– Slack Wax

Slack wax is a by-product of the refining process, specifically derived from lubricating oils. Bitumen is quite black but wax is dark to light brown. First product of refinery is slack wax which can be heavy or light according to its carbon chain and chemical elements.

Traditionally, slack wax was considered waste and discarded, but over the years, its value as a petrochemical product has grown due to its utility in industrial applications.

Industrial Use and Packaging:

Slack wax is exclusively used for industrial purposes. Lower oil grades (5% to 15% oil) are commonly packed in bags, while higher oil content wax (such as light slack wax with 30% oil) requires steel drum packaging to prevent spillage. Before it can be incorporated into cosmetic or food products, slack wax must undergo extensive refining.

Transformation in Value:

Once considered a costly waste product, slack wax has become an essential material in various industrial processes due to its versatility and the ability to refine it further into usable wax products.

Key Characteristics:

Source:

  • Slack wax is produced during the refining of lubricating oils, making up only 2% of total crude oil processing. It has a relatively high oil content, which requires further processing to obtain more refined waxes.

Grades

  • Heavy Grade (5% Oil): Less oily and more solid, typically packaged in bags.
  • Light Grade (10% Oil): Contains more oil, still suitable for bagging.
  • Heavy Grade (15% Oil): Higher oil content, packed similarly to lower grades.
  • Light Grade (30% Oil): Due to its high oil content, this grade is packaged in steel drums to prevent leakage.