Development of gas crackers in the Middle East and switching to shale gas ethane in the U.S. have shorted the market of propylene and other heavier streams normally in abundance from naphtha-fed crackers. Consequently, more on-purpose propylene is required to bridge the shortfalls. This report evaluates the options for meeting future demand growth.
Regional round-up of industry developments, regional pricing analysis, and capacity expansions are provided for Q1 2013. A discussion on resurgence of the U.S. polyolefins industry is included.
Methanol production technologies have been reviewed. Process economics have been developed for a coal based process (China and U.S. bases) and a natural gas based process (Central America, China, U.S., Middle East). Regional supply/demand is included.
This PERP provides an overview of shale gas resources outside the United States and their potential impact on the petrochemical industry. It highlights worldwide occurrence, reservoir characteristics, along with environmental and downstream-related concerns. The report also examines the prospective impact of shale gas on ethylene and HDPE production economics for selected countries and a gas market assessment, including Nexant's shale gas production forecast.
Routes to isoprene via C5 streams, as well as on-purpose and emerging biotransformation routes are discussed in detail. Process economics for seven technologies (including emerging bioroutes) have been developed (China, N.W. Europe, and U.S. bases). Regional market supply/demand is included.
Commercial and developing technologies for MEG production from petroleum, coal and biomass feedstocks have been reviewed. Process economics for MEG via ethylene from ethane, naphtha, methanol and ethanol have been developed. Regional supply/demand is included.