Commodity Production Costs Report
MTBE Production from FCC C4 Raffinate
MTBE Operating Costs & Plant Construction Costs
This process examined provides an economical analysis of Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) production from FCC C4 raffinate and methanol using a process similar to UOP's Ethermax process for isobutylene etherification in China. In this process, isobutylene from FCC C4 raffinate is submitted to etherification with methanol in a conventional reactor and in a reactive distillation column.
The report provides a comprehensive study of MTBE production and related MTBE production cost, covering three key aspects: a complete description of the MTBE production process examined; an in-depth analysis of the related MTBE plant capital cost (Capex); and an evaluation of the respective MTBE plant operating costs (Opex).
The MTBE production process description includes a block flow diagram (BFD), an overview of the industrial site installations, detailing both the process unit and the necessary infrastructure, process consumption figures and comprehensive process flow diagrams (PFD). The MTBE plant capital cost analysis breaks down the Capex by plant cost (i.e., ISBL, OSBL and Contingency); owner's cost; working capital; and costs incurred during industrial plant commissioning and start-up. The MTBE plant operating costs analysis covers operating expenses, including variable costs like raw materials and utilities, and fixed costs such as maintenance, labor, and depreciation.
Key reference(s): ?

Product
MTBE. MTBE (a.k.a. Methyl tert-Butyl Ether) is a volatile, flammable, and colorless liquid with a minty smell. This ether is a major compound in the octane enhancer industry, its main application area. The remaining MTBE is used as a solvent and in the production of other chemical compounds. It is produced by the reaction of methanol and isobutylene (2-methyl-1-propene) in the liquid state.
Raw Materials
Raffinate-1. Raffinate-1 is a C4 residual stream primarily consisting of isobutylene, 1-butylene, 2-butylenes, and butanes, obtained from the extraction of 1,3-butadiene from crude C4s stream, which is one of the products of the naphtha steam cracking processes.
Methanol. Methanol is one of the most important chemical raw materials, used as a solvent, starting material in the production of chemicals and in the fuel sector. Currently, more than 95% of commercial methanol is synthetically produced from synthesis gas, or syngas, which is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
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Professional report based on Q3 2024 economic data, ensuring timely evaluations.
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Content Highlights
Plant Capital Cost Summary
Summary outlining the capital cost required for building the MTBE production plant examined.
Plant Capital Cost Details
Detailing of fixed capital (ISBL, OSBL & Owner’s Cost), working capital and additional capital requirements.
Plant Cost Breakdowns
Breakdown of MTBE process unit (ISBL) costs and infrastructure (OSBL) costs; plant cost breakdown per discipline.
Operating Costs Summary
Summary presenting the operating variable costs and the total operating cost of the MTBE production plant studied.
Operating Cost Details
Detailing of utilities costs, operating fixed costs and depreciation.
Plant Capacity Assessment
Comparative analysis of capital investment and operating costs for different MTBE plant capacities.
Production Process Information
Block Flow Diagram, descriptions of process unit (ISBL) and site infrastructure (OSBL).
Process Consumptions
Raw materials and utilities consumption figures, by-products credits, labor requirements
Process Diagrams
Process flow diagrams (PFD), equipment list and industrial site configuration
Other MTBE Production Cost Reports

MTBE Production from Isobutylene
This report presents a techno-economic analysis of MTBE production from methanol and isobutylene in the Unites States. In this process, similar to UOP Ethermax process, a isobutylene-rich stream obtained from an isobutane dehydrogenation plant is etherified with methanol, producing MTBE.
Details: 700 kta United States-based plant | Q3 2024 | 107 pages | Issue D | From $1,199 USD

MTBE Production from Raffinate-1
This study provides an economical analysis of Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) production from a raffinate-1 stream and methanol using a process similar to UOP's Ethermax process for isobutylene etherification in China. In this process, isobutylene from raffinate-1 is submitted to etherification with methanol in a conventional reactor and in a reactive distillation column.
Details: 700 kta China-based plant | Q3 2024 | 107 pages | Issue A | From $999 USD

MTBE Production from Butane
This report presents a feasibility analysis of an on-purpose Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) production plant from butane and methanol in the United States. Initially, n-butane is isomerized to isobutane, which is then subjected to a dehydrogenation, yielding isobutylene. In the final step, generated isobutylene and methanol react leading to the formation of MTBE. These steps are similar to Butamer, Oleflex and Ethermax processes in sequence.
Details: 700 kta United States-based plant | Q3 2024 | 107 pages | Issue C | From $1,499 USD
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Other Related Production Cost Reports

Methanol Production from Natural Gas (Combined Reforming)
This study presents the economics of large-scale Methanol production from natural gas in the United States. In this process, natural gas is first converted into synthesis gas (syngas) by means of conventional steam reforming and secondary autothermal reforming. Then, the syngas is converted into Methanol.
Details: 1700 kta United States-based plant | Q3 2024 | 107 pages | Issue B | From $799 USD

Methanol Production from Natural Gas (Steam Reforming)
This study presents the economics of large-scale Methanol production from natural gas in the United States. In the process examined, natural gas is first converted into synthesis gas (syngas) by means of conventional steam reforming and then the syngas is converted into Methanol.
Details: 1000 kta United States-based plant | Q3 2024 | 107 pages | Issue A | From $799 USD
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