Frost & Sullivan: Systemic Approach to R&D Portfolio Management Crucial for Advancements in C4/C5 Processing

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The steady depletion of crude oil has necessitated the maximum utilization of refinery feedstock and escalated the demand for new, cost-effective C4/C5 processing technologies. Hence, a robust research and development (R&D) portfolio is an essential cog in the development of sustainable C4/C5 processing solutions.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan's (http://www.technicalinsights.frost.com), Technological Breakthroughs in C4/C5 Processing research, finds that modification of a technology or process, the creation of efficient, low-cost catalysts that can be regenerated, or the innovation of a unique route of olefin conversion is essential to bring down the cost of final hydrocarbon products in C4/C5 processing.

For more information on this study, please send an email Liz Clark, Corporate Communications, at [email protected], with your full name, company name, job title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country.

"Environmental regulations will change the way refiners deal with C4/C5 streams," said Technical Insights Research Analyst Neha Bakshi. "Instead of recycling or blending C4/C5 streams in gasoline, they are now looking to process these streams for the production of valuable petrochemicals that can provide more profit."

The production of mixed C4/C5 streams is strongly dependent on steam cracker severity and feedstock. With shale gas exploration expanding globally, the feedstock choice for ethylene production through steam cracking is shifting from naphtha to ethane, affecting the volume of C4/C5 stream production globally. The trend of bio-based petrochemicals used as an alternative to C4/C5 processing products is also a challenge.

Therefore, making technologies more compatible with various types of feedstock is crucial. Enhancing price-value efficiency in C4/C5 processing is another necessity. This highlights the importance of R&D portfolio management in C4/C5 processing, especially as future technologies need to be more expansive.

R&D programs need to focus on process intensification, better operation and control, improved heat recovery, new catalyst innovation, column design for maximum yield, and new feedstock identification for C4/C5 processing.

Collaborating with leading companies, ensuring sustainable development, and enhancing the net present value of the research pipeline can help refineries handle their R&D programs effectively. Companies can also license products from other technology providers to avoid R&D expenses.

"Strategic alliances and joint ventures are a key business strategy in the refinery and petrochemical industry," said Technical Insights Research Analyst Arpita Mukherjee. "Collaboration between academia and major industry participants to develop new solutions, and between companies for project evaluation, planning, and new C4/C5 processing plant designing are an emerging trend."

Technological Breakthroughs in C4/C5 Processing, a part of the Technical Insights subscription, provides key advances in C4/C5 processing technologies with the goal of aiding corporate developers and research institutions in managing their respective R&D portfolios in this space. This research service analyses technological advancements, current and emerging trends, drivers and challenges in C4/C5 processing, and new market opportunities for refiners. Further, this research service includes detailed technology analysis and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

Technical Insights is an international technology analysis business that produces a variety of technical news alerts, newsletters, and research services.

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Technological Breakthroughs in C4/C5 Processing
D4F4-TI

Contact:
Liz Clark
Corporate Communications – North America
P: 210.477.8483
F: 210.348.1003
E: [email protected]

http://www.frost.com
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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan