Mineral Oil Uses

Mineral oil, also known as liquid petroleum, is a by-product of the crude oil that is obtained in the distillation of petroleum, to produce gasoline and other petroleum-based products. It transpires as a tasteless, odorless (when cold), transparent, colorless, and oily liquid that is insoluble in both water and alcohol. It is produced in very large quantities, hence is easily available in drug stores and inexpensively priced. It is, therefore, used in wide number of avenues, like in baby oil, cosmetics, etc. Given below are some of the most common mineral oil uses.
 
Common Uses Of Mineral Oil
 
(1). Mechanical, Electrical & Industrial Uses
Mineral oil is used in an array of industrial/mechanical capability, as a non-conductive coolant or thermal fluid in electric components. This is because it displaces air and water and does not conduct electricity. It is often used as heat transfer oil by electric space heaters. Mineral oil is also used as a fluid in hydraulic machinery and vehicle, as it is non-compressible. Light mineral oil is used as a lubricant in textile industries and even used as a jute batching oil.
 
(2). For Cleaning
Mineral oil works wonders in cleaning heavy oil stains, by diluting and liquefying the other oils, thereby rendering them more accessible to detergents. It can successfully be used to remove adhesive residue left by price tags or adhesive tape. It can even be used in guitar-string cleaners, as it mobilizes dirt and oil without contributing to the oxidization of metal strings.