Research on the main carbon sources in the chemical industry
The chemical industry is related to the national economy and people's livelihood, but its carbon source emissions are also a heavy burden on the environment. Today's detailed inspection of the chemical industry to identify the location of the largest carbon source.

Chemical processes are complex and diverse, and raw materials are used as the first end of carbon sources. Many fossil fuels, such as petroleum and coal, are often selected for chemical initiation. Petroleum is rich in hydrocarbons, which are cracked and reformed into basic chemical raw materials such as ethylene and propylene. During this process, the combustion and transformation of oil release a large amount of carbon into the atmosphere. The same is true for coal, which is gasified to generate syngas, which is used to make methanol and other chemicals. Between combustion and reaction, carbon emissions are significant.

The reaction process, catalytic reactions are common and critical. Taking ammonia synthesis as an example, the traditional Hubble-Bosch method uses natural gas or coal to produce hydrogen under high temperature and pressure, and then synthesizes ammonia. When hydrogen is produced, the carbon source undergoes a reforming reaction, and the carbon element escapes in the form of carbon dioxide. And this reaction consumes a lot of energy, most of which comes from fossil fuels, and carbon emissions are added.

Separation and refining of chemical products also involves carbon sources. Distillation, extraction and other methods require a lot of energy to maintain operating conditions, and are mostly supplied by carbon-containing energy. For example, steam heats the distillation tower, and fuel combustion causes carbon emissions. And the separation equipment itself is manufactured, and each step from raw material extraction to processing and assembly has a carbon footprint.

Chemical waste treatment is also an important end of carbon sources. Organic waste is incinerated, and carbon is converted into carbon dioxide directly into the atmosphere. Even if it is landfilled, methane and other greenhouse gases are generated in an anaerobic environment, and its greenhouse effect is even greater than that of carbon dioxide.

In summary, the largest carbon source in the chemical industry covers raw materials, reactions, separation and waste treatment. The dependence on fossil fuels at the raw material end, the high energy consumption and carbon conversion in the reaction process, the energy demand for separation and refining, and the carbon emission from waste treatment are all key points for chemical industry to reduce carbon emissions. Only by understanding the importance of this carbon source can we find ways to save energy, reduce emissions, and develop green, and promote harmonious coexistence between chemical industry and the environment.