R-PET Bottles – The Engine That Could Revolutionize Electric Vehicles 05-08-1014

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Nylon 6 Chip Trading Expands: A Sign of Bottoming Out?

Starting from July 15-19, the trading volume of nylon 6 conventional spinning (CS) chips has increased, particularly on July 17. Major CS chip factories in regions like Shanxi, Shandong, Hunan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang have seen significant surges in sales/production ratios, with daily sales reaching over a thousand or two thousand tons. Some factories have raised prices slightly by 50-100 yuan/mt.  R-PET Bottles

Simultaneously, polymer plants have increased their purchasing of CPL, with trading sentiment in East China improving significantly in the range of 12,400-12,450 yuan/mt. Downstream buyers are actively inquiring, and sellers are cautiously optimistic.

Factors Leading to Recent Price Decline:

1. Decline in Benzene Prices: Tight benzene supply and capital behavior in late June led to a sharp decline in benzene prices, which dropped to 850 yuan/mt in early July, causing a significant downward adjustment in CPL and chip prices.
2. Commissioning of Luxi Chemical’s New Plants: New CPL and PA6 units have been gradually put into operation since June. By late July, the new CPL plant’s operating rate was at 60%, and four PA6 units were in production. The market impact of 200kt/year has been largely realized, with short-term impacts weakening as prices stabilize. R-PET Bottles
3. Seasonal Off-Season: July and August are traditionally slow seasons for the textile and engineering plastics markets. Demand has lightened in some filament market specifications, and modified plastic plants reported a slight decrease in chip usage compared to June. R-PET Bottles

Current Market Analysis:

Despite the price decline in the first half of July, factors such as stabilizing benzene prices, realized new capacities at Luxi Chemical, and positive purchasing willingness indicate a potential for short-term stabilization and rebound in prices. However, sustained upward trends are unlikely without more positive news developments, as the supply side remains stable with high operating rates and no production cuts.

The Engine That Could Revolutionize Electric Vehicles

Imagine placing a glass of champagne on the cylinder head of a two-stroke engine. Typically, the vibrations would cause the glass to topple. However, new technology from the Austrian-German company Obrist has changed this scenario.

Years ago, a mechanic demonstrated the precision of a well-tuned Ford 2.0 Zetec engine by balancing a coin on its valve cover. While impressive, this feat pales in comparison to Obrist’s latest innovation.  R-PET Bottles

The Glass Test

Inspired by a famous Lexus LS400 commercial, Obrist’s ZVG engine can balance a glass of champagne without spilling a drop, even while running. This is remarkable for a two-stroke engine, which traditionally experiences more vibrations than a four-stroke engine. The ZVG achieves this through optimal operation and dual crankshafts that counteract each other’s vibrations. Additional noise reduction is provided by a rubber reducer and a flywheel, all housed in a soundproof box. R-PET Bottles

Hybrid Ready

Weighing just 110 kg, the 45 kW (61 HP) Obrist engine is designed not for direct propulsion but as part of an electrified system to recharge batteries. According to CEO Frank Obrist, this engine could address the range limitations of electric vehicles, consuming only 1.5 liters of gasoline or e-fuel per 100 km.

Lightweight and Efficient

The batteries recharged by the ZVG engine weigh only 98 kg, significantly lighter than those in a Tesla Model Y. Despite their smaller size, they offer over 80 km of pure electric range. When combined with the internal combustion engine, the total range becomes comparable to, or even exceeds, that of large electric sedans and SUVs. R-PET Bottles

Future Prospects

Obrist’s HyperHybrid system is nearly ready for market but faces regulatory challenges. If the European ban on gasoline and diesel engines takes effect in 2035, the system may only be viable if exemptions for e-fuels are granted.

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