Market for Ophthalmic Devices, Diagnostics and Surgical Equipment to Reach $20.2 Billion in 2017

According to Ophthalmic Devices, Diagnostics, and Surgical Equipment: Global Markets (HLC083B) from BCC Research (http://www.bccresearch.com), the global market was valued at nearly $16.9 billion in 2012, up from almost $15.3 billion in 2010. The market is expected to reach $20.2 billion in 2017, an increase of nearly $3.4 billion during the forecast period and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2012 to 2017.

An aging population is a significant driver in the growth of the market, boosting sales for products directed at addressing diseases of the eye, and emphasizing early intervention through diagnosis and treatments.

Markets in the United States are relatively steady and show moderate growth. The U.S. contact lens market in 2012 is estimated at $2.6 billion, accounting for 36% of worldwide sales. The U.S. market is influenced by a variety of factors, including the stability of the economy, healthcare spending, product development, and availability and cost. Sales for contact lenses in the United States are expected to grow at a rate of 3% annually, reaching $3 billion by 2017.

The European contact lens market is currently valued at $2.4 billion, reflecting slightly more than 33% of the $7.3 billion global market. Key markets in Europe include Germany and the United Kingdom, where contact lens markets are well established. Opportunities for growth remain in many Western European regions and the majority of Eastern Europe. By 2017, the European contact lens market is projected to reach $2.8 billion, growing at a rate of 3% annually.

Markets in Asia are driven by both established and emerging markets. The success in more developed regions such as Japan continues to support opportunities for growth. Those opportunities also exist in several developing regions, specifically India, China, and Korea. Sales for contact lenses in Asia will represent the fastest-growing segment of the market, with a 4.6% CAGR anticipated. Sales for contact lenses in Asia were estimated at nearly $1.5 billion in 2012, accounting for a 20% share of global sales. By 2017, the market will be worth about $1.8 billion, driven by an increase in competitors in the region and improved product selection.

Other regions generate sales equivalent to approximately 11% of the $7.3 billion global contact lens market. This amounts to a market of $800 million for 2012, which is driven by improved economic conditions, education in healthcare, and government involvement. Regions specifically affecting revenues in this segment include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand.

The global population will continue to grow and age; older people will make up 20% to 25% of each region’s total population by 2020. This suggests a steady market path for ophthalmic diagnostics, devices, and surgical equipment throughout the next several decades.

The global market for ophthalmic diagnostic, device, and surgical equipment can be broken down into three main segments: diagnostics, contact lenses, and surgical equipment.

 RSS Feeds – Healthcare

• Diagnostic equipment includes imaging equipment, digital equipment, and nonimaging equipment, among other products. Diagnostics provide services in the areas of glaucoma, cataracts, and refractive procedures, which accounted for $3.3 billion in 2012, approximately 20% of total ophthalmic sales.
• Contact lenses include both functional and cosmetic lenses. Products in this segment address the needs of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Contact lenses generated approximately $7.3 billion in revenues worldwide, accounting for almost 44% of the market in 2012.
• Surgical equipment includes ophthalmic lasers, phacoemulsification equipment, intraocular lenses (IOLs), other specialized lasers, shunts, other drainage devices, and other related products. These products generated a market worth nearly $6.2 billion in 2012, accounting for nearly 37% of the total market.

This BCC report, Ophthalmic Devices, Diagnostics and Surgical Equipment: Global Markets (HLC083B), provides a comprehensive description of conditions and diseases that affect the eyes and products used for eye treatment. This report includes information regarding the incidence and prevalence of eye conditions and risk factors associated with those conditions.

Major product segments with in-depth market and competitive analysis are included in each segment and discuss ophthalmic devices, diagnostics, and surgical procedures. Research and development activities are included with an emphasis on segments that offer benefits to aging populations.

BCC Research Projects the Global Market for Industrial Inkjet Printing Hardware and Consumables to Reach $7.4 Billion by 2017

BCC Research estimates the global market for industrial inkjet printing hardware and consumables was valued at $1.5 billion in 2011 and $1.9 billion in 2012. By 2017, the market is projected to approach $7.4 billion after increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.8% since 2012.

