Based on the availability of low cost stranded natural gas and the prospect of lower production for methanol costs due to "mega" scale plants, this report explores the idea of extending the methane value chain.
This study examines the emerging technology for acetic acid production via direct ethane oxidation and compares it with the current key commercial technologies.
It is likely that MTBE will be discontinued for use as a fuel oxygenate in the U.S. This report examines some potential oxygenated replacements based on a number of criteria. A forecast for the supply/demand of MTBE is also included.
Chemistry, process technology, and production economics for maleic anhydride manufacture is presented. Both air based and oxygen based process technology is compared. Market supply/demand forecast is also given.
Process technology and production economics for LLDPE manufacture. Gas phase (BP Amoco, Elenac, Mitsui, Montell, Univation), Solution (Dow, DSM, Nova), Phillip' slurry are presented. Developments in metallocene and easy processable grades are discussed/assessed.