Heavy alkylate (HA)

About Heavy alkylate (HA)

Heavy Alkylate (HA) is a high-boiling hydrocarbon mixture produced as a by-product during the alkylation process in petroleum refineries. It mainly consists of branched paraffins (iso-paraffins) with higher molecular weights than conventional alkylate (which is used in gasoline blending).

Unlike light alkylate (C5C8 range), Heavy Alkylate typically falls in the C9C16+ hydrocarbon range, making it less volatile and more suitable for industrial and specialty applications rather than fuels.

It is valued for its:

• Low sulfur content
• Low aromatic content
• High stability
• Excellent solvency properties

Key Specifications (Typical)

(Values may vary depending on refinery source and processing)

• Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
• Carbon Range: C9 C16+
• Boiling Range: ~150C to 300C
• Density @ 15C: 0.75 0.82 g/cm
• Sulfur Content: < 10 ppm (very low)
• Aromatic Content: Very low (<12%)
• Flash Point: > 60C
• Odor: Mild hydrocarbon odor
• Viscosity: Low to moderate

Applications

Heavy Alkylate is widely used across industries due to its clean-burning and stable nature:

1. Solvent Applications

• Industrial cleaning solvents
• Paints and coatings formulations
• Adhesives and sealants

2. Lubricants & Oils

• Base fluid for industrial lubricants
• Metalworking fluids
• Rust preventive oils

3. Petrochemical Feedstock

• Used as feed for further processing (e.g., cracking or reforming)
• Intermediate for specialty chemicals

4. Fuel Blending (Limited Use)

• Occasionally blended into diesel or heating fuels
• Used where low sulfur and clean combustion are required

5. Agrochemicals & Specialty Fluids

• Carrier fluid in pesticide formulations
• Process oils

Function

Heavy Alkylate performs several functional roles depending on application:

• Solvent Carrier: Dissolves oils, resins, and additives effectively
• Diluent: Adjusts viscosity in formulations
• Base Fluid: Provides lubrication and thermal stability
• Cleaner Fuel Component: Enhances combustion with low emissions

Benefits

Environmental Advantages

• Ultra-low sulfur reduced SOx emissions
• Low aromatics lower toxicity and better air quality

Performance Benefits

• High chemical stability long shelf life
• Good solvency effective in formulations
• Low volatility safer handling (higher flash point)

Operational Benefits

• Compatible with various additives
• Consistent quality from refinery processes
• Multipurpose usage reduces need for multiple solvents