Inks and other functional fluids accounted for nearly 70% of the industrial inkjet market in 2011 and 2012, a percentage that is expected to increase to more than 74% in 2017. Print heads and other printer hardware make up the remainder.

Analyses of the main segments of the industrial inkjet market include product decoration, electronics, medicine and life sciences, 3-D printing, and energy. Inkjet printing is beginning to have an impact on other types of applications, such as food flavorings and fragrances, chemicals, and optics, but the demand for inkjet hardware and consumables in these segments is too small to estimate reliably and is likely to have little impact on overall sales between 2011 and 2017.

Product decoration (textiles, ceramics, glass, wall and floor coverings, food, etc.) account for the bulk of the industrial inkjet market. Energy conversion and storage devices made up the second-largest segment in 2011, with 25% of the market, but this segment is expected to drop into third place by 2017, with 12% of the market. Electronic devices should be the second-largest application segment in 2017, with a 15% market share.

The Asia-Pacific region is the largest geographical market for industrial inkjet technologies. Between 2012 and 2017, Asia-Pacific’s share of the market should grow from 47% to 53%. Europe and North America are the second- and third-largest geographical markets, respectively, both with around 19% to 20% of the market in 2011 and 2012. By 2017, Europe’s share seems set to decline to 16%, while the North American share drops to 15%.

The market for inkjet printers in the textile industry could grow to as much as $750 million per year by 2020, driven primarily by the technology’s potential for reducing the time required to bring products to market. The market should grow from $170 million in 2011 to $217.6 million in 2012 and $747.7 million in 2017. BCC assumes that print heads will continue to represent about 10% of the cost of a typical inkjet print system.

Sales of inkjet inks for textile printing should grow at about the same rate as the production of inkjet printed fabrics. Production of inkjet fabrics is projected to grow at a CAGR of 35%, which implies that sales of inks should grow from $355 million in 2011 to $479.3 million in 2012 and more than $2.1 billion in 2017.

By 2017, BCC estimates that global production of inkjet printed laminates could grow to nearly 200 million square meters at a CAGR of approximately 35% between 2011 and 2017. This growth will be driven by increases in the numbers of new housing starts and residential renovations.

The objectives of Emerging Inkjet Printing Technologies, Applications and Global Markets (AVM091A) include:

 RSS Feeds – Advanced materials  

• Identifying inkjet printing applications with the greatest commercial potential in the near to midterm (2011 to 2017)
• Analyzing the key drivers and constraints that will shape the market for these inkjet printing applications as the basis for projecting demand over the next five years
• Estimating current and future consumption of inkjet printing materials and other key enabling technologies
• Identifying the companies that are best positioned to meet this demand because of their proprietary technologies, strategic alliances, or other advantages.

Global Nanomagnetic Materials and Devices Market to Reach $9 Billion by 2017

According to BCC Research, the global market for nanomagnetic materials and devices is currently $7.3 billion and will top $9 billion by 2017. Therefore, certain types of nanomagnetic materials already represent a mature market.

The data storage product sector of the nanomagnetics market generated nearly $6.9 billion in wholesale-level sales in 2012 and is expected to reach nearly $8.4 billion in 2017. Products like MRAMS have been commercialized since the 2004 BCC report and are poised for expanding growth in the number of shipments. Overall growth in MRAM sales will be lower due to steadily reduced per-unit prices.

The fastest-growing markets will be for sensors, including biosensors, bioassay products, and giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensors. Sales topped $53 million in 2012 and should grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3% to reach $108 million by 2017.

These are followed by a group of "other" markets, including nanocrystalline soft magnetic cores, magnetic fluids, catalysts and environmental remediation products. Together they represent a $97 million market, which is forecast to grow to a combined $209 million by 2017.

