Known as ethene, ethylene (C2H4) is a flammable, colorless, odorless gas, a compound with the carbon and hydrogen. It liquefies at -103 ° C and solidifies at -169 ° C. Naphtha is used in the ethylene production in the petrochemical sector. Ethylene is the primary raw material of the petrochemical industry.
Ethylene Derivatives
- Polyethylene or polythene
- Styrene
- Ethylene Oxide
- Dichloroethane
- The preparation of polyethylene is very practical. 40% of ethylene is used. The usage rate in the production of styrene is 20%. Ethylene Oxide produces plastic materials.
Ethylene Production Technology
Ethane, propane, and butane are also included in the production of ethylene that is produced by using naphtha and gas oil. All these hydrocarbons are decomposed at high temperature under steam. With the steam cracking method, ethylene is produced with the highest efficiency. At 800 – 860 ° C temperatures, the hydrocarbons that are transformed into gas or steam and they are passed through empty tubes for less than 1 second. As they are getting out, they are immediately cooled.
Areas Of Ethylene Use
It is used in the production of polyethylene, ethylene oxide, vinyl acetate, styrene, polystyrene, PVC, ethylene dichloride, polypropylene, ethylene glycol, ethyl chloride, ethylene chlorohydrin, SBR, trichloroethylene, and polyester resins. Highly reactive, this material forms polymerized polyethylene. The toxicity of ethylene is low and it may cause the unconsciousness when used at high concentrations. It is flammable, colorless, and odorless and its density is 0.97%. It is used in the food and beverages, metal and health sectors, tire and plastics industries and also used as the freezer in the LNG liquidisation plants.