Recent Advances in Solvent Dewaxing

SOLVENT DEWAXING OF LUBRICATING oils found its first commercial application in 1927 when Indian Refining Company started its original acetone‐benzene dewaxing operation. Since that time, solvent dewaxing has wholly superseded the classical cold pressing methods in new installations. Of 171,165 bbls/doz. lube oil produced in the United States in 1951, some 60% was of the solvent extraction type and 40% of the older conventional type. By 1954, solvent extraction's share had risen to an estimated 75% of all dewaxing operations.