Product Description: Paraffin wax is a white, translucent, tasteless and odorless solid which consists of a mixture of solid hydrocarbons of high molecular weight. It can be produced in different grades of melting points. The most common grades are yellow crude scale, white scale and refined wax. Paraffin wax is widely used in the manufacture of candles, cosmetics and waxing of papers.
Market Potential: Paraffin waxes (artificial, slack and mineral waxes) are not currently produced in the country and import is the only source of supply to the domestic market, Between 1984 and 1994 ( a period of foreign exchange control and shortage), the average annual import for paraffin wax was about 700 tons. By using a 10 percent annual growth rate, the demand for the product was forecasted to be about 2700 tons in 2010 of which the share of the Amhara Region will be about 600 tons or 600,000 kgs.
Source of Raw materials: The main inputs are crude slacked wax, sulphuric acid and activated earth. These inputs will be secured from domestic sources.
Process and Technology: The major processes are neutralization, deodorization, filtration, extraction, evaporation and cooling. The oil from the stock wax will be separated by a press, and is collected in container. The slack wax is then taken out from the press and is poured into a jacketed reactor made of build steel. Acid (98%) is added to neutralize the alkalies present in the wax in a reactor. The product is then taken into decolourizer were it is treated with activated earth. The product is then filter and the filter is transferred to another solution tank where it is treated with activated earth. The product is then filtered and the filter is transferred to another solution tank where it is treated with methyethye ketone. The solvent extracted wax is fed into the evaporator where impurities with solvent are evaporated and collected in another container. The refined wax-paraffin wax obtained in molten form is poured into a mild stecl tank for solidity.
Main machines required include baby boiler, hydraulic boiling press, wax melter, sulphuric acid tank, activated clay tank, filter press, wax trays, product trays, water heating tank, L.D.O. supply tank and vacuum pump with motor.
Estimated Investment: For a plant which caw Produce about 400 tons of paraffin wax per year, the estimated investment will be.
Buildings 500,000
Machinery 700,000
W. Capital 300,000
1,500,000
Benefits: Promotes self sufficiency, facilitates the development of other industries, saves foreign exchange, brings in financial resources to the Region