2019 Agenda
Agenda Subject to change
Connect with leaders in the chemical industry and innovators from top universities to see first-hand today’s solutions that can launch your business into future growth and success.
Refinery margins have remained attractive in North America in the last few years, but demand growth in refinery fuel products has been sluggish relative to petrochemicals. Petrochemical prices have shown more resilience worldwide, when compared to transportation fuels prices.
Globally, various refining and petrochemical companies are considering higher conversion of crude oil to chemicals than we have seen traditionally. In fact, several investments were announced in the last few years to specifically produce chemicals with refinery fuels as by-products. It is not uncommon for today’s refinery projects in the Middle East and Asia to demand 50% or higher conversion of crude barrels to chemicals.
The U.S. crude palette has lightened and gas is abundant with the renewed tight oil and shale oil/gas. Costs in the U.S. for hydrogen production and utilities are lower than most other regions worldwide. International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2020 regulations make the production of high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) unattractive. While ethylene and propylene generally are produced by steam cracking and propane dehydrogenation (PDH), these new drivers may create an interesting opportunity for U.S. refiners to diversify their product slate to include chemicals.
Technologies exist today to convert all crude barrels to chemicals, but to make such investment economical, these technologies need careful tailoring with the right processing conditions and catalyst systems followed by the correct choice of products. Direct crude cracking applications and limitations are discussed followed by other reaction pathways with building blocks that include molecular transformation through (i) residue hydrocracking, conversion of residue-derived gas oils, and steam cracking; (ii) high propylene FCC ; and (iii) solutions for extra light, light, medium and heavy crudes along with a narrative on reasonable blends. The paper emphasizes the benefits of crude sourcing flexibility, varying product slate with market demands and the use of proven technological solutions with emphasis on reliability and flexibility.
Keywords: innovative technologies, from laboratory scale to the first industrial unit, energy efficiency, process configuration optimization, refining petrochemical integration, crude to Paraxylene (PX), Olefins. In Middle East, refiners are increasingly assessing options to further upgrade their products into petrochemicals by increasing conversion and by implementing technologies to produce more valuable chemicals. This global trend is based on various studies showing that the petrochemicals growth will be much higher than that of transportation fuels. It is expected to see a petrochemicals global growth at about 4% per year compared to 0.8% for fuels. Integrating Refining and Petrochemicals offers several advantages to the refiners: expand into higher growth markets; mitigate risks related to raw material and product price variations; improve asset profitability. However, these Refining to Petrochemicals projects are typical large and complex. Managing these projects is challenging and keeping them on budget and on schedule are some of the key challenges that refiners will face. Examples will be given on how the right process configuration can bring the best solution for the refiners to meet the growing demand for petrochemicals products while meeting some demand in clean transportation fuels meeting new specifications linked to the looming environmental regulations. In particular, this paper will detail the largest crude to PX project in Asia for Hengli which includes a complete suite of technologies to maximize residue conversion to produce heavy naphtha and further upgrade it to paraxylene. A second example will show how S-Oil has chosen a novel technology to further upgrade its atmospheric residue into valuable products and in particular into propylene while minimizing its Fuel Oil production. Finally, the author will present how AXENS is preparing also the future by developing new technologies through an innovative R&D approach efficiently structured from the laboratory scale to the first industrial unit. Some examples of the main R&D challenges will be illustrated.
Acrylonitrile is a commodity petrochemical used notably in the production of acrylic fiber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, styrene-acrylonitrile resin, acrylamide and carbon fibers. It is currently manufactured via ammoxidation of propylene. As an alternative feedstock, biomass is inexpensive, ubiquitous and renewable which motivated Southern Research (SR) to develop a novel, thermocatalytic biomass to acrylonitrile (B2ACN) process. Briefly, B2ACN consists of three steps: (i) hydrocracking, (ii) dehydration and (iii) ammoxidation. SR has completed the development and testing of novel, high performance catalysts for each step at laboratory scale and is currently undertaking bench scale study where each catalytic step is scaled up by nearly a factor of 1000. TEA/LCA study highlights compelling cost (0.7-0.8 $/lb) and environment benefits of small-to-moderate scale acrylonitrile production (5000 – 25,000 mt/year). Critical performance attributes of produced bio-acrylonitrile were compared successfully with the petroleum derived counterpart for readiness of use in carbon fibers, a key emerging application market of acrylonitrile.
