This report assesses the relative economics and competitiveness of U.S. ethane exports versus domestic use for petrochemical production and compare it with various MTO options.  U.S. ethane supply and demand is forecasted to 2030.

This report presents methods and technologies for improving efficiency of energy use in industrial processes. The benefits of improved efficiency on cost and CO2 emission are also demonstrated using recent case studies.

This report examines the impact of the low sulfur bunker fuel regulations on the refining and marine industries. Technology options available for refiners and ship owners are discussed and economics analyses are presented for atmospheric residue desulfurization, marine exhaust gas scrubbing, and the use of LNG as an alternative bunker fuel. Nexant’s forecast of global bunker demand is provided reflecting the impact of the regulations.

This report takes a modular approach to the plethora of potential bio-butadiene routes, which include multiple biobased and conventional catalytic steps. Technology descriptions are presented, markets are discussed and economics developed for North America, South America, Western Europe and Asia for the most promising routes.

The chemistry, process technology, and production economics for commercial routes to lactic acid and polylactic acid (PLA) are presented.  Fermentative production of lactic acid from dextrose based on existing gypsum-producing technology is compared to a newer gypsum-free process.  Historical and projected plant capacities in different geographic regions are also provided.

Ammonium nitrate production technology has been reviewed, including overviews of CAN and UAN production.  Cost of production estimates via vacuum and pressure neutralization processes are included.  Global and regional supply/demand is given.

Acrylonitrile/Butadiene/Styrene production processes have been reviewed.  Process economics on a USGC and China basis have been developed for emulsion, bulk(mass), hybrid (emulsion/mass), and compounding.  Regional supply/demand is included as well as a global summary.

This report examines the conventional and developing technologies for hydrogen production and purification/recovery in refineries. Economic analyses of representative technologies are provided for various types of feedstocks (natural gas, naphtha, and residual oil) in different geographic regions.

Commercial LAB production technologies (n-paraffins dehydrogenation, benzene alkylation) have been reviewed. Regional costs of production for n-paraffins and LAB have been evaluated.  Global supply/demand is included.

Implementation of a major petrochemical project involves the management of many inter-related activities over a period of four to five years including market analysis, technology, environmental aspects, and financing.  This report covers the key steps to a successful project implementation, from screening and feasibility studies through plant commissioning.