Production Process of Methyl Ethyl Ketone

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Methyl ethyl ketone is one of the top 100 chemicals produced worldwide due to its high demand and versatile end use. This paper will analyze and compare the production processes of methyl ethyl ketone using patent protected methods of two of the industry’s chemical production leaders, Maruzen Petrochemical Co. and ExxonMobil Corp. The analysis of the two methyl ethyl ketone production methods will enable us to bring to light the evolution of the production process over time and the impact which these processes have on energy consumption and waste production. By comparing the patent protected method for producing methyl ethyl ketone of world’s leading producer of methyl ethyl ketone, Maruzen Petrochemical Co., with ExxonMobil Corp.’s patented method, and the conventional method we will be able to determine the more favorable process based on their impact on the environment, turnover time, and energy consumption.
There are many industries that have use for methyl ethyl ketone, specifically the automotive, electrical goods, and furniture industries. The main application of methyl ethyl ketone is in the paint and coatings industry which contributed to half the global demand. Methyl ethyl ketone exists in many consumer products available worldwide. A couple of consumer products containing methyl ethyl ketone will be selected and have their chemical composition broken down and analyzed to see what role methyl ethyl ketone plays in the composition of the products.
Methyl ethyl ketone production by Maruzen Petrochemical Co.
Maruzen Petrochemical Co., located in Tokyo, Japan, is the world leader in methyl ethyl ketone production. The Maruzen Petrochemical Co. patented process for producing methyl ethyl ketone is rather quite simple w...

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..., whereas in Europe and North America not much need or growth of methyl ethyl ketone is seen.1 The growth is expected to rise at an average rate of 1.9% in a span of 4 years from 2010-2014, with most of the growth coming within the Asian market.1
As we progress towards the future, it is evident that methyl ethyl ketone will continue to act as a key player in the chemical industry. New processes are being developed to produce methyl ethyl ketone in a much safer and faster manner, with less energy consumption and less environmental impact, as was exemplified by Maruzen Petrochemical Co.’s patented process. As more and more applications and uses of methyl ethyl ketone are discovered, the demand for the chemical compound will increase and thus inspire chemical manufacturing companies to research and develop new methods and tools in producing methyl ethyl ketone.

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