P-Xylene
Para-Xylene
High-purity para-xylene (1,4-dimethylbenzene), the key raw material for purified terephthalic acid and PET polyester. Supplied in bulk cargoes by chemical tanker to PTA and polyester producers.
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Xylene comes in three isomers with the same formula but different shapes. P-xylene is the largest by volume and the one most in demand.
Typical Specifications
Indicative commercial values for PTA-grade p-xylene. The final specification is agreed in the contract and confirmed by the independent inspector's report.
| Parameter | Typical limit | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| p-Xylene purity (% m/m) | min 99.7 | gas chromatography |
| m-Xylene and o-Xylene (% m/m) | max 0.2 | gas chromatography |
| Ethylbenzene (% m/m) | max 0.1 | gas chromatography |
| Toluene (% m/m) | max 0.05 | gas chromatography |
| Non-aromatics (% m/m) | max 0.05 | gas chromatography |
| Density @ 20°C (g/cm³) | 0.860 – 0.863 | ASTM D4052 |
| Distillation range (°C) | max 0.5, including 138.4 | ASTM D850 |
| Colour (Pt-Co) | max 10 | ASTM D1209 |
| Bromine index (mg Br/100 g) | max 50 | ASTM D1492 |
| Sulphur (mg/kg) | max 1 | ASTM D5453 |
| Total chloride (mg/kg) | max 1 | ASTM D4929 |
| Appearance | clear, free of water and suspended matter | visual |
Values are indicative only and depend on the producer. Cargo quality is established by independent inspection at the load port.
Where P-Xylene Goes
Almost all p-xylene is converted into purified terephthalic acid for polyester.
PTA
Purified terephthalic acid, the main raw material for PET.
Polyester Fibre
Textiles, clothing, carpets and industrial yarns.
PET Bottles and Film
Packaging resin for drinks, food and consumer goods.
DMT and Solvents
Dimethyl terephthalate and industrial solvent uses.
Commercial Terms
- Quantity: bulk cargoes by chemical tanker, spot and term
- Payment: as agreed in the contract
- Inspection: independent inspector at load and discharge
- Documents: ICPO, SCO, CI, PPOP
- Handling: flammable liquid that freezes at about 13°C, so heated storage in cold weather. Safety data sheet supplied with each cargo
Delivery Terms
Loading at export terminals worldwide. Delivery to discharge ports as agreed.
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Send your ICPO with the quantity, discharge port and delivery term. We reply with the procedure and the commercial offer.
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