Research Economics: Green Ethylene from Ethanol

Rising oil prices and global concerns about sustainability and global warming have motivated research into ethylene manufacture from renewable sources. This report reviews the production of ethylene from ethanol dehydration in a process based on the patent published by BP Chemicals. It is presented a technical and economic evaluation of a unit located in the US Gulf Coast. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed in which the effects of variations in prices and technical parameters on the investment and the operating costs were studied. Green ethylene must be sold with an increased premium over fossil-based ethylene of about 50% in order to make the investment attractive. This study follows the same pattern as all Research Potential studies developed by Intratec.

About Research Potential

Research Potential studies are advisory services ordered by leading chemical companies, which are disclosed to public after an agreeded upon period of time. All Research Potential studies are based on the same rigorous methodology and well-defined structure, encompassing:

• Process flow diagrams and material balances
• Raw material and utility consumptions
• Major equipment sizing
• Inside and outside battery limits capital costs
• Detailed fixed and variable manufacturing expenses
• Sensitivity analysis