Titan NRG as an integral component of the nation’s LPG infrastructure with plenty of room for growth in the highly segmented (particularly at the retail level) downstream energy industry. In 2023, Titan NRG’s APE Fuel transported more than 40 million gallons of propane.
Propane is produced as a by-product of natural gas processing (where it is separated from the raw gas) and refining petroleum into gasoline or heating oil. Americans use about 10 billion gallons of propane every year, making the LPG 2% of our country's energy consumption.
Being a byproduct of other critical fuels, the supply of propane cannot easily be adjusted to meet increased demand. About 90% of U.S. propane is domestically produced and the other 10% comes from our neighbors, Canada and Mexico.
With its fleet of MC-331 tankers directed via cloud-based technology, Titan NRG’s NRG Dynamics is a specialized carrier hauling liquid petroleum gases with access agreements for nearly every loading facility in the West. Titan NRG’s NRG Rail is currently transloading LPGs with permitting in place to launch storage and loading operations as a LGP terminal in southeast Arizona.
Butane is also a byproduct of natural gas processing and fractional distillation of crude oils. Beyond powering lighters, butane has valuable and diverse applications. When blended with propane and other hydrocarbons and commonly used in residential and commercial applications. Both normal and isobutane forms find uses in various industries, including fuel and blending (gasoline, fuel gas, extract fragrances); plastics and synthetic rubber production (feedstock for ethylene and butadiene); refrigeration (eco-friendly refrigerants); and aerosol propellants (deodorants, gasoline enhancement).
From 1983 to 2023, U.S. field production of normal butane increased from 214,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 560,000 bpd. Much like propane, the U.S. produces and supplies about 90% of its butane demand each year.
During summer months when demand for propane wanes and demand for asphalt soars, NRG Dynamics pivots the use of part of its fleet to transport liquid asphalt (hot oil) and emulsions (see below) for road construction.
Asphalt and bitumen often sound alike, but here's the quick breakdown. Geologists refer to naturally occurring forms as “bitumen.” When manufactured, Americans usually call it “asphalt,” although “bitumen” is more common internationally. Semantics aside, asphalt is the main ingredient in “asphalt concrete,” commonly used for paving roads, parking lots, and driveways. Bitumen is used in waterproofing membranes for flat roofs and shingles on sloped roofs. Both asphalt and bitumen are used in various sealants and waterproofing applications, such as foundations, basements, and bridges.
The Federal Highway Administration reports that roughly 340 million tons of asphalt pavement were produced in the U.S. in 2022. This excludes asphalt used in roofing, sealants, and other non-pavement applications and also excludes bitumen demand totals.
Everyone knows oil and water don’t mix. An emulsion is like tricking them into getting along. Tiny droplets of one liquid (oil) are scattered throughout another (water) with the help of special ingredients called emulsifiers to create a creamy mixture with unique properties. Applications include salad dressings, milk, and metalworking fluids, amongst others. Emulsions transported via the Titan NRG portfolio are irreplaceable in chip and slurry seals, tack coats, cold patching, micro-surfacing, and dust suppression in road construction.
Our family of companies transport unsung chemical heroes.
Unlike mass-produced chemicals, specialty chemicals are created in smaller batches at dedicated plants offering flexibility and customization. These chemical address unique needs across industries, from boosting efficiency in electronics to enhancing food preservation. They tackle specific challenges like fireproofing textiles or enabling sustainable production methods. Through innovation and precise formulations, they play a crucial role in improving product performance, driving sustainability, and fostering economic growth. While often unseen, they're the heroes powering innovation and progress in our daily lives.