Ethane dehydrogenation to produce ethylene, naphtha cracking to produce ethylene – what is the cost comparison for producing ethylene from methanol?

The last edit to this post was made by Chizi Xincheng on 2018-9-30 at 09:15. Based on data from 2016, the average annual price of international Brent crude oil was 43.5 dollars per barrel, the average annual price of ethane in the United States was around 148 dollars per ton, while the average annual price of methanol in East China was approximately 2,080 yuan per ton. Based on this, the total cost per ton of olefins (excluding taxes) for the three processes of naphtha cracking, imported ethane cracking, and methanol-to-olefins production was calculated to be 4,130 yuan/ton, 3,460 yuan/ton, and 5,480 yuan/ton respectively. Imported ethane cracking offers a clear cost advantage, while the methanol-to-olefins process has the lowest cost competitiveness. In terms of yield, the yield from ethane cracking to produce ethylene is around 78%, while the yield from naphtha cracking for ethylene production is approximately 35%. However, the products obtained from ethane cracking are relatively limited, and significant fluctuations in the ethylene market have a considerable impact on the economic viability of such facilities. The raw material used comes mainly from the associated gas produced in U.S. shale oil operations, and due to trade relations between the two countries, there is considerable uncertainty regarding future price trends. In recent years, the feedstocks for ethylene plants worldwide have been shifting towards lighter feedstocks.

The process for producing ethane from ethane is simple, features high yields, low investment costs, and the lowest overall expenses

It still depends on the long-term ethane supply agreement.

Also, who can share the cost of producing ethylene through direct cracking of Mobil’s crude oil?

It’s definitely ethane, but a large and stable supply of ethane is required. That’s why Tarim has set up facilities for converting ethane into ethylene, and the Changqing Oil Field is also carrying out similar projects – all because of this consideration.