Petrochemical Product Classification & Their Industrial Uses

Petrochemical products are among the most important raw materials for the pharmaceutical, chemical, and construction industries. Broadly speaking, these products can be classified by chemical structure, role in the industry, or refining characteristics.

This article discusses the classification of petrochemical products and their applications in industry. So, read until the end!

Petrochemical Product Classification Based on Chemical Structure

Petrochemical products are chemicals derived from petroleum and natural gas processing. Based on their chemical structure, petrochemical products can be classified into three main types, namely olefins, aromatics, and synthetic gases. The full explanation is as follows:

1. Olefins

Olefins are a collection of unsaturated hydrocarbons composed of one or double bonds. This structure makes olefins more reactive and easier to use for many applications.

Olefins are formed through the steam cracking of natural gas liquids. This process breaks saturated hydrocarbons into unsaturated or lower-molecular-weight hydrocarbons using high-temperature steam.

Examples of these petrochemical products are ethylene, propylene, and butadiene. Ethylene is the most widely used product in industry. It is an important component in the production of polyethylene plastic, ethylene glycol for producing polyester, and ethylene oxide for making antifreeze.

Then, propylene is the raw material for making polypropylene plastic, and acrylonitrile is used to produce acrylic fibers. Another example of olefins is butadiene, which is often used to make synthetic rubber and nylon. This rubber serves as a raw material for vehicle tires, while nylon is used in the textile industry.

2. Aromatics

Aromatic hydrocarbons are usually obtained from the catalytic reforming process of naphtha. This type of hydrocarbon has a circular molecular structure. The most common aromatic products are toluene, xylene, and benzene.

Just as olefins do, aromatics also serve as raw materials for industrial products, such as resins, synthetic fibers, and detergents. Benzene is typically used to produce styrene, the raw material for polystyrene plastics and synthetic rubber.

Then, toluene is used in paint solvents, adhesives, and thinners. In fact, toluene is also added to fuel to increase the octane rating. Furthermore, xylene is more commonly found in PET plastic, which is the raw material for water bottles.

Regarding olefins and aromatics, Chandra Asri Group, as a leading chemical solutions company in Southeast Asia and #YourGrowthPartner, provides olefins, polyolefins, and aromatics for industrial raw materials.

Not only that, but our chemical solutions are supported by our subsidiary based in Singapore, Aster, so we are well-equipped to fulfill your company's industrial feedstock needs.

Chandra Asri Group provides ethylene, propylene, LLDPE, HDPE, styrene monomer, toluene, ethylbenzene, and many other products for industrial requirements.

3. Synthetic Gas

Synthetic gas (syngas) comes from mixing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Examples of products are methanol and ammonia. Ammonia is often found in coolants, household cleaning products, and fertilizers.

Methanol can be found in antifreeze, solvents, and fuels. Additionally, methanol is also an essential ingredient in the manufacture of formaldehyde for plastics and resins.

Classification of Petrochemical Products Based on Their Refining Characteristics

This classification is based on petroleum fractions, which are divided into light, medium, and heavy. Petroleum fractions are obtained by fractional distillation, which heats petroleum hydrocarbons to specific boiling points. Here is the explanation:

1. Light Petrochemical Products

These products are used as raw materials to make other chemicals. Examples of light petrochemical products are ethylene, methane, and ethane. All three will be gaseous at room temperature. Light petrochemical products generally have boiling points between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (about 26.7 and 32.2 degrees Celsius).

2. Medium Petrochemical Products

Medium petrochemical products are generally used to make vehicle fuels. Examples of medium petrochemical products include octane (for vehicle fuels) and kerosene (for aircraft fuel, solvents, and other uses).

3. Heavy Petrochemical Products

These petrochemical products typically have 15-18 carbon atoms and a very high boiling point of up to 750°F (approximately 400 °C). Heavy petrochemical products are typically used in heaters, lubricants, and engine oils. The heaviest petroleum fraction is bitumen, which can be found in road asphalt and some waterproof products.

Classification of Petrochemical Products Based on Industrial Value Chain

These petrochemical products are categorized by the processing stages that add value, from raw materials to the final product. Generally, the industrial value chain is divided into primary, intermediate, and downstream products.

1. Primary Petrochemical Products

Primary petrochemical products are substances used as raw materials for intermediate petrochemicals. Examples of primary petrochemical products are ethene, propene, and butadiene.

2. Intermediate or Secondary Petrochemical Products

These products are obtained from chemical reactions of primary products to become derivative products. An example is ethylene (primary product), which is polymerized into polyethylene, then used to manufacture final products, such as food packaging and containers.

3. Downstream Petrochemical Products

Downstream petrochemical products are the end products of petroleum and natural gas processing. These products are made in the downstream segment and distributed to customers. Examples of downstream petrochemical products are kerosene, gasoline, lubricants, plastics, and many more.

Uses of Petrochemical Products

The benefits of petrochemical products are extensive, given their important role across various industries. Here are some industries that utilize petrochemical products:

Textile industry: Petrochemical products are crucial raw materials for the production of polyester, spandex, nylon, and acrylic fibers. These fibers are later used to make carpets, fabrics, and other textile industry products.
Plastics industry: One of the common uses of petrochemical products is to manufacture plastics, such as toys, food containers, plastic bags, and other items.
Pharmaceutical industry: It utilizes petrochemical products to manufacture drug solvents and active ingredients.
Automotive industry: This industry also uses them to manufacture vehicle components, including tires, lubricants, and plastic car interiors.
Construction industry: It utilizes the products to manufacture paints, pipes, cable coatings, and adhesives.
Healthcare industry: Medical device manufacturers also utilize petrochemical products to make infusion bags, medical gloves, and injectables.
Agriculture industry: Farmers commonly use fertilizers and pesticides to make petrochemical products, including ammonia.
Household products industry: Household products, including soaps, cosmetics, and detergents, are manufactured from petrochemicals that serve as cleaners, preservatives, and emulsifiers.

That concludes the information on petrochemical product classification. As explained above, petrochemical products are fundamental components of many industries.

If your company needs petrochemical products, be sure to trust Chandra Asri Group and Aster! Visit our official website!