What is the origin of Dow Aromatics Co-Products?
Why do compositions of Dow Aromatics Co-Products vary over time?
How do I store Dow Aromatics Co-Products?
Where can I learn more about the chemistry and use of dicyclopentadiene and cyclopentadiene?

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What is the origin of Dow Aromatics Co-Products?

Dow Aromatics products are made during the production of benzene from pyrolysis gasoline (pygas), a co-product formed in the process of thermal cracking of more or less saturated hydrocarbons such as naphtha, butane mixtures or propane. During this thermal cracking process the molecules are broken down into smaller pieces in which radicals are formed as intermediates. The resulting mixture of "broken" molecules is highly unsaturated and contains various sizes of molecules, most of them having one or more double bonds. Even when small molecules like propane are cracked, the resulting mix may contain molecules as big as C10 because the radicals formed may react forming bigger molecules than the original raw material. The cracked mixtures, called crack gas, is then separated in various steps to isolate products such as ethylene, propylene, C4’s, pyrolysis gasoline (C5 – C12) and cracker oil (C12+).

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Why do compositions of Dow Aromatics Co-Products vary over time?

Because the raw material used in the production of these products originates from thermal cracking operations, its composition is very dependent on the plant’s process parameters and feedstock. Naphtha, the major feedstock for most crackers, is a refinery product from crude oils, which naturally varies in its composition, appearance and purity. Refineries also have the possibility to blend a different fraction into the naphtha. The variation is further increased by the cracking process itself, as local process conditions dominate the reactions that take place. During the separation steps that result in Dow Aromatics Co-Products, part of this variation in composition is reduced for some products, but cannot be controlled completely.

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How do I store Dow Aromatics Co-Products?

All of our products are handled as bulk materials, i.e. the minimum order quantity is a tank-truck. As a result a storage tank is needed. Depending on the product, the storage tank must be equipped with vapor recovery systems, heating, cooling or insulation. For specific details you may contact our Technical Services Specialist.

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Where can I learn more about the chemistry and use of dicyclopentadiene and cyclopentadiene?

A good summary of the chemistry and use of cyclopentadiene and dicyclopentadiene can be found in the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology published by John Wiley & Sons.

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