauryl alcohol ethoxylate is mostly preferred as the number of ethylene oxide molecules enhances its foam forming ability, solubility and detergency.

Safety and Handling Aspects of Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate and Their Suitability as Detergents

Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylates are mild on the human skin making the suitable for manufacturing detergents for washing clothes. They are non toxic, inert, have high flash point and are non corrosive. This makes them safe and easy to handle. They do not affect microorganism and aquatic animals making them environmental friendly.  Upon use, they decompose into carbon dioxide and water and hence, they don’t cause any pollution.

Global Trends in Utilization of Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate as Cleaning Agents

LAEs are highly demanded by companies that manufacture soaps and detergent.  Due to its inert nature, it is highly demanded for both liquid and solid detergents. In addition, it is also used by other industries such as textile, paper, rubber, paint, agrichemical and pharmaceuticals. This increases it demand and utilization.
Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate market is highly competitive due to other ethoxylate products such as Oley amine ethoxylate, coco amine ethoxylate and other surfactants which can also be applied for the same purpose.

Conclusion

Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate is one of the most widely used ethoxylate compounds in manufacture of soaps, shampoos and detergents. The number of ethylene oxide molecules enhances foaming, wetting, solubility and degreasing properties. This makes Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate one of the most effective detergents. 

This article has been taken from Source - http://www.rimpro-india.com/articles1/manufacture-high-quality-detergents-and-shampoos-using-lauryl-alcohol-ethoxylate.html

Is There a Tough Time Ahead for Indian Oilfields?

Indian Oil and Gas Sector and the Impetus for Larger Productivity

India is found to be in the top list of countries that depend on fuel and oil. When it comes to production, Indian Oilfield companies face increase in demand as every year pass by.

Refining Sector and Investment Prospects

If production demands are higher it obviously reflects on the challenges faced by refineries. Apart from that, refining oil is more challenging as production cost is spent more on purification than extraction of raw materials. The growing energy demand and the interest shown by MNCs in extraction and refining of Oilfields are some more important reasons that urge oil industries to produce more.

Tough Aspects faced in Production

The oil requirement demand and subsequent production demand have been likely to reach great level in the coming years and the tough aspect for refining industries would be to meet the expected demand through equalizing with production.

Pressurization of Government on Oilfield Sector

Government has a strong emphasis on oil industry in terms of promising for purity of fuel quality. This has been implemented to meet the global market competence and to sustain the reputation of the Indian Oilfield industry. Hence, purity of fuel remains yet another challenging aspect which can be maintained only with application of appropriate Oilfield chemicals.

Top Reason for Production and Refinery sectors of Oilfields

 India is estimated to be the fourth largest energy consumer in globe and the energy demand appears to be on the increasing level and expected to hit the heights in a decade. Production requirement and purity of product have become mandatory output for Oilfield industries.

How Oil Industries Sustain the Purity of Product?

Purity of fuel can be obtained in terms of applying the right type of Oilfield chemicals. Emulsion for drill cutting removal, as emulsions have the property of separating oil from water. The oil percentage in water ranges between 70 -80% and hence, the extracted water containing oil content is sent through a solution comprised of pH enhancing agent which in turn results in formation of water emulsion and keep the processing parts stay compatible for sending oil extracts.

Surfactants for Oilfields

Surfactants are used to reduce the surface tension in water and it helps in removing the dirt particles present on the surface. It is of various varieties and applied in Oilfields as a cleaning agent. Hence, it is preferred in refineries at large.

The Significance of Demulsifiers in Oilfields

Demulsifier are of different varieties and they are applied to separate emulsions mixed in oil extract. It is widely applying in processing oil prior to refining. It helps to remove water and salt content from extracted material and prevent corrosion problems as well.

Corrosion Inhibitors

Corrosion of pipelines remains the major challenging task for Oilfields. Application of appropriate corrosion inhibitors will certainly reduce or control corrosion in the pipelines and keep up way for smooth extraction and refining. Majority of oil industries depend on corrosion inhibitors for proper maintenance of pipe lines.

Rimpro India

Rimpro India is a leading supplier of Oilfield chemicals. We offer quality chemicals that can be depended on for sustained productivity and purity of fuel. We support Oilfield sector by our range of corrosion inhibitors, emulsifiers and surfactants.

Conclusion

In recent days with the rising consumption of fuel Indian Oilfield sector has many challenges to face. However, the application of Oilfield chemicals in extraction and purification process can considerably reduce challenging aspects.