This workshop reviews key industry fundamentals starting with the foundation of the petrochemical industry – feedstocks, including natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), crude oil fractions, especially naphtha, coal and renewables. The feedstock session then leads into a thorough discussion of the industry building blocks – olefins (ethylene, propylene, butadiene) and aromatics (benzene, toluene, xylenes) businesses. Finally, the large volume thermoplastics including the polyethylenes (LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE), polypropylene, PVC, polystyrene and polyester/PET as well as C1-based chemicals synthesis gas (syngas), ammonia and methanol are covered. Within each of these topics key suppliers, demand profiles and pricing is discussed. Especially important for industry newcomers is that our instructors will clarify the technical jargon commonly used in the petrochemical industry.
With the ongoing transformation of the chemical industry into commodity and specialty oriented enterprises, it is imperative to have a good understanding of key industry fundamentals of the specialty chemical industry. This workshop reviews these fundamentals, starting with the definition and differences of specialties versus commodities and fine chemicals, and how specialty chemicals impact our daily lives. Other topics to be covered include key market players, market segmentation by functionality, application areas and regions, importance of a strong service component, and key factors to be successful in the specialty chemicals business. Especially important for industry newcomers is that our instructors will clarify the technical jargon commonly used in the specialty-chemical industry. As illustration of the above scope topics, various specialty chemical sectors with their markets and players will be presented. Demand drivers in the different regions will be compared and their outlook discussed.
Gain an overall understanding on petrochemical price definition and forecasting techniques, production cost analysis and inherent margin analysis to build your confidence in forecasting for the short, medium and long term. Explore the underlying energy and feedstock values, both variable and fixed costs and other production cost models. Discover the impact on inherent margin analysis on supply/demand balances, operating rates with recent market development and return on investment. Be equipped with price forecasting techniques on costing, diagnostic checks, regional relationships and arbitrage and price netbacks.
Chlor-alkali is one of the world's largest chemical markets – even bigger than the ethylene market. Chlorine and caustic market dynamics impact a broad, diverse range of manufacturing processes and products. Because chlor-alkali chemicals touch so many industries, it's imperative to have a good understanding of key chlorine and caustic markets fundamentals. This workshop reviews chlor-alkali basics, starting with manufacturing and moving through markets, economics and pricing. Participants in the Workshop will develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors that impact supply and demand balances, pricing, regional markets, economics and the future of the industry, as well as market terminology. Join the Workshop to gain the understanding that will provide you and your company an advantage in chlor-alkali interests.
Digitizing supply chains started when companies started sharing data electronically – it is not new. Even some of the technologies that we associate with digitization are not new. What is new is the ability to combine all digital signals and associate them with your supply chain transactions. This enables a higher level of automation and data quality. In this presentation, we will address the following topics: Getting past the “digitization” hype – how should you start? ; What pitfalls you should expect and how can you overcome them? ; The use of Digital Supply Networks to enable your digital journey.
Global Port Updates : Changing trade flows and how ports are positioning themselves to be more relevant/competitive; how are tariffs impacting the port traffic and what they're doing to manage.
Tighter fundamentals & IMO 2020 pushing international chemical tanker freight costs much higher in the next 12 months.
Freight costs in the chemical tanker market are forecast to rise sharply in the near term, based on two key factors; market fundamentals and IMO 2020.
Limited investment in new chemical tankers will mean fewer new deliveries in the next 2 years. At the same time, much stronger demand, especially from growing long haul trades from the US Gulf and Middle East, will tighten industry fundamentals and transport costs.
Secondly, the shipping industry is facing one of its biggest ever step changes in operations and costs, with the introduction of the IMO 2020 legislation to reduce sulphur limits.
The combination of these two major developments will impact significantly on the chemical tanker market, with the net result that costs are expected to rise.
Steve will address these key areas, focusing especially on the potential impact of IMO 2020 and costs in the chemical tanker sector.