There are diverse companies involved in the area of nanomagnetics, ranging from biotechnology startups to major global electronics companies. Some of these firms are primarily materials companies, acting as suppliers of nanomagnetic material products, such as magnetic fluids, magnetic microspheres, or nanocrystalline magnetic alloys. Some companies in the business are captive producers of nanomaterials for higher value-added end products, such as hard disks or GMR sensors. A final group of companies incorporate nanomagnetic materials from outside suppliers into both mundane and up-and-coming products, from loudspeakers to biochips.

 RSS Feeds – Nanotechnology

It is worth noting that there is not so much a nanomagnetics industry as there are a number of industries or market segments that are affected by nanomagnetics technology and materials. These market segments include industrial products, information storage devices, and biotechnology. Companies involved in each of these areas are developing and using nanomagnetics technology and products.

BCC Research has identified approximately 50 companies that are active in developing and using nanomagnetics-related products and technology.

Nanomagnetics: Materials, Devices and Markets (NAN033B) is a valuable resource for those who need to understand the technological and market impact of magnetic materials and devices based on nanotechnology, and for decision-makers in companies or institutions that:

• Manufacture, process, or sell magnetic nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, microspheres, ferrofluids, thin films, and bulk materials 
• Develop or fabricate devices based on nanomagnetic materials, such as GMR heads, hard disks, MRAM or biosensors  
• Are seeking partners for their nanomagnetic commercialization efforts 
• Provide consulting, public relations, or other services to the nanotechnology community  
• Are planning to make investments or acquisitions in the nanotech space 
• Produce or market conventional magnetic materials and devices  
• Develop competing technologies or products in areas in which nanomagnetic materials and devices will have (or are already having) an impact.

BCC Research Presents 24th Annual Flame Retardancy Conference in Stamford, Connecticut, May 19th-22nd

BCC Research presents the 24th Annual Conference of Recent Advances in Flame Retardancy of Polymeric Materials to be held in Stamford Connecticut from May 19th through May 22nd.

Online registration for the 2013 BCC Research Conference for Recent Advances in Flame Retardancy for Polymeric Materials ends on May 16th 2013. Registration is also available at the event. The global market for flame-retardant chemicals was worth $4.1 billion in 2008 and $4.3 billion in 2009. It should reach $6.1 billion by 2014, for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0%. With such strong growth it is imperative that professionals in the field keep up-to-date on the latest advancements and applications in flame retardancy (FR). The 24th Annual Conference on Recent Advances in Flame Retardancy of Polymeric Materials is the premier technical event of its type in the US.

Presentations at the conference will:

• Create a forum for introducing new technological achievements and developments in the field of flame retardancy (FR)
• Offer an overview of the current state of science and technology in FR
• Review the applications and markets for FR products
• Present recent developments in local and global standardization in testing technology
• Provide a unique opportunity for newcomers to become acquainted with the FR field in all its aspects
• Discuss nanoparticles effects on flammability
• Address regulatory issues for flame retardancy

Global experts will discuss the latest technological findings in flame retardant materials and their important contributions to the aviation, automotive, computer, construction, electronics, and telecommunications industries.

Stamford Sheraton Hotel • Stamford, CT

Intensive Short Course in Selection, Evaluation, and Commercial Application of Flame Retardant Polymers: May 19, 2013

Main Conference on Flame Retardancy: May 20-22, 2013.

Conference Sessions:

• Industrial and Academics
• Biopolymers
• Instrumentation
• Industry and University
• Fabrics and Foam
• Sustainability
• Work on Some Specific Polymers
• Composites and Nanocomposites
• Fire Safety and the Media
• New Developments in Fire Retardancy

BCC Research market research reports offer the competitive intelligence, market data, analysis, and forecasts needed to make strategic, financially sound decisions in your industry.

Global Electrophoresis Market To Reach Nearly $1.8 Billion In 2018

The global electrophoresis market was worth nearly $1.35 billion in 2011 and $1.4 billion in 2012. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% over the next five years to reach nearly $1.8 billion by 2018.

