In 2006, Shell and CNOOC launched a 155,000-ton-per-year production facility in the South China Sea, while Zhenhai Refinery began operations at its 150,000-ton plant in 2008. Daqing Petrochemical Company also completed a 70,000-ton-per-year facility in 2007. These projects marked significant growth in China’s butadiene production capacity. By 2006, total production was expected to reach around 1.3 million tons, rising to approximately 1.7 million tons by 2010. Meanwhile, domestic consumption was projected to increase from 1.17 million tons in 2006 to about 1.44 million tons by 2010. With an operating rate of just 90%, the existing facilities were sufficient to meet demand, leading experts to advise caution in future expansions and encourage diversification of butadiene applications.
Since the first domestic butadiene plant was established in 1971, the industry has seen steady development. By the end of 2003, China’s production capacity had reached 933,000 tons, with output at 858,000 tons. It was anticipated that by the end of the year, 21 sets of butadiene equipment would bring total capacity to 1.145 million tons. Despite this progress, domestic supply still fell short, resulting in high import levels. In 2004, imports reached 195,900 tons—an increase of 44.15% compared to 2003—and accounted for 18.4% of total consumption. From 1999 to 2004, annual import growth averaged 17.44%.
The rise in apparent consumption mirrored industrial growth. In 1995, China consumed 411,100 tons of butadiene, which surged to 1,105,300 tons in 2004, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 11.6% during that period.
Traditional applications remain dominant. In 2004, butadiene was primarily used for producing butadiene rubber (36%), styrene-butadiene rubber (36.1%), SBS elastomers (12.6%), ABS resins (10.6%), and other products (4.7%). Butadiene rubber is the largest consumer, with 397,000 tons produced in 2004 and 383,000 tons of butadiene consumed. Although production capacity may slightly decline by 2006 due to outdated facilities, demand is expected to grow, pushing consumption to 400,000 tons by 2006 and 410,000 tons by 2010.
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) ranked second, with 469,000 tons produced and 385,000 tons of butadiene used. Consumption is expected to reach 350,000 tons by 2006 and 380,000 tons by 2010. SBS elastomers, the third-largest user, consumed 134,000 tons in 2004, with projections reaching 160,000 tons by 2006 and 170,000 tons by 2010.
ABS resin consumption was around 113,000 tons in 2004, driven by the growth of the automotive and information industries. By 2006, it is expected to rise to 200,000 tons, and reach 400,000 tons by 2010. Other applications, such as nitrile rubber and chemical intermediates, accounted for about 50,000 tons in 2004, with expectations of 60,000 tons by 2006 and 80,000 tons by 2010.
To improve efficiency, the author recommends focusing on market-driven downstream development, upgrading existing facilities, reducing energy and material use, and enhancing automation. The KLP technology for selective hydrogenation of C4 fractions offers energy savings and should be accelerated for commercial use. Additionally, expanding butadiene into new areas—such as propylene production or adiponitrile manufacturing—can help meet growing demand and reduce reliance on imports.
Crusher
Csch Cylinder Cone Crusher,Cylinder Cone Crusher,Single Cylinder Cone Crusher,Vertical Shaft Impact Crusher
KingKong, Intelligent Equipment (Xuzhou) Co., Ltd , https://www.impimaq.com