[Chemical Knowledge]：Propylene oxide properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, propylene oxide introduction

PROPYLENE OXIDE PROPERTIES

Propylene oxide (propylene, PO) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H6O. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a similar ether smell, and has a strong volatility. Propylene oxide has a boiling point of 34°C, a density of 0.83g/cm³, a low viscosity and good solubility. Because its molecule contains an epoxy group (-C2H4O), it has a high degree of reactivity, especially with nucleophiles (such as water, alcohol, amine, etc.) ring-opening reaction to generate various compounds.

Propylene oxide uses

Propylene oxide is an important chemical raw material, mainly used in the production of polyether polyols, propylene glycol, propylene glycol ether, glycerin, surfactants and other organic compounds. Polyether polyol is an important precursor for the production of polyurethane, which is widely used in foam, elastomer, coating, adhesive and other fields. Propylene glycol is used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins, antifreeze, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Glycerol is an important industrial raw material, which is widely used in food, medicine, cosmetics, tobacco and resin industries.

Propylene oxide upstream raw material

Propylene oxide is mainly produced by the epoxidation of propylene. Propylene is the main upstream feedstock for propylene oxide and is derived from by-products in petroleum cracking and refining processes. The main methods for producing propylene oxide include the chlorohydrin method and the peroxide method.

1. Chlorohydrin method: This is one of the traditional propylene oxide production methods. Propylene reacts with chlorine and water to generate chloropropanol, and then dehydrochlorination generates propylene oxide. Although the process is mature, it is gradually replaced due to the formation of a large amount of by-products such as hydrochloric acid.

2. Peroxide method: In modern technology, hydrogen peroxide method and co-oxidation method (PO/SM method, that is, co-oxidation with styrene) have gradually become the mainstream. The hydrogen peroxide method (HPPO method) refers to the direct epoxidation of propylene to propylene oxide under the action of hydrogen peroxide. This method has fewer by-products and is more environmentally friendly. PO/SM process produces propylene oxide and styrene oxide by co-oxidation of propylene and styrene.

Propylene oxide downstream products

The downstream products of propylene oxide are rich and have a wide range of applications.

1. Polyether polyols are used in the production of polyurethane foams, coatings, elastomers and adhesives. Polyurethane materials are widely used in construction, automobile, furniture, electronics and other fields because of their excellent physical properties and chemical stability.

2. Propylene glycol: used in the manufacture of unsaturated polyester resin, antifreeze, cosmetics, food additives and pharmaceuticals. Propylene glycol has good hygroscopicity and solubility, and is an important solvent and intermediate.

3. Glycerin: widely used in food, medicine, cosmetics and other fields. Glycerol, as a trihydric alcohol, has high hygroscopicity and chemical stability, and is an important humectant and solvent.

4. Surfactants: propylene oxide can react with fatty alcohols to produce fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers, which are used in the production of detergents, emulsifiers and wetting agents.

Propylene oxide storage method

Propylene oxide is flammable, explosive and toxic, so its storage and transportation require special attention to safety measures.

1. Storage Tank Requirements: Propylene oxide shall be stored in low temperature, pressure storage tanks made of stainless steel or specially treated carbon steel to prevent corrosion. The storage tank shall be equipped with safety valve and explosion-proof device to prevent explosion caused by excessive pressure.

2. Environmental control: The storage area should be kept well ventilated, away from fire and heat sources to prevent static electricity accumulation. The temperature is controlled at or below room temperature to reduce the risk of evaporation and leakage of propylene oxide.

3. Leak treatment: If a leak occurs, the source of the leak should be immediately closed and covered with an inert gas such as nitrogen to prevent the mixture of propylene oxide and air from forming an explosive mixture. Spills can be absorbed by inert adsorbent materials (e. g., sand) and disposed of in accordance with hazardous waste treatment standards.

4. Protective measures: Operators should wear protective clothing, gloves, goggles and gas masks to avoid skin contact and inhalation of propylene oxide vapor. Storage areas should be equipped with emergency showers and eyewash facilities in case of emergency.

Market Analysis

Epoxy propane market demand is large, mainly driven by downstream industry demand. With the development of the global economy, especially the continuous growth of the construction, automobile, home appliances and textile industries, the demand for polyurethane materials is increasing, thus driving the demand for propylene oxide. The promotion of green environmental protection technology (such as HPPO method) reduces the production cost and environmental pollution, and further enhances the market competitiveness.

Propylene oxide production has certain risks and uncertainties, such as raw material propylene price fluctuations, high safety production requirements, increasingly stringent environmental regulations, etc., all of which bring challenges to the operation and profit of enterprises. Enterprises need to continuously optimize production processes, improve production efficiency, and enhance environmental protection and safety management to cope with market changes and competitive pressures.

Conclusion

As an important organic chemical raw material, propylene oxide has broad application prospects and market demand. Under the background of stable upstream raw material supply and continuous optimization of production process, the development prospect of propylene oxide industry is good. Enterprises need to attach great importance to production safety and environmental protection issues, improve technical level and management ability, in order to maintain competitive advantage and achieve sustainable development.