This presentation will discuss how the move toward plastic sustainability is the most critical issue facing the plastics industry today. In the last year, many countries have established recycling targets, recycled content requirements, design requirements and bans on certain disposable plastics in order to help reduce the world’s “plastic crisis” in the wake of China’s National Sword policy, which banned many material categories from import and set strict contamination restrictions for others. Major companies have also begun to make commitments regarding plastics, such as eliminating or reducing their use of plastics, modifying packaging designs and increasing their use of recycled materials. The presentation will address how sustainability initiatives of plastic packaging and short-life products will impact both the demand for virgin and recycled feedstocks and the potential increased supply of recycled materials.
Sponsored by Clariant.
Hear how IBM is working with members of the IBM Q Network - a platform for business and science applications - to enable research in chemistry with quantum computers and advance the next-generation of energy and process manufacturing technologies.
Continental breakfast will be served. This session is open to all attendees.
Connect with leaders in the chemical industry and innovators from top universities to see first-hand today’s solutions that can launch your business into future growth and success.
- Impacts of Human Activity + Concern for the Environment
- Circular Economy
- Green Plastic
- Process and Products
- Benefits
- Seal
Reaction35 LLC is advancing technology for the direct production of olefins from alkanes that promises lower capital cost, higher feedstock efficiency and substantially lower carbon footprint than current on-purpose processes. The technology uses a bromine / HBr cycle to facilitate the alkane conversion, a key step that has been operated successfully at the large pilot scale. Reaction35 is now moving the technology into an integrated Demonstration Facility as the final development stage and seeks strategic partners / licensees to place the technology into commercial use.
Understanding the importance of accurate data and the need for data to be connected, cleaned, and linked from disparate sources. Once established, how to successfully on-board suppliers/carriers/ customers from months to minutes to approach end-to-end visibility.
An Phat Holdings Group, a Vietnamese manufacturer, visions itself as one of leading Group in high technology and environmentally friendly plastics in South East Asia. An Phat positions itself to be the pioneer Group to establish high technology and ecofriendly plastics value chain, developing a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its mission is to promote and support Vietnam’s plastic industry, enhance the image of high-tech and eco-friendly made-in-Vietnam plastic products.
Risk and Reward - Cyber Security, Trade Wars, and Maximizing Capital: Understanding next generation risks, and how to navigate them to drive value and opportunities in your chemical business. Orrick will provide deep insights on growing, financing and sustaining your chemical projects in a shifting-sands world, examining the sometimes existential risks presented in cyber security, US trade and national security initiatives (including CFIUS), finance and acquisitions.
We live in a growing world and as chemical producers we are called to develop innovative solutions for a globally increasing demand for goods. At the same time, this growth needs to be sustained with resource efficiency and valorization of waste. In Europe we are on the edge of some major changes that are reshaping the whole scenario and is committed to play a leading role in the transition to a true Circular Economy model. The European chemical industry – which relies on a strong technological tradition – can face structural disadvantages and increase its competitiveness by boosting innovation and driving the shift to a more sustainable society. At Versalis (Eni) we are working on the development of a new business model with the aim to effectively respond to circularity requirements, taking into account the combination of products’ value chain and sustainability throughout the entire life cycle.
A continental breakfast will be served. Open to all attendees.
Connect with leaders in the chemical industry and innovators from top universities to see first-hand today’s solutions that can launch your business into future growth and success.
- Braskem portfolio (Wecycle and Maxio)
- Recycling chain development (BR, USA, Mexico)
- Chemical and Mechanical Recycling – Technological Development
Gemini-Sigma Recycling Company
1. Our Circular business model: Collection of plastics scrap. Supply to recyclers. Buyback of reprocessed materials for distribution to end users.
2. Geographical reach: Worldwide
3. Quantity and Types of plastics
4. Legal compliance.
5. Technical and financial assistance.
6. Promotion of recycling thru music as a messenger
7. Social Contribution of the Group.
Sponsored Hosted Luncheon Open to all: New IHS Markit Study Results: Shale Crescent USA Natural Gas & Natural Gas Liquids -Transportation and Logistical Advantages for the Petrochemical Industry.
Consumer packaged goods companies (particularly food-grade brand-owners) have made substantial, although nuanced, long-term public commitments for the use of recycled PET in their packaging. This has sparked a recent wave of consolation of rPET reclaimers by PET manufacturers, as they become a one-stop solution. However, the acquisition trend is not likely to solve meaningful systemic issues in recycling, which will challenge brand-owners’ meeting their goals.
