Paraxylene (PX) is the largest volume isomer of the mixed xylenes. Around 98% of PX demand comes from the polyester chain via the one of its intermediates purified terephthalic acid (PTA) or dimethyl terephthalate (DMT).
The PX market has seen strong growth driven by increasing PTA consumption in polyester manufacture. In Asia, much of the growth in polyester is for fibre used in textiles. In North America and Europe, there has been strong growth for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins used to make soft drink and mineral water bottles.
The paraxylene market has been tight globally. New PTA capacity is outstripping PX additions and world PX markets are predicted to remain tight until 2008.
Conventional paraxylene technology is based on the isomerisation of mixed xylenes. High purity product can be obtained using crystallisation or selective adsorptive separation.
Paraxylene occurs as a colourless, flammable liquid or crystals, with a characteristic odour. Paraxylene vapour may explode if ignited in an enclosed area and there is a potentially dangerous fire hazard from flashback.
Paraxylene
Price Reports
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Paraxylene
Uses and Outlook
Paraxylene (PX) is the largest volume isomer of the mixed xylenes. Around 98% of PX is consumed in the polyester chain, mainly in the production of fibre, film and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), via one of two intermediates – purified terephthalic acid (PTA) or dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). A small amount of PX is used as a solvent and to produce di-paraxylene and herbicides.
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Paraxylene
Process Technologies
Mixed xylenes are produced by high severity catalytic reforming of naphtha, from which the C8 stream contains ortho-, meta- and para -xylenes, and ethyl benzene. Xylenes are also obtained from the pyrolysis gasoline stream in a naphtha steam cracker and by toluene disproportionation.
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