The expanding realm of molecular profiling applications is providing continued demand for this technology, although electrophoresis exhibits characteristics of a mature market. Nucleic acid and protein separation are the two major applications of this technology.

The electrophoresis market is broadly segmented into gel electrophoresis (GE) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) technologies. A new complementary technology that is gaining commercial significance is the lab-on-a-chip/microfluidics technology. Electrophoresis has been one of the most successful applications of the growing microfluidics technology market.

Genomics applications have fueled the demand for GE systems in the past. The ongoing quest to unravel the human proteome has provided the impetus for protein GE predominantly carried out by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D PAGE) method. The expanding proteomics research pursuits have deemed the 2D PAGE/slab gel technique as the most reliable platform, owing to its ability to resolve and measure posttranslational modified protein entities.

The modestly growing DNA sequencing market along with soft demand from life sciences research laboratories and cautious spending of biopharmaceuticals have had an impact on the overall growth of CE techniques. Fortunately, the ascent of microfluidics/lab-on-a-chip technology is revitalizing the CE technology market. Therefore, the net impact of these factors is expected to account for the estimated CAGR of 5.5% between 2013 and 2018.

 RSS Feeds – Membrane and separation technology

Both CE and GE technologies rely heavily on aftermarket reagents and supplies. The presence of a high installed base for electrophoresis instruments and the low replacement rate for these instruments has slowed down sales of these systems. The broadening of research applications along with existing installed base has ensured sustained demand for aftermarket reagents and supplies.

As for the GE reagents segment, precast gels are anticipated to grow at the cost of handmade gels as researchers are willing to invest in these ready-made gels. The use of mini-gels instead of the established large-format gels has gained prominence among the research community.

The use of nonfilm imaging techniques such as infrared imaging is gaining momentum and is anticipated to supplant traditional film-based imaging methods through the course of the forecast period. The development of cooled charge coupled devices (CCD) and laser scanners has substantially improved detection capabilities of gel imaging systems.

The technology developments in the gel imaging segment are accompanied by corresponding progress seen in gel informatics. Informatics vendors are taking many initiatives to address the growing concern of reproducibility in the 2D gel technique by sophisticated signal analysis algorithms that reflect true biological outcomes. Gel informatics is likely to witness the highest growth compared to the other product segments during the forecast period (2013 to 2018).

The global market landscape is composed of both multinational and regional market participants, with North America and Europe dominating the market. The growth of the Asia-Pacific market in recent years made this market lucrative for multinational instrument companies to expand their presence in the developing nations. The majority of the overall electrophoresis market is controlled by top-tier participants. Brand recognition, product pricing, and scope-of-product offerings for different applications coupled with the ability to respond to changing customer needs are some key competitive factors to stay ahead in this market.

Despite the growing trend of alternative gel-free techniques, electrophoresis is likely to continue to maintain its presence and is not likely to be completely replaced in the near future. Both gel and capillary methods are expected to be used as complementary technologies, along with several other analytical approaches to separate biologically important macromolecules.

ELECTROPHORESIS TECHNOLOGY: GLOBAL MARKETS (MST040C) determines the current status of the electrophoresis industry and assesses its growth potential through 2018. Specific objectives of the report include developing an understanding of the current market scenario for both gel electrophoresis (GE) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) technologies. This report also assesses the growth and market potential for agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis techniques. As nucleic acid and protein separation are the two major applications, their market potentials also have been examined. The market has been segmented into instrumentation, aftermarket supplies, and services; we were interested in monitoring trends in each of these segments. In addition, this report analyzes the electrophoresis industry from end-users’ perspectives.

Global Nonwoven Filter Media Market to Reach Nearly $5.3 Billion in 2018

Nonwoven materials are used worldwide in a variety of applications, including construction, apparel, hygiene products, wet wipes, medical dressings, automotive end uses, geotextiles, home furnishings, and filtration.