This presentation will cover the global isocyanates and polyurethane market - elaborating current market dynamics, production capacity, supply and demand, and market projections for coming years. It will also provide an analysis of downstream sectors to demonstrate future development and market potential trends of the global polyurethane industry.
In today’s world of electric vehicle headlines, the intricacies of how this may be done and factors driving it are often overlooked. Join us for a deep dive discussion on the how IHS Markit sees the light vehicle evolution taking place, the key factors driving change, its impacts on light vehicle fuel demand, and signposts for the petrochemical industry.
Over the past several decades refined product demand has become increasingly concentrated in the transportation sector. But, refiners are now anticipating headwinds for gasoline and diesel demand in the passenger car segment and are increasingly relying on trucking, shipping and aviation to deliver growth for refined products. However, the mobility revolution extends well beyond the passenger car and IHS Markit anticipates major changes to the way in which trucks, planes and ships are operated and propelled. This session will explore how regulation and technology are shaping the role that oil will play in fuelling the trucks, planes and ships of the future.
Sponsored Hosted Luncheon Open to all: New IHS Markit Study Results: Shale Crescent USA Natural Gas & Natural Gas Liquids -Transportation and Logistical Advantages for the Petrochemical Industry.
This presentation explores supply-side and demand-side drivers affecting the naphtha market. While demand for petrochemical products will rise, the gasoline market will change due to gasoline market demand and quality changes, as well as biofuels influence. On the other hand, crude processing growth will moderate, even decline in the long run. How will that impact the supply of light and heavy naphtha for petrochemical feedstock? Is conventional refinery-petrochemical integration enough? What else is needed?
The economic fundamentals driving the two world’s largest gasoline markets are converging. Much of the convergence in the two markets are due to policy influences. In the US, increasingly stringent fuel economy standards combined with continued penetration of renewable fuels will shift the makeup of new vehicles and place downward pressure on gasoline demand. Chinese refined products markets demand growth and quality improvements have strongly influenced Asian and even world fuels and petrochemicals markets. Now slowing gasoline demand growth, new NEV regulations and upcoming fuel standards are creating strong forces on both gasoline and petrochemical markets. How will these trends influence gasoline and petrochemical feedstock markets?
The Chlor Alkali - Vinyls environment in Europe has undergone quite some changes over the last years. With the creation of INOVYN in 2015 some consolidation took place after some very difficult years in our industry.
Conversion from the mercury and diaphragma asbestos cellrooms to the Best Available Technology as required by the EU Industrial Emissions Directive required heavy investments. As a result not all capacity was converted and this impacted trade flows of caustic in Europe. However, new capacities are on its way and this will revert the current situation again.
Europe has its challenges when it comes to energy cost compared to other regions. INEOS and INOVYN have taken steps to access cheaper energy and to remain the most competitive player in the European market.
Sustainability and innovation are key topics for our industry. Thanks to the VinylPlus® program PVC is now regarded as the frontrunner of the circular economy.
Sponsored Hosted Luncheon Open to all: New IHS Markit Study Results: Shale Crescent USA Natural Gas & Natural Gas Liquids -Transportation and Logistical Advantages for the Petrochemical Industry.
This presentation sets the stage for understanding the challenges that PVC converters are facing nowadays and in the near future. We will review the supply chain structure in North America, analyze the nature of the different PVC end use applications and the main markets in which converters participate. We will take a glance at the power input for the extrusion process and explain why there are regional differences within the US. Finally, we will analyze the influence that end-product international trade, infrastructure funding, and competition with other materials have on the market.
The presentation will review the process, the involvement criteria, and the path forward for an industry-wide sustainability initiative: +Vantage Vinyl, launched by The Vinyl Sustainability Council, an unincorporated council managed by the Vinyl Institute.
This speech will outline how the initiative provides a platform for members of the vinyl value chain to contribute to the industry's efforts to advance sustainable development.
This presentation will review the current base case outlook for prime PVC on a regional and global level. Amongst the aspects that will weigh on growth in future will be the increasing profile of recycling, an industry that we will discuss in detail, with a particular focus on Europe, which is playing a leading role in recycling. In conclusion, the presentation will analyze the net effect (base case less recycling in certain scenarios) in terms of prime PVC supply/demand, and short-/mid-term planning and investment options.
