[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of polymerization grade propylene, polymerization grade acrylic acid

Polymerization grade propylene properties

Polymer-grade propylene (Propylene, Celevated) is a colorless, flammable gas that is gaseous at room temperature and pressure. Its molecular structure is simple, with double bonds, making it very active in chemical reactions. The purity of polymerization grade propylene is generally above 99%, and the impurity content is very low. This high purity makes it particularly suitable for highly demanding polymerization reactions. In terms of physical properties, propylene has a boiling point of -47.7°C, a density of about 1.81kg/m³ (gaseous), and a high calorific value.

Polymerization grade propylene use

Polymerization grade propylene is an important raw material for the production of a variety of chemical products. Its main use is for the production of polypropylene (PP), this plastic has good mechanical properties, chemical resistance and heat resistance, is widely used in packaging materials, household appliances, automotive parts and other fields. In addition, propylene is used to produce acrylonitrile (used in the manufacture of synthetic fibers and resins), propylene oxide (used in the production of polyurethanes and other chemicals), isopropyl alcohol (solvents and chemical intermediates), and acrylic acid (used in coatings, adhesives, and plastics).

Polymerization grade propylene upstream and downstream raw materials

There are two main sources of propylene production: petrochemicals and natural gas chemicals. In the petrochemical industry, propylene is a by-product of naphtha cracking and can also be obtained by dehydrogenation of propane. In the natural gas chemical industry, propylene is obtained as part of the methane to ethylene process. Upstream feedstocks include naphtha, propane, and ethane, among others. Downstream products mainly include polypropylene, acrylonitrile, propylene oxide, isopropyl alcohol and acrylic acid. After further processing, these products can be used in various fields, from the textile industry to the automotive industry, to daily consumer goods.

Polymerization grade propylene production process

The production process of propylene mainly includes steam cracking and propane dehydrogenation (PDH). Steam cracking is the pyrolysis of naphtha or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), during which propylene is separated as a by-product. The PDH process directly dehydrogenates propane at high temperature to generate propylene, which has the advantages of wide source of raw materials and simple process, but requires high reaction conditions, needs to be carried out at high temperature, and requires a specific catalyst.

POLYMERIZED PROPYLENE STORAGE METHOD

Propylene is a flammable and explosive chemical, and its storage and transportation require special attention. Propylene is generally stored in a liquid form in a pressure vessel or a cryogenic vessel, and common storage methods include pressure storage tanks and cryogenic storage tanks. The pressure storage tank is suitable for storage at room temperature, and the propylene is liquefied by pressurization, and the storage pressure is generally 2-3 MPa. Cryogenic storage tanks are liquefied at low temperatures (below -48°C) to store propylene, which reduces the pressure requirements of the tank, but requires a low temperature environment. It is also necessary to prevent leakage and static electricity accumulation during the storage of propylene, and usually need to be equipped with fire protection, explosion protection and leak detection devices.

Market Demand and Future Prospects

The market demand for polymerization grade propylene is mainly driven by the downstream product market, especially the growth of the polypropylene market. With the growth of the global population and the improvement of living standards, the demand for polypropylene applications in packaging, automotive, electronics and home appliances is increasing, driving the demand for polymer-grade propylene. Increasingly stringent environmental regulations are driving the demand for lightweight, high-performance materials, further promoting the development of polymer-grade propylene and its downstream products. In the future, with the development of emerging markets and technological progress, the market for polymer-grade propylene has a bright future.

Environmental protection and safety management

It is necessary to pay attention to environmental protection and safety issues in the production and use of propylene. It is necessary to control the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the production process to prevent environmental pollution. The flammable and explosive characteristics of propylene require strict compliance with safety regulations during storage, transportation and use to prevent fire and explosion accidents. Modern propylene production plants are usually equipped with advanced environmental protection and safety facilities, such as closed systems, online monitoring systems and emergency treatment devices, to ensure production safety and environmental protection.

Technological innovation and development trend

With the continuous progress of technology, the production process of polymerization grade propylene is also constantly optimized. The development of new catalysts makes the propane dehydrogenation process more efficient and energy-saving, while reducing the generation of by-products. On the other hand, the rise of green chemistry has prompted the exploration of more environmentally friendly production methods, such as bio-based feedstock substitution and circular economy models. The application of digital and intelligent technology is also gradually changing the traditional chemical production mode. Through the combination of big data and artificial intelligence technology, the production efficiency and safety management level are improved.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, polymer-grade propylene has a wide range of applications and strong market demand. Although there are certain environmental and safety challenges in its production and use, these problems can be effectively controlled through technological innovation and strict management. In the future, with the growth of market demand and the continuous progress of technology, polymer grade propylene will continue to play an important role in the chemical industry and promote the sustainable development of related industries.