Let’s discuss the prospects of PVC produced by the ethylene method
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We have a PVC production plant that uses the ethylene process (relying on imported ethylene), and it has been shut down for a long time. Recently, due to the sharp rise in oil prices, the cost of ethylene remains high, making it unlikely that the plant will be restarted. We hope that those in the same industry who use the ethylene process can provide information on the operating status of their plants, their costs, as well as details regarding the source and price of ethylene. Additionally, we would appreciate it if you could share your views on the future of PVC production using the ethylene process in China.
Our plant has an ethylene process with a capacity of 500,000 tons per year, and it is operating quite stably. There are two sources of ethylene: one is imports, and the other is supplied by nearby petrochemical companies. Regarding price: the current FOB price for imports is 1200–1240 dollars. Personally, I think the prospects for PVC produced via the ethylene method are good in the near future. Although oil prices have risen, PVC prices have also increased. While its cost is nearly 1000 higher than that of the calcium carbide method, it is cheaper when considering factors such as the environment and energy usage. Your question is too broad; we can discuss it in more detail later. This post was last edited by limingshuguang on 2007-12-12 at 12:42.]
The method is good, but the cost of oil is too high, resulting in low economic benefits at this stage.
The process of producing vinyl chloride through ethylene oxychlorination is an advanced manufacturing technique worldwide. Compared to the calcium carbide method, it offers advantages such as better safety, lower environmental impact, reduced energy consumption, and smaller land requirements. Abroad, the calcium carbide method was phased out as early as the early 1970s. In China, due to our reliance on petroleum resources, we continue to allow the operation of enterprises using the calcium carbide method, even though we are aware of its severe pollution and high energy consumption. However, in the long term, China will still use the ethylene-based process for vinyl chloride production in the near future.
Regarding domestic ethylene-based producers, Beierhua has ceased production, Canghua has closed down; the capacity utilization rate of Shanghai Chlor-Alkali is 50% of its designed capacity, while Qilu relies on subsidies from other facilities
The situation of the manufacturers mentioned above doesn’t necessarily mean that high costs are the sole reason; our factory’s ethylene-based process is operating quite well. Although the profits aren’t as high as those from the calcium carbide method, there is still a certain margin for profit. In this regard, management and operation play an important role
1. Canghua is not an ethylene-based process; it is only part of the manufacturing process. It relied on importing EDC to crack vinyl chloride, and used the calcium carbide method to produce vinyl chloride by balancing hydrogen chloride; it closed down because the price of EDC was too high. 2. Among the manufacturers using the ethylene oxychlorination method, the largest domestic capacity is held by Qilu Petrochemical with 650,000 tons, Daguhua with 500,000 tons, Shanghai Chlor-Alkali with 300,000 tons, and Beierhua. The ethylene process at Dagu Chemical is still profitable!
The ethylene process at Dagu Chemical is still profitable! -Well said
The spring for PVC produced by the ethylene method is coming; brothers on the first floor, have confidence!
Shanghai Chlor-Alkali and Qilu Petrochemical have turned things around