Olefins spur demand for light hydrocarbons

Journal Article · Mon Jun 04 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Chem. Eng. News; (United States)

OSTI ID:6994200

According to a study by Ericsson Chemical Services and McClanahan Consultants, producers of olefins based on steam cracking plants are increasingly seeking light hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and butane. The sharp increase in demand for these hydrocarbons, which began about 6 mo ago, is expected to remain for the next 12-18 mo. Butane is expected to compete with high-priced naphtha and with heavier feeds. Ethane consumption will remain relatively stable over the next few years, with the possibility of a moderate increase in 1985. The use of propane as an olefin feed will gradually increase through 1985 even with a continuing drop in U.S. propane production. U.S. olefins plants have the flexibility to greatly increase propane and butane use by displacing ethane and heavy liquid hydrocarbons, taking advantage of abundant imported LPG. According to a Gas Processors Association study, U.S. underground LPG storage capacity has increased by about 8%/yr and Canadian capacity, by about 7%/yr.

• OSTI ID: 6994200
• Journal Information: Chem. Eng. News; (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Eng. News; (United States) Vol. 57:23; ISSN CENEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
030400* -- Natural Gas-- Products & By-Products
030600 -- Natural Gas-- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects
ALKANES
ALKENES
BUTANE
CHEMICAL FEEDSTOCKS
ETHANE
FLUIDS
FORECASTING
HYDROCARBONS
LIQUEFIED GASES
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES
LIQUIDS
NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PRODUCTION
PROPANE
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
SURVEYS