Bromine is an element widely found in nature, principally in seawater, salt lakes, and underground brines associated with oil. The quantity of bromine sold or used in China in 2008 was 130,000 metric tonnes valued at $500 million. Bromine compounds are primarily used in flame retardants (49%), organic intermediates (19%), oilfield chemicals (15%), and brominated pesticides (3%). Because of depleting reserves, distribution and economics, environmental constraints, the price of bromine rises to a great height.
The oil-services sector posted a strong performance. About 95% of calcium bromide produced was used as an oil and gas completion fluid. Oilfield chemicals used in drilling, completion and workover, and production operations remained significantly more profitable internationally. Use of calcium, sodium, and zinc bromides in oil well completion fluids has benefited in recent years.
This market report comes out in this situation and mainly focuses on the following points:
Elemental bromine supply in China
Price trend of bromine
Main applications in petroleum industry
1. Potassium bromide
2. Calcium bromide
3. Sodium bromide
4. Zinc bromide