Castor Oil – First Special Grade (FSG): Properties, Manufacturing Control, and Industrial Applications

Product Definition & Industrial Relevance

Castor Oil – First Special Grade (FSG) is a high-purity, refined industrial grade castor oil produced from Ricinus communis seeds, positioned between pharma-grade and general industrial grades.
It is widely selected by global buyers who require tight control over colour, acidity, moisture, and consistency, but do not require full pharmacopeial compliance.

Industrially, FSG castor oil functions as a reliable base oil and chemical intermediate across regulated and performance-sensitive applications.

Product Overview

First Special Grade castor oil is manufactured through mechanical pressing followed by advanced refining and polishing, resulting in improved clarity, lower impurity levels, and stable performance.

Typical positioning of FSG:

Higher purity than PP / CCO grades
Broader industrial usability than pharma grade
Suitable for export markets requiring consistent QC

FSG retains the natural hydroxyl-rich triglyceride structure of castor oil while meeting stricter internal quality limits demanded by international buyers.

Manufacturing Process (High Level)

The production of Castor Oil FSG follows a controlled, non-proprietary industrial pathway.

1. Raw Material Sourcing
Selected castor seeds sourced from established agricultural regions.

2. Mechanical Oil Extraction
Oil extracted through pressing to preserve native chemistry.

3. Advanced Refining & Degumming
Removal of gums, free fatty acids, moisture, and colour bodies.

4. Polishing Filtration
Fine filtration to achieve clarity and stability.

5. Quality Control Stages

Incoming raw material inspection
In-process parameter monitoring
Final batch testing before release

Specific temperatures, reagents, or proprietary conditions are not disclosed.

Key Properties & Technical Characteristics

FSG performance depends on controlled refining while preserving chemical functionality.

Appearance & Physical State – Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid
Odour – Mild, controlled; suitable for sensitive formulations
Viscosity – Naturally high; supports lubricity and film formation
Specific Gravity – Indicates batch-to-batch consistency
Acid Value – Lower and tightly controlled versus commercial grades
Hydroxyl Value – Preserved for downstream chemical reactions
Iodine Value – Reflects unsaturation and oxidation behaviour
Moisture Content – Low; supports storage stability
Unsaponifiable Matter – Controlled to ensure purity
Oxidation Stability – Suitable for long-term industrial storage
Typical Impurities Monitored – Residual gums, particulates, trace contaminants

Typical Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical Indication
Appearance	Clear to pale yellow liquid
Key Chemical Values	Typical range — confirm with Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Purity Indicators	Batch-specific, COA verified

Exact numeric limits depend on buyer specification and must be confirmed with the COA.

Applications & End-Use Industries

Pharmaceuticals

Use case: Non-critical excipient and processing base
Why it works: Controlled purity and stability
Examples: Topical bases, excipient systems

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Use case: Emollient and dispersing oil
Why it works: Light colour and mild odour
Examples: Creams, lotions, hair oils, soaps

Lubricants & Greases

Use case: Base oil and blending component
Why it works: High viscosity and lubricity
Examples: Industrial lubricants, grease formulations

Polymers & Resins

Use case: Renewable chemical intermediate
Why it works: Hydroxyl functionality enables modification
Examples: Polyurethanes, specialty resins

Paints, Coatings & Adhesives

Use case: Film-forming and modifying oil
Why it works: Compatibility with resin systems
Examples: Industrial coatings, inks, adhesives

Specialty & Other Industrial Uses

Use case: Feedstock for downstream derivatives
Why it works: Consistent chemistry and availability
Examples: Hydrogenated castor oil, fatty acids, esters

Quality Standards & Compliance Practices

Castor Oil FSG is supplied based on testing discipline and batch verification, without unverifiable certification claims.

Common practices include:

Acid value testing
Moisture analysis
Appearance and odour checks
Batch traceability
Availability of COA, TDS, and MSDS
Quality systems aligned with generic ISO-style frameworks

Packaging, Storage & Export Handling

Common packaging options:

HDPE drums
IBC containers
Bulk supply (application dependent)

Storage guidelines:

Store in a cool, dry, sealed environment
Protect from heat, air exposure, and moisture
Shelf life depends on storage conditions

Export documentation typically includes:

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
MSDS
Bill of Lading

HS Code: Provided on request
MOQ & Lead Time: Subject to grade, packaging, and incoterms; confirm at enquiry

Why Buyers Source FSG Castor Oil from India

India is the world’s primary origin for castor oil. Gujarat functions as a major processing and export hub due to integrated agricultural sourcing, established refining infrastructure, and strong port connectivity.
Manufacturers such as Nova Industries operate within this ecosystem, enabling traceable, export-ready, and consistent FSG supply for international buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does FSG differ from commercial grade castor oil?
FSG has tighter control on colour, acidity, moisture, and impurities.

2. Is FSG suitable for cosmetic formulations?
Yes, where refined appearance and stability are required.

3. Is it pharma grade?
No, it is an industrial grade positioned below full pharmacopeial standards.

4. Is FSG water-soluble?
No, it is insoluble in water.

5. How should it be stored?
In sealed containers, away from heat and moisture.

6. Are batches tested before dispatch?
Yes, routine QC checks are performed.

7. Can specifications be customized?
Buyer-specific specifications may be discussed.

8. Is export documentation provided?
COA, MSDS, and standard export documents are available.

Technical Enquiries

For technical datasheets, samples, or commercial enquiries, buyers may contact Nova Industries at export@novaind.in.

Nova

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