Petrochemical technology licensing strategy

ADI evaluated over 40 petrochemical value chains to identify target molecules for a global EPC firm’s downstream expansion. The study used a two-tier screening process to analyze market attractiveness versus opportunity index for licensors. Detailed profiles of competitors’ SWOT and business models informed the selection of target molecules like methanol and acrylic acid.

Global EPC company

Client sought to pivot from LNG infrastructure into higher-margin downstream process technology licensing work.

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Developed comprehensive maps for methane, ethylene, and propylene derivatives to size process licensing potential.

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Weighted factors including demand growth, licensor concentration, and market openness to new EPC entrants.

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Profiled business structures (independent vs. open vs. closed) and established catalyst supplier relationships.

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Matched selected chemical technologies to the client’s existing EPC experience and regional presence in Asia and North America.

  • Identified four high-potential molecules for technology acquisition or strategic partnership to expand service offerings.
Client Results
I worked with ADI on market assessments for polymers, including caps, closures, and high-pressure pipes, to help with capital investment decisions.
Jose M. Sanchez Mendes Business Director, SK Global Chemical

Industry experience

Catalysts and process technology intelligence

ADI provided ongoing market intelligence on catalyst innovations and licensing trends across the petrochemical value chain. The analysis focused on technology scale-up for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), renewable diesel, and advanced plastics recycling. Strategic risks, including the impact of IMO 2020 on refinery configurations and the growth of crude-to-chemicals (COTC) projects, were evaluated. The client […]

Corrosion monitoring technology assessment

This assessment by ADI evaluated a fixed, wireless sensor network designed for continuous corrosion monitoring across hazardous upstream, refining, and chemical assets. Analytical modeling incorporated scale-driven reductions to project revenue over a 10-year period. The study surfaced trade-offs between system mobility and the high installation costs of competing fiber optic or electrical resistance probes. The […]

Drag reducing agents market analysis

ADI assessed the global drag reducing agents (DRA) market, focusing on heavy crude applications and midstream pipeline infrastructure. The analysis mapped the competitive landscape and technological differentiation between suspension and solution-based DRA chemistries. Regional growth was modeled against pipeline utilization and production forecasts for North America and the Middle East. The client Specialty chemical manufacturer […]

Global PEM electrolyzer and GDL market assessment

ADI evaluated the market for carbon paper gas diffusion layers (GDL) within the rapidly expanding PEM electrolyzer supply chain. The research assessed the technical transition from titanium porous transport layers and modeled the impact of rising current density on future material demand. High and low cases accounted for green hydrogen production targets and announced OEM […]

Novel bio-oil upgrading and olefin monetization technology scouting

ADI conducted a technical scan of non-hydroprocessing routes for upgrading biomass-derived pyrolysis oil, focusing on solvent extraction and membrane-based fractionation. The assessment identified high-value chemical pathways for light olefin streams, benchmarking potential products like acrylic acid and lube additives against minimum economic scale (MES) requirements. The client Biomass conversion technology developer The situation Uncertainty regarding […]

Opportunity assessment for MOFs in arsine removal

ADI evaluated the commercial viability of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for arsine removal by analyzing adoption drivers in downstream Oleflex and PDH units. The research highlights the critical trade-offs between MOF performance and the lower costs of sacrificial zinc oxide catalysts. Final recommendations included identifying high-growth license opportunities globally. The client Materials technology developer The situation […]

SPF competitive landscape assessment

ADI performed a comprehensive review of vertically integrated spray polyurethane foam (SPF) producers, mapping the MDI and polyol supply chains. The study analyzed feedstock advantages in the U.S. Gulf Coast versus China and evaluated the risk of channel conflict between MDI suppliers and independent system houses. Strategic implications focused on price discipline and end-use diversification […]

Valuation of integrated energy and chemicals assets

ADI performed technical and commercial due diligence for an integrated energy and chemicals park, evaluating asset configurations. The valuation involved rigorous DCF modeling of scenarios ranging from lube oil complex rejuvenation to asset shutdowns, factoring in terminal value sensitivities. The assessment specifically addressed market risks associated with Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) oversupply and regional demand recovery […]

Global polyisobutylene market assessment

ADI analyzed global demand for conventional and highly reactive polyisobutylene (HR-PIB) across fuel additives, lubricants, and industrial applications. The work evaluated capacity utilization and trade flows, across Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe. Economic trade-offs between feedstock C4 availability and tightening margins for low-molecular-weight grades were modeled over a period of 15 years. The client […]

Global polypropylene market assessment

ADI evaluated global demand for homopolymer, impact copolymer, and random copolymer grades, emphasizing crystalline HCPP and reactor-TPO segments. The analysis integrated utilization rate forecasts and regional cost curves to model trade flows across Middle East, Asia Pacific, and North America. Operational risks, including plant debottlenecking and feedstock shifts toward shale-based propane, were contrasted against tightening […]

Carbon dioxide conversion pathways techno-economic assessment

ADI prioritized nine CO2​-to-value pathways, ranging from carbon mineralization for cement to electrochemical routes for circular fuels. The work assessed the energy intensity and technology readiness of photocatalysis and chemo-enzymatic conversion. Analytical modeling of breakeven costs was conducted to identify the most commercially attractive products in the near-term. The client Global investment firm The situation […]

High-pressure polyethylene specialties outlook

ADI evaluated the competitive landscape for high-pressure polyethylene (PE), emphasizing wire and cable (W&C) and infrastructure applications. The study benchmarked the operational excellence and cost structures of leading producers across various regional hubs. Strategic trade-offs between autoclave and tubular reactor technologies were assessed for specialty LDPE and copolymer production. The client European polyolefins producer The […]

Polyethylene market and catalyst outlook

ADI modeled global demand for HDPE and specialty metallocene-based grades, including mLLDPE, POE, and POP, across diverse density ranges. The study analyzed the performance trade-offs of Chromium, Ziegler-Natta, and metallocene catalysts in bimodal HDPE production for pipe and blow molding applications. Significant uncertainty regarding the share of recycled HDPE (rHDPE) was addressed by evaluating regional […]

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