AN INVESTIGATION ON PROPANE-BASED ACRYLONITRILE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES

As an important intermediate in the propylene value chain, Acrylonitrile is used in a wide variety of end uses, including polyacrylonitrile (fibres) and resins. On a global basis, acrylonitrile consumption is expected to grow at a moderate rate of about 3.2%. Currently, ammoxidation of propylene is the dominant industrial process, accounting for over 90% of worldwide capacity. The impetus for further process development is focused on utilizing less expensive feedstock. Propane is a generally available at lesser price as compared to the propylene. Therefore, ammoxidation of propane is considered to be a promising approach for further process development. In this paper, three propane-based technologies are investigated and compared with the Sohio propylene-based technology which is used to produce over 90% of world acrylonitrile. Raw materials, By-products, total fixed capital costs (TFC), Product value and environmental impacts of these processes are compared.