The combined global market value for nonwovens reached approximately $26 billion in 2012. Nonwoven media used in filtration applications make up about 14% of the total nonwovens market, or a value of nearly $3.5 billion in 2012. By year-end 2013, the market is forecast to be worth $3.7 billion. This figure includes nonwoven filter media manufactured by five types of production: airlaid, wetlaid, spunbonding, meltblowing, and apertured film extrusion processes, and for several different applications in air, gas, and liquid filtration. End uses for nonwoven filter media are water filtration; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications; liquid, air, and gas filtration in transportation; food and beverage processing; manufacturing; healthcare; petroleum processing; and air, gas, and liquid filtration for the high-technology industry.

Although the markets for each sector and world region are affected by different driving forces, some common drivers cut across all applications and regions. The most important factor affecting market growth is the need for cleaner products and processes as mandated by legislative standards. Consumer desire for purer water, air, and other goods is another strong force that drives growth.

Shifting patterns of economic prosperity also influence the nonwoven filter media market at industrial, municipal, and consumer levels. While North America and Western Europe still make up half of the nonwoven filter media market, the rapid industrialization and rising incomes of China, India, and other Asian countries are driving the global market the most rapidly. Emerging markets in the rest of the world, the growing economies of Brazil, some Eastern European countries, and the oil-rich nations of the Middle East also are helping to boost world markets for nonwoven filter media.

By application, nonwovens for transportation applications, a category that includes off-road vehicles used in mining, agriculture, and construction, as well as aircraft, is the largest market. Media used in these applications include materials for both air and liquid filtration. Resurgence in vehicle sales in the North American market and rising car ownership in emerging countries are major market drivers. Increasingly strict environmental standards also are important.

 RSS Feeds – Advanced materials

Water filtration is the largest sector, and still offers many opportunities for market growth. The use of filter media as membrane support material is an especially vibrant application in this segment since world markets for membrane-based desalination, wastewater treatment, and water recycling are increasing quickly.

Despite some false starts and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties, global manufacturing industries are optimistic that renewed growth in the sector is imminent. In this sector, the strongest growth for nonwoven filter media is forecast for the Asia-Pacific region, excluding Japan. New power plants in the region, particularly in China, also will be an important market for nonwovens used in air filtration, as will air (and other) filters for the region’s growing number of automobiles.

In the United States, capital investments in equipment delayed during the financial downturn should be a large future market for nonwoven filter media in liquid filtration applications. “Reshoring” also could play a role in manufacturing industry growth, as producers of electrical equipment, appliances and components, transportation equipment, and machinery bring work back to the United States.

Nonwoven filter sales in the pharmaceutical manufacturing segment are expected to see especially rapid growth across most world regions; purchases of filters in the HVAC sector also are rising worldwide, although at not quite as high a rate. Another good growth market is in the filtration of waste streams from oil and gas production.

Because filters based on nonwovens are exchanged after a useful service life, sales of nonwovens for incorporation in replacement products make up a major portion of the market. This feature is a factor in the consumer, commercial, and industrial market sectors.  

BCC Research estimates market size estimates and forecasts for global nonwoven filter media from 2005 through 2018. A 7.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is forecast for nonwoven filter media over the next five years, resulting in a $5.3 billion market value in 2018. The ability of world economies to navigate the potential financial pitfalls, the ability of manufacturers to leverage their capital asset bases, continued technological innovation, and new environmental and regulatory initiatives are factors affecting forecast growth.

Nonwoven Filter Media: Technologies and Global Markets (AVM043D) will help its readers form a comprehensive understanding of the recent advances in nonwoven filter media manufacturing, its commercial applications, and worldwide markets. For the purposes of this report, the materials will include filter media manufactured by airlaid, wetlaid, spunbonding, meltblowing, and apertured films extrusion.