This article has been taken from Source - http://www.rimpro-india.com/articles1/is-there-a-tough-time-ahead-for-indian-oilfields.html

Treat and Process Leather More Effectively Using Oilfield Chemicals

oilfield chemicals are widely applied in many industries due to their unique properties.  These chemicals are also applied in leather tanning industry to clean and process leather.

Unique Properties of surfactants and other oilfield chemicals

Surfactants have high wetting properties. They also have high dispersion and emulsification properties. Non ionic surfactants do not form ions on aqueous solutions and hence form excellent cleaning agent for both household and industrial applications. Due to their emulsification properties, surfactants promote mixing of immiscible liquids and are not affected by hard water and other insoluble properties of liquids.

Applications of surfactants and other oilfield chemicals in leather tanning (cleaning, dyeing etc)

Surfactants and other oilfield chemicals are widely applied in leather tanning process. The leather tanning process greatly depends on these surfactants. Both ionic and non ionic surfactants (fatty alcohol ethoxylate and alkanesulfonates) are used to clean leather, wool, fur and other products.  


Fatty alcohol ethoxylate are widely used in tanning, degreasing and other finishing operations on leather. During degreasing, fatty alcohols are applied on hides and skins. This process removes any fats, grease and oil. Special surfactants such as chrome complexes with fatty acid and perfluoro acids are used to impact water resistant properties on leather which makes them durable.

Dyeing of leather is one of the most important steps in leather tanning. This process greatly depends of anionic surfactants which stabilize the dye color and enhance the fixation of the dye onto the leather fibers. Both anionic and anionic surfactants increase the dye solubility which is an important step in the dyeing process.  

Fat liquoring is one of the last stages of processing leather. During tanning process, the leather does not have enough lubricants to prevent it from forming a hard mass or drying to hard fabric.  The fat liquoring induces oil into the leather such that the fibers are coated individually. This process is done using alkanesulfonates and it makes the leather soft and very flexible. During this process, emulsifiers are also applied to increase the spread of oil on leather surface

Use of special surfactants to protect leather and fur

Leathers and fur are mostly treated with surfactants and other oilfield chemicals in order to produce a protective coating on the skin of the fibers. Surfactants also prevent the furs and hide fibers from sticking together. Surfactants increase the tensile strength of the leather products making it more durable and attractive. Kindly Visit - http://www.rimpro-india.com/oil-field-chemicals.html

Use of surfactants to produce special coating when finishing leather products

Surfactants are used to form the final coating of leather products. A lacquer like polymer is used to form the coating. This coating is applied in form of emulsions and suspensions which use surfactants.

Conclusions

Leather tanning process greatly relies on oilfield chemicals and surfactants due to their excellent solubility, dispersion and emulsification. They are widely applied in cleaning and degreasing hides. They are also applied during tanning, dyeing, lacquering, dyeing and other finishing operations done on leather. 

This article has been taken from Source - http://www.rimpro-india.com/articles1/treat-and-process-leather-more-effectively-using-oilfield-chemicals.html

Manufacture High Quality Polyurethane and Other Products for Industrial, Cosmetic and Automotive Use from Ethoxylate Compounds

Ethoxylate products are manufactured by adding ethylene oxides to phenols and alcohols. Ethoxylate products have numerous applications and are commonly referred to as surfactants.

Production of ethoxylate products

• Ethoxylates are made through ethoxylation process. In this process, glycerol, fatty acids and amines such as fatty amines, tallow amines, coco amine, oleyl amine and stearyl amine are made to react with ethylene oxide. The ethoxylation process occurs in the presence of potassium hydroxide catalysts which increases the speed of the reaction.
• Fatty amines are prepared by distilling fatty acids and are nitrogen derivatives of fatty acids. Amines can also be prepared by reacting ammonia with fatty alcohols. 
• Gyclerine ethoxylate products are manufactured by reacting glycerin with ethylene oxide.
• The amount of ethylene oxide added to amines and other compounds affect the chemical properties such as emulsification, surface tension and ability to dissolve in other solvents.  The ability to control most of the properties makes ethoxylate compounds applicable in many industrial processes.

Chemical properties of ethoxylate products

Different ethoxylate or surfactants have varying physical and chemical properties. One characteristic of surfactants is that they are hydrophilic and hydrophobic. In presence of water, surfactants particles move to the air water boundary while in water oil mixture, these particles move to the oil water boundaries.

