Dow to add Louisiana cracker to manufacture on-purpose propylene

Dow will be able to produce more than 100,000 metric tons/year of on-purpose propylene which will impact global propylene market

Global: Dow will install its fluidized catalytic dehydrogenation (FCDh) technology into one of its mixed-feed crackers in Plaquemine, Louisiana to produce on-purpose propylene. Dow expanded ethylene capacity of the same cracker by more than 225,000 metric tons/year in 2016. The project added the ability to crack ethane while maintaining the flexibility to crack propane, butane, and naphtha. Deploying FCDh technology supports Dow’s continued focus on delivering low-risk, low-cost, and high-return projects while reducing the energy intensity and carbon footprint associated with conventional technologies. Retrofitting Plaquemine cracker will enhance asset utilization and leverage the US shale gas advantage to meet growing customer demand for Dow’s differentiated polyolefins products.

FCDh technology can reduce capital outlay by 25%, and lower energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions by 20%. In July, PetroLogistics ll LLC announced it had licensed Dow’s FCDh technology for a standalone 500,000-metric tons/year propane dehydrogenation (PDH) facility in the US Gulf Coast. 

According to BlueWeave Consulting, Application of Propylene Glycol as an ingredient in engine coolants, deicing fluids and antifreeze are helpful in making base fluid for aircraft deicing formulations and coolant in the food industry will boom the global propylene glycol market. Uses of propylene glycol broad as a humectant in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, animal food and tobacco industries will drive the Propylene Glycol market over the forecast period. Furthermore, uses of propylene glycol in making unsaturated polyester resins that are reinforced with fiberglass which is used in building panels, bathroom components, fixtures, corrosion-resistant tanks, pipes, ducts, boats, passenger cars, trucks and recreational vehicles and major appliances will contribute in the growth of Propylene Glycol market in upcoming periods.

Propylene is also endorsing huge demand from the global packaging industry owing to the rising need for high quality and safe packaging material from the food & beverage, chemicals, and pharmaceutical sectors. Rising demand for propylene byproducts such as acrylic acid & acrylonitrile (ACN) can be recognized as increasing demand from the paints and coatings industry. Companies are also concentrating on the production of bio-based propylene, which are used as a raw material in manufacturing and other derivatives.

Government regulatory across the globe have laid down stringent laws and rules regarding greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles to reduce pollution. Moreover, cumulative disposable income levels of people in BRIC countries are driving growth in the global propylene market.

According to BlueWeave Consulting's report titled ” Global Propylene Glycol Market, By Source (Petroleum Based And Bio-Based), By Applications (Food, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics, Liquid Detergents,Unsaturated Polyester Resin, Antifreeze & Functional Fluids, Plasticizers, And Others),By End-Use Industry (Building & Construction, Food &Beverage, Transportation, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics, And Others), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa And Latin America); Size And Forecast, 2018-2025”

The global Propylene Glycol market is estimated to grow at a significant rate, during the forecast period 2018-2025. The growing demand for Propylene Glycol in the food processing industry and the pharmaceutical industry are vital factors expected to encourage the growth of the global Propylene Glycol market in the upcoming period. Besides, growing trends towards the application of polypropylene in the automotive industry to reduce the weight of the vehicle for increasing fuel efficiency are other factors estimated to accelerate the growth of the market in the next few years.