Aromatics

Introduction

Diving into C5 value chain – aromatics and their derivatives, from the production technology, to market dynamics (supply, demand, trade), to the applications

Learning topics and objectives

1. 1. Understand the different technologies on making and separating aromatics, e.g. primary and secondary aromatics sources, on-purpose aromatics technologies
   2. Understand the technologies to make aromatics derivatives
   3. Learn the market and applications of all chemicals in the C5 value chain, including:
      1. Benzene and Toluene
      2. Cyclohexane and polyamide (Nylon), e.g. nylon 6,6 and nylon 6
      3. Polyurethanes (PU), e.g. MDI, TDI
      4. Xylenes, PTA and PET
      5. Phthalic anhydride and Plasticizers, e.g. unsaturated polyester resins (UPR)
   4. Learn the PET materials through a short demonstration and understand the engineering involved in the plastics bottle business

Modules

1. Making and Separating aromatics (part 1): introduction to aromatics including benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX); primary sources of aromatics; how to separate each component, i.e. zeolite separation, isomerization, etc.
2. Making and Separating aromatics (part 2): on-purpose aromatics technologies; secondary sources of aromatics
3. Benzene and Toluene: regional benzene production; leading producers, demand and trade of benzene; demand and leading producers of toluene
4. Cyclohexane and polyamide (Nylon): nylon value chain; nylon story and development, e.g. nylon 6,6 and nylon 6; demand and applications ; cyclohexane synthesis and demand
5. Polyurethanes (PU): development, components and formation of PU; demand, leading producers of MDI and TDI; applications of PU, e.g. flexible and rigid foams, CASE, TPU; system houses
6. Xylenes, PTA and PET: demand of mixed xylenes; para-xylene demand and leading producers; PX trade; PTA process, leading producers, capacity and trade; making polyesters from PTA; PET demand, leading producers and applications, i.e. fibre, bottle, packaging; short demonstration of PET materials
7. Phthalic anhydride and Plasticizers: phthalic anhydrite production and demand of; synthesis of different plasticizers and their applications; unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) production and applications