Isopropyl Alcohol Production from Propane

Report Abstract

This report presents an economic analysis of an integrated unit for producing Isopropyl Alcohol from propane in the United States. In a first unit, propane is converted to propylene via propane dehydrogenation. The propylene obtained is then converted to Isopropyl Alcohol via vapor phase hydration over a catalytic bed of phosphoric acid on silica.

The report provides a comprehensive study of Isopropanol production and related Isopropanol production cost, covering three key aspects: a complete description of the Isopropanol production process examined; an in-depth analysis of the related Isopropanol plant capital cost (Capex); and an evaluation of the respective Isopropanol plant operating costs (Opex).

The Isopropanol 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 Isopropanol 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 Isopropanol plant operating costs analysis covers operating expenses, including variable costs like raw materials and utilities, and fixed costs such as maintenance, labor, and depreciation.