One of the largest risk factors facing petrochemical companies trying to deliver stable, long-term business results is the price volatility of feedstock. What are the drivers of these risks and how can companies mitigate the impact to their business?
Polypropylene is in the middle of a prolific run of strong demand that has exceeded global production in recent years which has led to elevated prices and margins for global suppliers. However, the landscape appears to be moderating in 2019 and 2020 as global demand is forecast to stall slightly versus previous expectations, led by China’s reaction to the trade war with the United States. This talk with focus on the new demand forecast and touch on hot topics for key regions around the world affecting supply, prices and margins.
Sponsored Hosted Luncheon Open to all: New IHS Markit Study Results: Shale Crescent USA Natural Gas & Natural Gas Liquids -Transportation and Logistical Advantages for the Petrochemical Industry.
April Yeager, Head of North America Procurement for Clariant, will explain why and how active portfolio management via digitalization, customer focused innovation and process excellence is integral to the company’s ongoing success.
Clariant Corporation has a storied history in specialty chemicals. It began as a Sandoz’ Chemicals Division spin-off. After several key acquisitions, such as Hoechst AG and Süd-Chemie, Clariant started its journey to becoming the leader it is today in the specialties chemicals market. The company rebranded in 2012, and today is in 53 countries with over 17,000 employees and CHF6.6m in sales (2018). Clariant has a 5-pillar strategy for enhanced product and solution offerings to increase performance. One of which is optimizing the company’s portfolio for sustainable profitability.
Sponsored Hosted Luncheon Open to all: New IHS Markit Study Results: Shale Crescent USA Natural Gas & Natural Gas Liquids -Transportation and Logistical Advantages for the Petrochemical Industry.
Supply is shifting; capacity is increasing for most major engineering polymers as new production plants are coming onstream. Markets are about to move towards a new, lower equilibrium price, but the magnitude of the price movement will depend on market characteristics, which are different for each engineering polymer. Come and see the data and hear about the outlook for the global industry.
New IHS Markit Study Results: Shale Crescent USA Natural Gas & Natural Gas Liquids -Transportation and Logistical Advantages for the Petrochemical Industry.
Luncheon open to all attendees.
Connect with leaders in the chemical industry and innovators from top universities to see first-hand today’s solutions that can launch your business into future growth and success.
Where are the opportunites for crude oil/NGL/LNG and chemical exports to China? What is the short- and long-term impact from trade friction?
This presentation will explore the impact of trade relations and investment opportunities for Chinese companies, as well as discuss exports of feedstocks to China and cost competitiveness of doing so.
After several years of silence, MNCs are now investing in China again. In 2018, Aramco, BASF, ExxonMobil announced mega investment plans in China. This presentation will discuss the key drivers for these investment decisions, and the opportunities and pitfalls.
The presentation will address China's refining capacity growth and provide a fuel market outlook. It will also address the impact from electric vehicles and mobility trends.
This paper focuses on China's fast-growing private refining/chemical companies. Several private companies are currently building multiple mega-sized integrated refining/petrochemical complexes. It is the first time Chinese private companies will have a fully integrated value chain from oil imports to end chemical products. The driver for such mega investments and future growth plans will be discussed from the perspective of a Chinese private company.
The presentation will address policy shift, environmental push, and how the changes transform the industry. It will also discuss the details of mega projects, coal chemicals, PDH, MTO.
This class is a supplement to the Petrochemical Industry Fundamentals training course, and is designed for purchasers of chemicals and chemically dependent materials, components and systems. It provides insights on how prices of key raw materials are set and a discussion of tools available for buyers of these products. The class reviews pricing concepts relevant to the chemical industry and inputs used by suppliers to set prices. It also examines the pricing dynamics and price setting mechanisms for selected products. Other topics include trends affecting chemical pricing, raw material sourcing strategy considerations, and a discussion of selected case studies.
This new course will examine the commercial impact of olefins and polyolefins technologies on cost competitiveness, market dynamics and trade. It is especially important for industry newcomers is that our instructors will clarify the technical jargon commonly used in the petrochemical industry.
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