Chemical profile: orthoxylene

28 April 2008 00:00  [Source: ICB]

USES

Orthoxylene (OX) is the second largest of the three commercial isomers of xylene. Almost all OX output is consumed in making phthalic anhydride (PA), which is used in phthalate plasticizers - primarily dioctyl phthalate (DOP) - for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as well as unsaturated polyesters and alkyd resins.

Small quantities are used in solvent applications and to make bactericides, soya bean herbicides and lube oil additives. A new outlet is in high-performance polymer, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN).

SUPPLY/DEMAND

European producers and buyers say 2007 was a fantastic year for PA demand. However, suppliers say demand is slower than expected in 2008 because of the ­economic slowdown, but is still fair, with balanced supply.

The second quarter is traditionally the peak buying season, but players say the expected pick up is still not in sight and growth this year is expected to be slower than in 2007.

Consumption in eastern Europe and Russia has been strong due to a thriving construction industry

PRICES

Prices are influenced to a large degree by gasoline prices, which have consistently hit record levels in recent months. Contract levels have fluctuated as gasoline and the wider energy complex influenced negotiations. Prices rose in January by €40/tonne to €760/tonne, but dropped in February by €10/tonne in line with buyer sentiment and lower gasoline values

Rising upstream costs pushed up contracts again in March by €40/tonne to €790/tonne, and in April by €30/tonne to €820/tonne. Producers have not managed to improve margins, but say they are reasonable. Spot numbers firmed during the month to $1,160-1,180 tonne, but with no deals.

TECHNOLOGY

Mixed xylenes are produced by high-severity catalytic reforming of naphtha from which the C8 stream contains orth-, meta-, and paraxylenes (PX), and ethylbenzene.

Xylenes are also obtained from the pyrolysis gas (pygas) stream in a naphtha steam cracker and by toluene disproportionation. The xylenes are passed through a splitter where the bottom stream, with a targeted amount of OX, is sent to a distillation ­column to produce high-purity product.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

OX is a clear, colorless liquid with an aromatic odor. It is toxic and flammable and flashback can occur as its vapors are heavier than air. It reacts violently with strong oxidants causing a fire and explosion hazard.

Vapors can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. High levels can cause dizziness and lead to unconsciousness and may be fatal.

OUTLOOK

Future demand growth in Western Europe is expected to be around 1%/year. Growth in Central and Eastern Europe is higher at about 2%/year, due primarily to a very active construction program.

No major investment is planned in Europe, where little change in the supply/demand balance is expected in the short to medium term. PKN Orlen is building a 40,000 tonne/year plant in Plock, Poland, as part of a proposed PX/purified terephthalic acid (PTA) project that is due to start production in 2009.

Other projects are planned in China, Singapore and Taiwan beyond 2010.

EUROPEAN ORTHOXYLENE CAPACITY, '000 TONNES/YEAR

Company	Location	Capacity
BP Refining & Petochemicals	Gelsenkirchen, Germany	70
CEPSA	Algeciras, Spain	40
ExxonMobil	Botlek, Netherlands	130
Galp Chemical	Oporto, Portugal	50
Kirishinefteorgsintez	Kirishi, Russia	65
Lukoil Neftochim Bourgas	Burgas, Bulgaria	20
MOL	Szazhalombatta, Hungary	50
Naftan	Novopolotsk, Belarus	25
Omsk Refinery	Omsk, Russia	165
PCK Raffinerie	Schwedt, Germany	40
Petkim	Aliaga, Turkey	65
Polimeri Europa	Priolo, Italy	70
	Sarroch, Italy	90
PKN Orlen	Plock, Poland	10
Salavatnefteorgsintez	Salavat, Russia	15
Shell & DEA Oil	Heide, Germany	15
	Wesseling, Germany	60
Slovnaft	Bratislava, Slovakia	15
Total Petrochemicals	Gonfreville, France	110
Ufaneftekhim	Ufa, Russia	165

SOURCE: ICIS

Profile last published May 2, 2005

< previous article(VIDEO - ICIS news Europe Lunchtime Bulletin 27 October 2009)

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly