Technical and economic analysis of acrylonitrile production from polypropylene

In this research, we investigate the propylene ammoxidation process, which is under the license of Sohio Company, as well as its supply and demand, production method, and economical analysis of acrylonitrile production process. Acrylonitrile is a key material in textile, plastic, and packaging industries as well as automobile manufacturing. This research studies the economic aspects of its production process. Over time, the need for this product has become more sensible due to the enhancement of production and autarky. We do not have any acrylonitrile production unit in Iran at this time. Some acrylonitrile process simulations and its economic analysis have been carried out with HYSYS and Icarus software, respectively, then we compared the results with those obtained from COMFAR software in the Persian Gulf Petrochemical Holding. Results indicated that this process is economically feasible only in large scale production. It is very important to take precautions since hazardous precursors are used in this process. Hydrogen cyanate is an extremely hazardous material that is produced as a by-product in this process. There is not any solution for disposal or any usage for this byproduct in Iran. Results obtained from Icarus software were more precious and promising compared to desk calculations. Comparison of these two production units, with different production capacities, has indicated that reduction in production rate of return was lower in the large unit and it is better to establish a smaller unit for acrylonitrile production.