[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of mixed C4, C4 mixture

Mixed C4 properties

Mixed C4 is a mixture of hydrocarbons with a carbon number of four. The main components include butane, butene and a small amount of butadiene. Its main characteristics include volatile, flammable, and has a certain chemical reaction activity. Since the components in the mixed C4 are all light hydrocarbons, they are mostly gaseous at normal temperature and pressure, with lower boiling point and higher vapor pressure. The physical properties of mixed C4 make it necessary to pay special attention to fire and explosion prevention measures during storage and transportation.

Mixed C4 uses

The use of mixed C4 is mainly concentrated in the chemical industry and is the basic raw material for a variety of important chemical products. The following are some of the main uses:

1. Isobutene production: Isobutene is the key raw material for the synthesis of butyl rubber and MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), while butyl rubber is widely used in tire production, MTBE is an important gasoline additive.

2. 1,3-butadiene production: 1,3-butadiene can be obtained by mixing C4 separation and purification, which is an important monomer used in the production of synthetic rubber and plastics.

3. Butane Isomerization: The n-butane in mixed C4 can be converted to isobutane by isomerization reaction, which is an important component in the production of high octane gasoline.

Upstream raw materials

The upstream feedstock for blended C4 comes mainly from the cracking process of oil and natural gas. Specific sources include:

1. Naphtha cracking: Naphtha cracking is one of the main ways to obtain mixed C4. Under high temperature conditions, naphtha is cracked to produce a series of light hydrocarbons, including mixed C4.

2. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cracking. Propane and butane in LPG can also be cracked to produce mixed C4.

3. Refinery byproducts: Mixed C4s are also produced during refinery processes, such as catalytic cracking and thermal cracking.

Downstream Products

The blended C4 is further processed to produce a range of important chemical products, including:

1. Butadiene: Used in the production of synthetic rubber and plastics, widely used in the automotive, construction and consumer goods industries.

2. Isobutylene: used in the production of MTBE and butyl rubber, MTBE as a gasoline additive to increase the octane number, butyl rubber used in the manufacture of tires and other rubber products.

3. C4 alkane mixtures: These can be used as refinery C4 fractions for further gasoline blending.

storage method

Due to its flammable and explosive properties, mixed C4 has strict requirements on storage conditions:

1. Tank design: Specially designed tanks are required, which must be able to withstand high pressures and be equipped with safety valves and explosive relief devices.

2. Temperature and pressure control: The storage environment needs to maintain the appropriate temperature and pressure to prevent the evaporation of the mixed C4 and the risk of excessive pressure.

3. Fire and explosion-proof measures: firewalls and explosion-proof isolation belts shall be set up in the storage area, and necessary fire extinguishing equipment such as foam fire extinguishers and dry powder fire extinguishers shall be provided.

4. Leak Detection: Leak detection equipment should be installed to detect and deal with any possible leaks in time to prevent fire or explosion accidents.

Environmental and safety considerations

The production, storage and use of hybrid C4s are all related to environmental and safety issues:

1. Environmental impact: Mixed C4 emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may cause atmospheric pollution, and strict control of emissions is necessary.

2. Health risks: Persons exposed to the C4 mixture need to take appropriate precautions to avoid health hazards from inhalation and skin contact.

3. Emergency response: Establish a sound emergency response mechanism, including fire and leakage emergency plans, to ensure that accidents can be dealt with quickly and effectively.

Market Analysis

The hybrid C4 market is affected by a variety of factors, including crude oil prices, downstream demand, and policies and regulations:

1. Crude oil price volatility: As a by-product of petroleum cracking, the supply and price of blended C4 is closely related to the crude oil market. The fluctuation of crude oil price will directly affect the production cost and market price of mixed C4.

2. Changes in downstream demand: Changes in demand for downstream products such as butadiene and isobutylene will also affect the hybrid C4 market. For example, the increased demand for synthetic rubber in the automotive industry will drive the demand for butadiene, which in turn will affect the market for hybrid C4.

3. Policies and regulations: Changes in environmental policies and safety regulations may have an impact on the production and use of blended C4. For example, strict VOCs emission standards may increase production costs, while strengthening safety regulations may increase the difficulty of storage and transportation.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, mixed C4 has a wide range of applications and market prospects. Safety and environmental risks during their production, storage and use require adequate attention. Through scientific management and strict control, the economic value of mixed C4 can be maximized while ensuring its safety and environmental protection. In the future, with the progress of technology and market changes, the application field and market scale of hybrid C4 are expected to be further expanded.