[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream feedstocks, storage methods, differences between mixed butane and n-butane

Mixed butane properties

Mixed butane is a hydrocarbon compound made by mixing n-butane and isobutane in a certain proportion. Both n-butane (n-Butane) and isobutane (i-Butane) are isomers with the molecular formula C4H10. Their boiling points are -0.5°C and -11.7°C, respectively, with low boiling points and high volatility. The mixed butane is usually a gas at normal temperature and pressure, but can be liquefied at high pressure or low temperature. Its main physical properties include colorless, odorless, flammable, and can form explosive mixtures in air.

Mixed butane uses

Mixed butane is widely used in industrial and civil fields. In terms of energy, mixed butane is an important part of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is widely used as domestic and industrial fuel, such as heating, cooking and combustion equipment. Mixed butanes are also important raw materials in the petrochemical industry for the production of olefins (such as ethylene and propylene), which are important basic materials for the manufacture of plastics, synthetic rubber and chemical fibers. Mixed butanes are also used as refrigerants, sprays, and solvents.

Mixed butane upstream and downstream feedstocks

The production of mixed butane involves several upstream and downstream industrial chains. Upstream raw materials are mainly derived from natural gas and oil extraction and refining processes. In natural gas processing plants, butane can be separated by natural gas liquefaction; in refineries, butane is a by-product of cracking and catalytic reforming in the petroleum refining process. Downstream products are mainly chemical products obtained through further processing and conversion of mixed butane, such as LPG, ethylene, propylene, etc., which are widely used in energy, chemical and manufacturing industries.

Mixed butane storage method

Due to the flammable and explosive nature of mixed butane, its storage requires special attention to safety. Mixed butane is generally stored in liquid form, and the storage environment must be a sealed container with low temperature and high pressure. Commonly used storage facilities include spherical tanks and horizontal storage tanks, which are generally made of carbon steel or low-alloy steel and are equipped with monitoring equipment such as safety valves, pressure gauges and thermometers to ensure safe storage conditions. The storage site should be far away from fire sources, equipped with firewalls and explosion-proof devices, and regularly check and maintain storage equipment to prevent leakage and explosion accidents.

Safety Management and Environmental Impact

During the production, storage and use of mixed butane, safety operation regulations must be strictly observed to prevent leakage and fire. Operators shall be professionally trained and familiar with emergency treatment measures. The mixed butane is volatile and easy to diffuse into the atmosphere after leakage, which may cause environmental pollution and greenhouse effect. Therefore, enterprises should take effective leak detection and recovery measures in the process of production and use to reduce the impact on the environment.

Market supply and demand and price trends

The market supply, demand and price of mixed butanes are affected by many factors. On the supply side, natural gas and oil extraction, refinery operating rates, and seasonal demand all affect the supply of mixed butanes. On the demand side, it depends on factors such as energy consumption, chemical production and temperature changes. In recent years, with the growth of global energy demand and the implementation of environmental protection policies, the mixed butane market has shown a boom in supply and demand, but the price fluctuates greatly. Market participants need to pay close attention to the global energy market dynamics and policy changes, in order to adjust production and sales strategies.

future development trend

Looking ahead, the mixed butane market will continue to be affected by global energy restructuring and environmental requirements. With the wide application of natural gas and the continuous development of petrochemical industry, the demand for mixed butane will keep growing. Increasingly stringent environmental regulations will drive companies to adopt more advanced production and storage technologies to reduce emissions and environmental pollution. With the development of renewable energy and alternative fuels, the market competition for mixed butane will become increasingly fierce. Companies need to constantly innovate and improve product quality and safety to maintain a competitive advantage.

Conclusion

As an important energy and chemical raw material, mixed butane has a wide application prospect in modern industry. Its nature and use determine its diversified applications in energy, chemical and civil fields. Due to its flammable and explosive characteristics, the production, storage and use of mixed butane require high attention to safety management and environmental protection. In the future development, market supply and demand and technological progress will be important factors affecting the mixed butane industry. Enterprises need to keep up with market changes and policy guidance, actively respond to challenges, seize development opportunities, and achieve sustainable development.