[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of ethane, what are the properties of ethane

Ethane Properties

Ethane (C2H6) is a colorless and odorless gas that belongs to the alkane group. Its molecular structure consists of two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms in a linear arrangement. Ethane has a melting point of -183°C and a boiling point of -88.6°C, and exists in a gaseous state at normal temperature. It is highly flammable and produces carbon dioxide and water vapor when burned. Ethane is slightly denser than air and diffuses more slowly in air. Because of its simple and stable molecular structure, ethane is less active in chemical reactions, but it can undergo cracking reactions to generate ethylene and hydrogen at high temperatures.

Ethane Uses

The main use of ethane lies in its role as a chemical feedstock, especially in the production of ethylene. Through the steam cracking process, ethane can be converted into ethylene, which is a key intermediate for the synthesis of plastics, ethylene glycol, acetaldehyde and other important chemical products. Ethylene is the basic raw material of polyethylene (PE), which is widely used in packaging materials, pipes, wires and cables and other fields. Ethane is also used to produce acetylene and ethanol, and acetic acid can be obtained by an oxidation process. Ethane is also used in natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an energy fuel.

Ethane Upstream Feedstock

The upstream feedstock of ethane is mainly derived from natural gas and petroleum. Natural gas contains a certain proportion of ethane, which is usually extracted from natural gas by cryogenic separation processes (such as refrigeration separation or adsorption separation). Petroleum cracking is also one of the important sources of ethane, which can be obtained by naphtha cracking in the petroleum refining process. Shale gas extraction also provides an important source of ethane supply, especially in North America, where the shale gas revolution has significantly increased ethane supply capacity.

Ethane Downstream Products

The downstream products of ethane are mainly concentrated on ethylene and its derivatives. Ethylene can be polymerized to produce different types of polyethylene, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). These polyethylene products are widely used in daily life and industrial production. Ethylene can also be used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and other plastic products. In organic chemical synthesis, ethylene is the basic raw material for the production of ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol and acetaldehyde, which are widely used in the production of antifreeze, coatings, solvents and pharmaceuticals.

Ethane storage method

Storage of ethane requires the use of specific equipment and conditions due to its physical properties. Typically, ethane is stored in the liquid state, which requires cooling to a temperature below its boiling point (-88.6°C) or storage at elevated pressure. Common storage methods include cryogenic storage tanks and high-pressure gas cylinders. In cryogenic storage tanks, ethane exists in a liquid state and is usually stored in a low temperature environment of about -100°C. The storage tank needs to have good insulation performance to reduce cold loss and ensure storage safety. High-pressure gas cylinders compress ethane to a liquid or high-density gas for storage by pressurization, a method commonly used for small-scale storage and transportation.

Ethane transport

Transportation of ethane also requires special equipment and technology. For large-scale long-distance transportation, low-temperature liquid transportation is usually used, using special low-temperature liquid transport ships or tankers. These transport units are equipped with efficient insulation and refrigeration systems to ensure that the ethane remains liquid during transport and maintains a low temperature environment. For land short-distance transportation, high-pressure gas cylinder transportation is more common. This method is convenient for loading and unloading and flexible transportation, but the capacity is small and the cost is high.

Ethane Safety

Ethane is a highly flammable gas that requires special attention to safety during storage and use. Ethane has a wide range of explosive limits (3%-12%), and it is easy to form explosive mixtures in the air. Therefore, storage and use places must have good ventilation conditions and be equipped with gas detection and alarm equipment. Ethane at high concentrations is a choking hazard to the human body. Operators should wear appropriate protective equipment to avoid direct contact and inhalation of high concentrations of ethane. Relevant safety regulations shall be strictly observed during storage and transportation to prevent leakage and fire accidents.

Ethane Market Analysis

The ethane market is influenced by a variety of factors such as supply and demand, technological advances in production, and the policy environment. In recent years, with the advancement and application of shale gas extraction technology, the supply of ethane has increased significantly, especially in the US market, where the price of ethane is relatively stable and the supply is sufficient. The global demand for ethylene and its derivatives continues to grow, driving the rapid development of the ethane market. In terms of policy, the importance of clean energy and environmental protection in various countries has also promoted the application prospect of ethane in alternative fuels and chemical raw materials.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material and energy fuel, ethane plays a key role in modern industry. Its rich upstream resources, diverse downstream products and professional storage and transportation methods constitute a complete ethane industry chain. In the future, with the continuous progress of technology and the growth of market demand, the application prospect of ethane will be broader. Under the premise of ensuring safety and environmental protection, the rational development and utilization of ethane resources will bring greater development opportunities for the chemical industry and energy industry.