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Methodology

Aromatic solvents refer to toluene and xylenes sold on the rack market – representing truck and railcar deliveries to domestic US customers – for use in solvent applications. Other hydrocarbon solvents covered include Aromatic 100 and 150, typically sold as a gasoline blend product. The 100/150 tag represents the flash point of the two products, as specifications differ when the product comes out of the refinery.

Hexane, mineral spirits high and low, and varnish makers and paints (VM&P) markets are collectively featured in the Aliphatic Solvents section of the report. Aliphatic solvents are used extensively in the manufacture of paints and coatings. Hexane is sold mostly to the soybean oil extraction sector, the largest consumer, as well as to adhesive makers. Mineral spirits high, also known as Regular MS, contains more than 7-8% of aromatics. Mineral spirits low is also referred to as Rule 66 material and contains less than 7-8% aromatic content.

Aromatic and aliphatic solvents are seasonal products, and are strongly affected by developments in the gasoline and crude oil markets. US Gulf spot barge solvent values also affect the price movement of aromatic solvents. Demand for aliphatic solvents is principally driven by the manufacturing and construction sectors, and consequently tends to diminish during the winter.

ICIS pricing quotes aromatic and aliphatic solvents in the USA.

To find out more Aromatic and Aliphatic Solvents Methodology September 2013