BCC Research Expects Global Market for Sensors to Reach Nearly $116.1 Billion by 2019

Small firms account for the majority of companies within the sensor manufacturing business. Most pursue a focused strategy, but competitive and technological pressures are leading to consolidation and increasing concentration. The semiconductor industry, however, is attempting to recapture its intensive capital investment by developing sensor solutions to address large-scale, high-volume, consumer-related applications. This will allow specialized industrial sensor manufacturers some time to develop strategies for dealing with competition. There are also opportunities for new entrants into the business, especially in MEMS. Further, a company with valuable intellectual property and a strong customer base can represent an attractive acquisition candidate.

After the downturn in 2009, the global market for sensors recovered from 2010 to 2012. The market was valued at nearly $68.2 billion in 2012 and is expected to increase to $79.5 billion in 2014, reaching $116.1 billion by 2019, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%.

Growth within the segment made up of biosensors and chemical sensors is expected to be the highest, with a CAGR of 9.7% projected from 2014 through 2019, followed by the image, flow and level sensors segment, with a CAGR of 8.4% forecast over the same five-year period.

Market demand for sensors will be fueled by increases in motor vehicle and machinery production, growth in shipment of process equipment, government regulations such as requiring all new light vehicles to be equipped with electronic stability control and tire pressure monitoring systems, and growth in process manufacturers’ shipments. Development of new applications for technologies such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), optoelectronics, and photoelectronics will help grow the sensor market. The maturity of many sensor markets and improved fabrication techniques has led to increased sensing abilities at lower costs and this also will help increase market growth.

 RSS Feeds – Instrumentation and Sensors

As sensors form the core of most electronic, industrial, and consumer products, the volatility of the end-use industries has a direct bearing on the market for sensors. The sharp downturn in the global economy during the global economic crisis of 2009 and resultant pricing pressures significantly affected the overall business environment. The volatility of the end-user industry and tight credit conditions stalled the growth of the global sensor market. In 2011 and 2012, most industries began recovering, thus also improving the prospects of the sensor industry. Technological refinements in terms of improved efficiency and performance will reemerge to drive growth in the marketplace.

The proliferation of advanced electronic control systems has provided sensor users ongoing advances in sensor accuracy, reliability, response time, robustness, miniaturization, communications capability, and efficiencies. This has fueled research and development in the sensor industry, which in turn creates opportunities for technological advancements that open up new applications for sensors.

Market factors that influence sensor technology and product-related developments include cost, competitive differentiation, resistance to change, standards evolution, and government regulations. Over the past few years, a number of developments both in the academic and corporate sector have facilitated low-cost sensor solutions. Reduced operating costs, enhanced performance, and a high return on investment all drive technology development, especially in industries such as oil and gas.

Based on recent developments in technology, technological and price barriers will be removed over the next few years, creating new applications for sensors in a wide range of industrial sectors. The trend being adopted by the sensor industry in general is smaller, faster, and cheaper solutions. Sensors that are important in the current industrial markets include temperature, pressure, force and load, level, microelectromechanical systems, and nanotechnology.

Global Markets and Technologies for Sensors (IAS006E) studies and highlights the role of sensors in various applications, explains the technology and innovation behind sensor development and production, and gives a market overview, analyzing major market trends both in terms of region and application sector. In addition, the report studies in detail the new developments taking place in the sensor industry with respect to continuous improvements in environmental performance. The report analyzes the market for various types of sensors as well as for the technologies involved. The market for various emerging technologies in sensors as well as the new products manufactured using these technologies are reviewed in the report.

The report also analyzes the various applications of sensors in detail and the markets of such applications, with special emphasis on the new products being developed and the markets for these products. Along with the development of new products, research and development is taking the sensor technology to new heights, and a close look into such technologies has been made in the report.

Plasma Expects the Fastest Growth Among Gasifiers with a 60.3% CAGR

The gasifiers sector has become a proven yet quickly evolving energy conversion and chemicals production technology. Needs of the present and the future are pressing them into adoption for bulk power generation, fuel production, oil refining and energy, industrial chemicals production, municipal waste treatment, and as a means to supply thermal and electrical energy at any scale in rural areas connected to and away from the power grid.

