Eco-friendly valorisation of C3/C4 cuts through CONSER technologies portfolio
Yuri Gabriel Sneider
Technologies Development Specialist and R&D Project Manager, CONSER S.p.A.
Conser is a licensor company including in its portfolio more than fifty technologies among which, particular attention needs to be focused on the ones related to the valorization of C4 cuts, aiming to low environmental impact through process and design innovation.
Focusing on C4 hydrocarbon cuts, Conser has extensive expertise in processing isobutylene and n-butane into high-value chemical derivatives.
From isobutylene, Conser is the only pure licensor globally offering the technologies to produce Butyl and Halo-Butyl Rubber (IIR and HIIR). The polymerization of isobutylene and isoprene is carried out via cationic polymerization, in a solution of methyl chloride at low temperatures using organic aluminum chloride compound as a catalyst. To improve its vulcanization and compatibility with other rubbers, the unsaturation of the base polymer is halogenated with Bromine, producing BIIRrubber, or Chlorine, producing CIIRrubber. These resulting rubbers are characterized by exceptional impermeability, chemical resistance and durability, making them essential in tire inner liners, pharmaceutical stoppers, protective clothing, and seals. Conser’s technologies, in particular the Polymer Direct Dissolution process, have been optimized by allowing low environmental impact, especially in terms of wastewater, and low utilities consumptions.
For n-butane, CONSER is recognized globally as a leading licensor of Maleic Anhydride (MAN) technology, which utilizes n-butane as feedstock in a gas-phase catalytic partial oxidation process. The process features a tubular fixed-bed reactor followed by solvent-based absorption for product recovery. In addition, CONSER is the only Licensor having industrial experience with off-gas recycle which significantly reduces n-butane consumption, investment costs, and environmental impact by minimizing CO₂ emissions and gaseous effluents. Designed for high efficiency and operational flexibility, this technology is applicable to both grassroots and revamp projects. Furthermore, it serves as a foundational step toward the blue-MAN process, enabling the generation of a CO₂ stream suitable for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), thereby aligning with future sustainability goals.
Finally, MAN is a key intermediate in the production of a wide range of chemicals, whose technologies are also part of Conser portfolio:
- Malic Acid (MAL), Fumaric Acid (FAC) (Food additives)
- 1,4-Butanediol (BDO), Dimethyl Succinate (DMS) and “DUETTO” (Biodegradable plastics)
- Tetrahydrofuran (THF), γ-ButyroLactone (GBL), N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP)(Solvents)
- PolyTetraMethylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG) (Advanced textile fibers)
Among the others, one of the most prominent technologies is the PTMEG, the polymer used for the production of the SPANDEX. The raw material for the PTMEG is the THF, which can be produced in an integrated CONSER MAN plant or from BDO.
INDIA ENERGY WEEK 2026
Session Date: Tuesday 27 January 2026
Venue: The Future Energy Mix Stage
Theme: Refining and Petrochemicals Technology, Operations and Marketing
Session: Advancement in Refining Technology and Processing
Session Chair: Sanjay Thakker, Business Director, Refinery and Petrochemical, Emerson Process Management
Presentation time: 12.45 - 13.00
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