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About Petroleum
About Petroleum Chemicals
Petroleum and Petrochemical Industry Chemicals encompass a broad range of high-purity solvents, glycols, and specialty solutions required for upstream extraction, midstream transport, and downstream refining. These chemicals, including Hexane (CAS 110-54-3), Methanol (CAS 67-56-1), and Ethylene Glycol (CAS 107-21-1), serve critical roles in gas hydrate inhibition, crude oil assays, and equipment maintenance. Alliance Chemical provides specialized grades that meet strict ASTM standards for laboratory testing and field operations.
Common Applications
- Drilling Fluid Formulation: Utilizing Ethylene Glycol to stabilize shale and prevent gas hydrate formation in high-pressure deepwater drilling environments.
- Petroleum Laboratory Testing: Employing Hexane ACS Reagent Grade for oil-in-water analysis and hydrocarbon fingerprinting according to ASTM D6503 and D7066 methods.
- Gas Hydrate Inhibition: Injecting 60/40 Methanol/DI Water solutions into pipelines to depress the freezing point of water and prevent blockages at low temperatures.
- Refinery Scale Removal: Using chelating agents like Trisodium EDTA to remove mineral deposits and metal ions from refinery heat exchangers and boilers.
- Crude Oil Demulsification: Separating water from crude oil emulsions using specialized surfactant blends to meet pipeline quality specifications (BS&W).
- Hydrocarbon Fractionation: Utilizing precise solvent boiling points for the extraction and separation of specific petroleum distillates.
- Industrial Degreasing: Heavy-duty cleaning of rig floors and refinery equipment using mineral spirits or high-purity d-limonene to remove stubborn crude residues.
What We Carry
We supply petroleum chemicals in various purity levels to match specific operational requirements, from technical field grades to ACS Reagent grades for certified laboratory analysis. Our solutions are available in packaging ranging from 1-liter glass bottles for labs to 275-gallon IBC totes for refinery process units.
| Grade | Purity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ACS Reagent | >99.5% | ASTM lab testing, analytical chromatography, and quality control. | Technical | 95-98% | Field operations, pipeline cleaning, and bulk industrial processing. | Inhibited | Varies | Heat transfer systems requiring corrosion protection for carbon steel. |
Safety & Handling
Chemicals in the petroleum collection are primarily classified as GHS02 Flame, GHS06 Skull and Crossbones, and GHS08 Health Hazard. Handling requires strict adherence to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 (HazCom) and proper NFPA 30 storage for flammable liquids to mitigate fire risks. Operators must utilize nitrile or Viton gloves, splash-resistant goggles, and work within explosion-proof environments when handling low-flashpoint solvents like Hexane (Flash Point -23°C).
Transport of these materials is governed by DOT 49 CFR regulations regarding hazardous materials shipping and manifesting. In the event of a spill, refer to EPA RCRA guidelines for the disposal of characteristic hazardous waste (e.g., D001 for flammables). First aid involves immediate flushing of eyes with water and seeking medical attention if vapors are inhaled. Always review the Safety Data Sheets before use.
Sourcing & Quality
Shipped from Taylor, Texas — same-day on in-stock items.
COA included with every order. Certificate of Analysis documents lot-specific purity and specifications.
28 years serving 55,000+ customers including 244 federal contracts.
✓ SDS Included ✓ COA Available ⚡ Same-Day Shipping ★ No Minimum Order
Last updated: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade of Hexane is required for ASTM D6503 testing?
ASTM D6503 and related hydrocarbon testing methods typically require Hexane ACS Reagent Grade with a minimum purity of 99.5%. This ensures that background contamination does not interfere with the infrared or gravimetric measurement of oils and greases. Using lower technical grades can introduce impurities that skew analytical results in sensitive refinery quality control processes.
What is the benefit of a 60/40 Methanol/DI Water solution in pipelines?
A 60/40 ratio of Methanol to Deionized Water is specifically formulated to optimize the depression of the hydrate formation temperature in natural gas pipelines. According to thermodynamics in gas processing, this concentration provides a reliable safety margin to prevent ice-like crystals (hydrates) from plugging valves and manifolds during pressure drops. The use of DI water prevents mineral scale buildup within high-pressure injection pumps.
Does Alliance Chemical supply inhibited Ethylene Glycol for refinery cooling towers?
Yes, we provide inhibited Ethylene Glycol that contains specialized buffers and corrosion inhibitors designed to protect multi-metal systems common in refineries. These inhibitors comply with ASTM D1384 standards to prevent the degradation of copper, steel, and aluminum components in heat transfer loops. Technical grade glycol without inhibitors can rapidly turn acidic and cause pitting corrosion in process equipment.
What are the OSHA PEL limits for Hexane exposure in refineries?
The OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for n-Hexane (CAS 110-54-3) is 500 parts per million (ppm) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA), per 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1. However, the ACGIH recommends a much lower Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 50 ppm to prevent peripheral neuropathy. Refineries should implement local exhaust ventilation and utilize organic vapor respirators if concentrations exceed these thresholds.
What is the DOT shipping classification for Methanol bulk containers?
Methanol is classified by the DOT under 49 CFR 172.101 as a Flammable Liquid, UN1230, Class 3, with a subsidiary risk of Class 6.1 (Toxic). Bulk shipments in 55-gallon drums or 275-gallon IBC totes require specific labeling, including the 'Flammable' and 'Toxic' placards. All shipments from Alliance Chemical include the necessary hazardous materials manifesting required for legal transport.
How should spent Hexane be disposed of under EPA RCRA rules?
Spent Hexane is classified as a hazardous waste under EPA RCRA regulations due to the characteristic of ignitability, carrying the waste code D001. Because its flash point is well below 140°F (60°C), it cannot be disposed of in regular trash or sewers. Facilities must accumulate spent solvents in grounded, labeled containers and manifest them for disposal through a permitted TSDF (Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility).
What NFPA 704 rating applies to Methanol stored in petroleum labs?
Methanol carries an NFPA 704 diamond rating of Health: 1 (Slight Hazard), Flammability: 3 (Serious Hazard), and Instability: 0 (Minimal Hazard). Because it burns with a nearly invisible flame, NFPA 30 standards require specific fire suppression systems and secondary containment in storage areas. Facilities should keep Methanol away from strong oxidizers and open ignition sources common in laboratory settings.
Why is Deionized Water used instead of tap water for oilfield chemical blending?
Deionized water is critical for oilfield chemical blending because it lacks the calcium, magnesium, and carbonate ions found in tap water that cause scale and precipitate. In applications like 60/40 Methanol blends or glycol coolants, using DI water prevents the formation of mineral deposits that can clog injection nozzles and decrease the efficiency of heat exchangers. This purity level is essential for maintaining the longevity of downhole and surface equipment.
Guides & Resources
The Rig Cleaner's Dilemma: The Workhorse vs. The Green Powerhouse
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Trisodium EDTA: Industrial Chelating Agent for Oilfield and Refinery Operations
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The Engineer's Guide to Ethylene Glycol for Heat Transfer Systems
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Why Peanut Labs Rely on 60/40 Methanol/DI Water for Aflatoxin Testing
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Hexane Botanical Oil Extraction: Laboratory Guide for Essential Oils
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