A primary driver of the markets for gasifiers is the need for energy in the forms of electricity and liquid fuels. Roughly half of the world’s most affordable electricity is fueled by coal, which is bountiful on all inhabited continents and some islands as well. Coal in its various forms is well-understood for power generation and conversion to transportation fuels, as well as serving as a low-cost source for carbon-based chemicals. A host of environmental and health protection constraints have been put in place to limit the quantities of pollutants allowable from coal use.
 Gasifiers have emerged as an effective technology for accessing the chemical energy and content of coal in a manner that makes it quite a bit safer, less polluting, and a more efficient to use. It is affordable when other energy and fossil fuel sources are scarce.

Gasifiers are proving to be an effective means of supplanting dwindling fossil fuel resources while raising efficiency when using fossil fuels. This is a necessity, since civilization has entered the era of unconventional sources of fuel (deepwater drilling, underground coal gasification, shale gas, coal-to-fuel, biomass-to-liquids [BTL], and so on). By using gasifiers, coal, petcoke, peat, biomass, and municipal and industrial waste can be converted to power, heat, drop-in liquid fuels, and chemical feedstocks.

 RSS Feeds – Energy and Resources

The market for gasifiers has seen an ebb and flow for a century. It is now coming into its own, with devices from the very largest, such as integrated gasification and combined cycle (IGCC), a baseload power plant, to the very small, such as those for cooking heat in remote village homes. The largest gasifiers are the size of rocket boosters and are powering China’s continued industrialization using low-grade coal. The smallest are camp-stove-sized, utilizing twigs, nutshells, and leafy materials. In between, an entire spectrum of sizes and capabilities are now powering industrial parks, villages, microindustries, refineries, buildings, and villages in developed, transitioning, and developing regions of the world.

The four highest growth rate gasifier market sectors are: plasma gasifiers (the fastest expansion by far), CTL (coal-to-liquids), petcoke/residuals, and CTE (coal-to-energy). Direct reduction iron (DRI) melt gasifiers are in a bit of a slump due to steel market conditions in the United States and China. Petcoke/residuals gasifiers are essentially waste-conversion tools, and provide value to what would otherwise be toxic materials that are the residue of the refining and extracting industries. The low value of petcoke and its high carbon content make it an ideal feedstock for cogeneration applications at refineries and for power generation at utility power plants in emerging economies.

Continued strength of the CTE sector is almost strange unless the China effect is taken into account with the India effect. Both are emerging economic giants, account for a third of the world’s population, remain intense coal consumers, and have their own reserves. If the atmosphere and climate are to be saved, then proven, affordable, sustainable carbon capture and sequestration technology are necessary. The same could be said for CTL usage and petcoke/residuals gasification, both of which are expanding as quickly as CTE.

Biomass-to-energy (BTE) has bas become a fairly stable market expanding on a large base (for gasifiers). It will begin to accelerate later in the forecast interval due to proving out of new, well supported, reliable power generation options around the 1 megawatt (MW) level. Note that the BTE gasification aggregate total annual market exceeds all other gasifier segments combined. The market for very small gasifiers is also poised for explosive growth due to robust, simple, low-cost, well-engineered cook stove gasifiers that are beginning to be shipped in quantity from many Western Europe, U.S., and Indian manufacturers to developing regions everywhere.

The last and fastest-growing segment is plasma, which may be the best technology for waste-to-energy (WTE) applications and beyond, with the capability of destroying hazardous waste, medical waste, construction debris, unrecyclable parts of whole cars, almost anything nonradioactive.

GLOBAL MARKETS FOR GASIFIERS (EGY106A) identifies, characterizes, describes, and forecasts world markets for gasifiers on global and regional bases. Attention is given to national/state incentives, international agreements, regulatory regimes, and political policies that foster, hinder, or neglect (whether benignly or otherwise) the implementation of gasifiers.

Forecasts are provided to estimate the robustness of gasifier markets in their different size ranges, feedstocks, and applications over time, covering the period from 2012 through 2017.