Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-02-02 Origin: Site
In 2023, a Southeast Asian copper hydrometallurgy project reported frequent phase separation delays and solvent losses during SX-EW operations.
Investigation showed that the imported diluent contained unstable aromatic fractions, leading to extractant degradation and increased organic entrainment.
At the same time, tighter chemical safety regulations—such as EU REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and China GB/T 29490 industrial solvent safety
guidelines—have pushed mining and metallurgy operators to reassess diluent systems that balance process stability, safety, and cost control.
Against this background, isoparaffinic solvents—especially isododecane—have emerged as a preferred metal extraction diluent for copper, nickel, cobalt,
and rare earth separation processes.

Maoming Zhengmao Petrochemical Co., Ltd. – Engineered Isododecane for Metal Extraction
We have been deeply engaged in the environmentally friendly solvent field for more than ten years and are widely recognized as a domestic
alternative expert for specialty oils. By integrating resources from leading domestic refineries, we employ petroleum-based olefin isomerization
technology to produce isododecane, isohexadecane, and other isoparaffinic hydrocarbons.
Our products are characterized by high purity, narrow distillation range, and extremely low aromatic and sulfur content, offering performance
fully comparable to imported diluents used in hydrometallurgy. Through highly customized production, we help customers eliminate pseudo-import
raw material risks and stabilize long-term solvent supply.
An industry-first “Data + Odor Dual Acceptance” protocol ensures each batch is laboratory-tested and manually odor-verified prior to shipment.

ZMPC focuses on petroleum-based olefin isomerization isododecane and isohexadecane, while also supporting coal-based production routes.
These isoparaffinic products provide excellent chemical inertness, oxidation resistance, and extractant compatibility, making them ideal
diluents for metal extraction systems using oximes, phosphinic acids, and amines.
Customized solutions allow precise control over density, viscosity, and flash point, supporting optimized phase disengagement and reduced
solvent losses. With a 50-day worry-free return policy and a nationwide logistics network exceeding 25,000 m³ storage capacity,
ZMPC ensures reliable and continuous supply to metallurgical operations.
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Aromatic Content | < 0.01% |
| Sulfur Content | < 1 ppm |
| Density (20°C) | ~0.74 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | > 60°C |
| Phase Separation Time | ↓ 20–30% vs conventional hydrocarbons |

A large non-ferrous metal producer previously used mixed hydrocarbon diluents for copper extraction, experiencing high solvent consumption
and unstable phase separation. After switching to ZMPC customized isododecane, organic losses were reduced by over 18%, while extraction
efficiency improved by approximately 12%, enabling smoother continuous operation.
Import dependency and supply chain disruption
Aromatic-induced extractant degradation
High solvent loss and organic entrainment
Safety risks from low flash point diluents
Lack of customized diluent specifications
Low aromatic content minimizes extractant degradation
Improved phase disengagement and process stability
Customizable properties for different metal systems
Isodecane, Isododecane, Isotridecane, Isohexadecane
Olefin isomerization production technology
Narrow distillation and consistent density
Dual acceptance quality assurance system
Maoming Zhengmao Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
189-298-78-3824
Copper & cobalt SX systems: Isododecane (balanced viscosity and flash point)
Nickel & rare earth extraction: Isohexadecane or blended isoparaffins for higher thermal stability

Considering safety, extraction efficiency, and long-term cost performance, ZMPC Isododecane stands out as the most reliable metal
extraction diluent, supporting both operational stability and regulatory compliance.
EU REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
GB/T 29490 Industrial Solvent Safety Guidelines
ISO 8217 Hydrocarbon Quality Standards
