[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream feedstocks, storage methods of ethylene, presence of ethylene

Ethylene Properties

Ethylene (chemical formula: C2H4) is a colorless, slightly sweet gas. Its molecular structure is that two carbon atoms are connected by a double bond, and each carbon atom is bonded to two hydrogen atoms. Due to the double bonds in its molecular structure, ethylene is highly reactive and can participate in a variety of chemical reactions. Ethylene has a molecular weight of 28.05g/mol, a slightly lower density than air, a boiling point of -103.7°C, and is in a gaseous state at room temperature. Ethylene is flammable and can form explosive mixtures in air. Ethylene is an important plant hormone, which plays a significant role in plant growth, flowering and fruit ripening.

Ethylene Uses

Ethylene is one of the basic raw materials in the petrochemical industry and has a wide range of uses. Ethylene is the main raw material for the production of polyethylene (PE). Polyethylene is one of the most commonly used plastics and is widely used in packaging materials, pipes, containers and films. Ethylene can be used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC) through the synthesis of vinyl chloride. PVC has important applications in construction, pipeline and cable insulation. Ethylene is also a raw material for the production of ethylene glycol, which is mainly used in the production of polyester fibers and antifreeze. Ethylene can also be used in the production of organic compounds such as acetaldehyde and acetic acid, and as a ripening agent for the storage and transportation of fruits and vegetables.

Ethylene Upstream and Downstream Feedstock

Ethylene is mainly produced by steam cracking, and its upstream raw materials include naphtha, ethane and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In the steam cracking process, these hydrocarbon feedstocks are cracked at high temperatures to produce ethylene and other by-products, such as propylene, butadiene and hydrogen. Ethylene produces a wide range of downstream products, including the aforementioned polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and ethylene glycol. Ethylene can also be converted into ethylene oxide, ethylene oxide and other important chemical products through a series of chemical reactions. These products are widely used in coatings, adhesives, detergents and other fields.

Ethylene storage method

Due to the flammable and explosive nature of ethylene, its storage method requires high attention to safety. Ethylene is typically stored in liquid form at low temperatures and high pressures. The cryogenic storage method (freezing method), in which ethylene is cooled to below its liquefaction temperature (-104°C) and then stored at a low temperature, is suitable for long-term storage of large quantities of ethylene. The high-pressure storage method is to pressurize ethylene to liquefaction and store it in a pressurized container. This method is suitable for short-term storage and transportation. Ethylene storage equipment needs to have good sealing and corrosion resistance, and is equipped with the necessary safety monitoring system to prevent leakage and explosion accidents.

Ethylene Market Analysis

The global ethylene market demand continues to grow, mainly due to the increase in demand for downstream plastics and chemical products. Especially in Asia, with the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, the demand for polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride has increased significantly, which has promoted the development of the ethylene market. In recent years, due to the shale gas revolution in North America, ethane has become an important growth point for ethylene production due to its abundant supply and low price. The European region is facing the challenge of high raw material prices and strict environmental regulations. Ethylene production costs are relatively high and competitiveness is relatively weak.

Ethylene Industry Technology Development

The progress of ethylene production technology is of great significance to improve production efficiency and reduce costs. In recent years, the ethylene production process has been continuously optimized, and the application of new catalysts and cracking furnace technology has improved the ethylene yield and energy utilization efficiency. In particular, the development of low-carbon technologies, such as ethane cracking and bio-based ethylene production technologies, has gradually attracted attention. These technologies can not only reduce the dependence on oil resources, but also reduce carbon emissions, in line with the requirements of sustainable development. The application of digital and intelligent technology also provides a new means for the monitoring and management of ethylene production, and improves the safety and stability of the production process.

Ethylene Industry Environmental Impact

Ethylene production involves a large amount of energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, which has a certain impact on the environment. In order to reduce the environmental burden, the ethylene industry is actively promoting the application of green production processes, such as low-energy cracking technology and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. Downstream applications of ethylene products, such as the production and use of plastic products, also bring environmental problems such as waste disposal and plastic pollution. Strengthening the recycling and reuse of waste plastics and promoting degradable plastic materials are important measures to solve these problems.

Ethylene Industry Outlook

Looking forward to the future, the ethylene industry will continue to develop in the direction of high efficiency, low carbon and intelligence. With the global emphasis on sustainable development and environmental protection, ethylene production processes and technologies will continue to innovate to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact. With the rapid development of emerging markets, the demand for ethylene will continue to grow. Through technological progress and industrial upgrading, the ethylene industry is expected to maintain a strong momentum of development in the global competition and make important contributions to the green transformation of the chemical industry.