Uses of ethoxylate products

• Ethoxylate products are widely used as detergents, shampoos, foaming and cleaning agents. These chemicals are able to mix with both water and oil making it a excellent cleaning agent.
• Ethoxylate are also widely used in emulsifiers as they cause unmixable liquids such as oil and water to mix. Surfactants migrate to the water oil boundary which enhances the mixing process.
• Oleyl amines ethoxylate are antistatic and quickly disperse making them ideal cleaning agents. They are mostly used for textile coating due to their high affinity for surfaces. Amines are also widely used to manufacture soap, leather dressing and candles.
• Ethoxylate are also widely used in the pharmaceuticals industry to promote the absorption of drugs into the body. Polyethylene glycol is widely applied in drugs where it prevents the immune systems from attacking proteins.
• These products are also used in pesticides and herbicides to increase their solubility.
• Glycerin ethoxylate produce lubricants and surfactants used to manufacture cosmetics. The esterification process makes them sweet smelling and are therefore ideal for the cosmetic industry. They are also reacted with isocyanates to manufacture polyurethane products which manufacture foam and other products used in making noise reduction foam, car seats and ultra high quality cushions. Kindly Visit - http://www.rimpro-india.com/glycerine-ethoxylates.html

Current trends in use of ethoxylate

The use of ethoxylate products have been on the rise due to their excellent solubility and ability to mix with both water and oil based chemicals. The utilization of these products is in order of billions of gallons.

Conclusions

Ethoxylate products have solubility in different medium. These products are used to manufacture soaps, detergents and other cleaning agents. They are also used to form emulsions comprising of water and oil based products. These emulsions enhance solubility and dispersion of pharmaceuticals, herbicides, pesticides and paints.

This article has been written by Govind Patel

Phase Behaviour of Different Ethoxylate Surfactants

Basic Property of Surfactants

Surfactant is a chemical component applied to increase wetness and decrease surface tension. Surfactants are both water and oil soluble. They are classified into three main types such as Ionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants and each type bear unique properties. Surfactants are formed by combining different chemicals with alcohol by a process called ethoxylation. In accordance with industrial usage manufacturers produce and supply different types of surfactant. 

Phase Behaviour of Surfactants

Phase behaviour is the study or tool to guess the capacity of fluids under different stages of application. As far as surfactants are concerned, phase behaviour of every form of surfactant is understood in terms of the properties they reveal when they are applied for industrial purpose. This study is applied mainly in engineering industries where hydrocarbon fluids are applied for production operations such as in oil and gas or petroleum industry. Phase behaviour of surfactants is tested in terms of its compatibility with the material in which it is applied. Based on that surfactant are selected.

Ethoxylation and Formation of Different Surfactants

It is a technology with which efficient surfactant types of manufactured. Some of the highly reliable and efficient surfactants produced through ethoxylation are fatty alcohols, fatty amines, and many more. However, ethoxylates are non-ionic surfactants and those that are formed by ethoxylation with alcohol applied widely in domestic products. Fatty Alcohol ethoxylate surfactants are applicable as emulsifying and cleansing agent as they have the property to remove dirt from the surface; hence, they are used in the production of household cleaning agents.

Alkyl Phenol and Fatty Amine Ethoxylates- A multi-purpose surfactant
Suitable for both hard and smooth surfaces, Alkyl phenol ethoxylate and fatty amine ethoxylates are used as surface cleaner in industries. It also acts as emulsifier, stabilizing and dispersing agent. These multiple properties make it applicable in production of agricultural chemicals, emulsion manufacturing, paints, processing of metal surface, paper and textile industries. Fatty Amine Ethoxylates is a good emulsifier and is applied as oil field chemical and apart from that it is widely used for petroleum extraction, leather processing and mining industries

Lauryl Alcohol –Non-Toxic Behaviour

Lauryl alcohol ethoxylate is a non-toxic surfactant widely applied for its emulsifying and dispersing property. Electroplating and rubber industries find its application very useful. It has wonderful stain removing property and safe to use; hence, it is applied in manual dish wash detergents. Stearyl amine ethoxylate is one of the fatty amines. However, when compared to surfactants that are applied in oil field and petro chemical industries, these ethoxylate varieties possess relatively less phase behaviour that is suitable for oil industry. Kindly Visit - http://www.rimpro-india.com/fatty-alcohol-ethoxylate/le-series-based-on-c12-alcohol-lauryl-alcohol-98-ethoxylate-laureth.html

Conclusion

Surfactants widely used in oil fields are selected based on their phase behaviour. Since, they are applied for a range of operations starting from drilling, extraction, processing to refining. Surfactants keep the materials safe from chemical influence. However, for large scale industrial usage buying high quality surfactants is more important to obtain fine results.

This article has been written by Govind Patel.