Author Archives: Sam Weatherlake

About Sam Weatherlake

Senior Editor in ICIS Pricing, based in Sutton.

Methanol Methodology – 28 October 2013

Methodology

Methanol is primarily used to produce formaldehyde, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and acetic acid, with smaller amounts going into the manufacture of DMT,MMA, chloromethanes, methylamines, glycol methyl ethers and fuels. It also has many general solvent and antifreeze uses, such as being a component for paint strippers, car windshield washer compounds and a deicer for natural […]

Butyl Acetate Methodology – 24 October 2013

Methodology

A colourless flammable liquid with a fruity odour, butyl acetate is produced by the esterification of acetic acid using butanol in the presence of a catalyst such assulphuric acid. Its main uses are in paint manufacturing, automobiles, glue in wood coatings, nail care, cosmetics and perfumes, extraction solvent for pharmaceuticals, cleaning fluids and for low-end applications like paint thinner. BAC can […]

Ethyl Acetate Methodology – 24 October 2013

Methodology

The major outlet for ethyl acetate (EAC) is coatings which account for 60% of demand. Process solvents, including pharmaceuticals and organic synthesis, account for 15% while printing inks are also estimated at 15%. Miscellaneous uses, including adhesives and cosmetics, account for a further 10% of demand. The main method to manufacture EAC involves the esterification of ethanol […]

Feedstocks Methodology – 28 October 2013

Methodology

Crude The Crude Overview gives a summary of the daily price movements of the benchmark WTI (West Texas Intermediate) and Brent futures contracts on the NYMEX and ICE exchanges, detailing any significant factors affecting the markets. Naphtha Naphtha is a blend of light hydrocarbons used as a feedstock for either gasoline blending or for further […]

Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Methodology – 22 October 2013

Methodology

Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) can  be used to make many products including fibre for polyester carpet; fabrics for T-shirts, long underwear, athletic shoes, luggage, upholstery and sweaters; fibre fill for sleeping bags and winter coats; industrial strapping, sheet and film; automotive parts, such as luggage racks, headliners, fuse boxes, bumpers, grilles and door panels; as […]

Ethylene Methodology – 28 October 2013

Methodology

Ethylene is a colourless, odourless, extremely flammable compressed gas. It is slightly soluble in water and soluble in liquid hydrocarbons. It reacts with strong oxidants causing fire and is an explosion hazard. It may polymerise to form aromatic compounds under the influence of temperatures above 600°C. Around 59% of the world’s ethylene demand is consumed in polyethylene production. Other major […]

Maleic Anhydride Methodology – 17 October 2013

Methodology

Maleic anhydride (MA) is derived from butane in the US. In Europe and Asia, MA is derived predominantly from butane units, although a small amount is produced by benzene units. Accounting for more than 50% of consumption, the primary outlet for maleic anhydride is for the manufacture of unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), which is used […]