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LW-03-121 MES, A New Non-carcinogenic Oil for the Tire Industry

F. M. Gragg, P. D. F. Vernon, L. de Seré & L. E. Hoch

Format:
Electronic (digital download/no shipping)

Associate Member, International Member, Petrochemical Member, Refining Member, Special/Temporary Member - $0.00
NonMember - $25.00

Description:

Increasing health and environmental concerns over the use of carcinogenic aromatic extracts in tires is causing manufacturers to seek safer extender and process oils. The key challenge is the retention of sufficient aromatic character of the oil for rubber solubility, while minimizing toxicity. Two options are potentially available for making a non-carcinogenic oil, MES (mild extraction solvate) and TDAE (treated distillate aromatic extract). TDAE typically has higher aromaticity, closer to current aromatic oils, but is currently available in only a few refineries worldwide. Production of TDAE usually requires significant investment and process re-design. MES, on the other hand, is readily manufactured using conventional refinery processing units. Relatively minor modifications in process conditions are required to selectively extract the multi-ring aromatics while retaining sufficient aromaticity for adequate rubber solubility. MES is produced from a neutral paraffinic stream and is, therefore, somewhat less aromatic than TDAE which is produced from aromatic extract. Commercial production of MES has already been demonstrated at a number of refineries, and is expected to be widely available with consistent quality. MES has been tested extensively in Europe by international tire manufacturers and is recommended by the European tire association (BLIC) as a substitute for conventional aromatic extracts. ExxonMobil currently has MES commercially available at two refineries in Europe. Plant trials are being conducted at several additional sites in the ExxonMobil global refinery network.

Product Details:

Product ID: LW-03-121
Publication Year: 2003