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.
