carbon black oil is the primary feedstock used to produce carbon black an essential industrial chemical that imparts special properties to finished goods. The carbon black market is dominated by a handful of multi-national producers utilizing residual fuel oil as the carbon source. Carbon black is composed of nucleated clusters of elemental carbon adding color, UV stabilization, and anti-static properties to plastic films, electrical parts, inks, and automotive tires it adds strength, wearability, and heat dissipation to name a few of its ubiquitous applications. The type and specifications of the carbon black oil used will determine in many cases the final properties of the carbon black produced.
The market is currently dominated by the oil refiners that produce heavy residual fuel oil, which is essential to both the shipping industry as bunker fuel and to carbon black manufacturers as a feedstock for carbon black. This oil market is the second largest outlet for this refinery-based residual oil. It also represents an immense opportunity for biobased oils. Biobased carbon black oil is an emerging alternative to fossil fuels.
These market studies are valuable to anyone seeking to determine biobased supply options, and overall market size and direction. Oil refiners, carbon black manufacturers, plastic and rubber compounders, and export traders of residual fuel oils can choose the best market for their oil, track supply chain and market dynamics, and keep tabs on the use of alternative carbon black fuel oils. In addition, carbon black manufacturers can better understand their supply options and competition for these residual oils. These studies outline refinery sources and composition of carbon black oil, as well as its combustion chemistry. Also, a thorough study will identify sources of supply, the competitive landscape and market outlets for fossil fuel and biobased oils in the context of the latest industry developments.
A good market study should review all programs for sources of the oil, including biobased sources like pyrolysis oil, bio-sourced oils, and renewable fuels. These studies should highlight the supply chain and the refineries that can supply suitable carbon black oils identifying the proper oils for use in various carbon black grades. Expert companies that provide these carbon black oil studies should also have the technical and regulatory expertise to highlight specifications required to meet different applications. Finally, a market study should allow refineries, carbon black manufacturers, and plastics and rubber compounders, and traders of carbon black oil to plan for developments in the market and develop a path forward as the market changes, even as these markets move towards biobased oils.
Large renewable energy and biochemical consulting firms certainly have experts in the more common areas like bio and renewable fuels, biomaterials, biomass, and biomass power, biomaterials, biochemicals, and biotechnologies. But, they also have a wide variety of specialty services like expert witness testimony, techno-economic analysis, due diligence, feasibility studies, budgeting, project management, technology assessment, insurance, due diligence, risk management, benchmarking, intellectual property, HAZOP, financial modeling, competitor analysis, and assistance with RIN and Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS) matters. These firms should also be able to assist with other things like Aspen plus, logistics, bioreactor design, municipal solid waste remediation, syngas, and bio-based product development, carbon credits, climate change analysis, environmental permitting, equipment sales, experimental validations, grant writing, IP strategy, life cycle analysis (LCA), plant operations, plant sales and auctions, risk analysis and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
For more than 25 years, Lee Enterprises Consulting has been at the forefront of the bioeconomy. Our highly differentiated market position centers around our deep subject matter expertise in very specialized areas. We help clients minimize technical and economic risk by leveraging best practices in our industries, and we have a long track record of providing insightful analysis and practical advice. Our reputation is unparalleled because we provide a simplified process, with a single point of contact to a diverse international network of proven experts in biofuels, biomaterials, feedstocks, alternative proteins, and existing & emerging technologies. Providing access to over 150 world-renowned bioeconomy experts allows us to create tailored solutions to meet each project’s individual needs. Please take a look at our experts and the services we provide. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for further information.