Lummus Technology to provide proprietary heaters to Amiral petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia

Lummus Technology, a global provider of process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, announced a contract award from Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. to provide eight proprietary Short Residence Time (SRT®) ethylene cracking heaters at SATORP's Amiral petrochemical complex in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said Hydrocarbonprocessing.

"Licensing multiple technologies and supplying the cracking heaters for the Amiral project underscores Lummus' ability to integrate technology, proprietary equipment and lifecycle services during customers' capital investment and operation cycles," said Rutger Theunissen, Chief Business Officer of Services and Supplies, Lummus Technology. "Our heaters deliver high reliability, long run lengths and high on-stream factors. These factors — combined with Lummus' best-in-class technologies — will enhance and optimize SATORP's operations well into the future."

The Amiral integrated refinery and petrochemical complex is operated by SATORP, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and TotalEnergies. SATORP has licensed multiple Lummus technologies at this complex including its ethylene, refinery off-gas recovery and treating, pygas hydrotreating, methyl tertiary butyl ether, isobutylene, butene and butadiene extraction technologies.

For more than 75 years, the Lummus Heat Transfer business has supplied heat transfer equipment and systems to the process and power industries. Specializing in heat transfer solutions and systems for critical process environments, Lummus has produced industry-leading technology for fired heaters including the SRT® pyrolysis furnace, and heat exchangers including the Helixchanger™ heat exchanger, LABLEX™ and Polaris™ advanced breech-lock exchanger.

We remind, Lummus Technology, a global provider of process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, announced an integrated technology award from BAYEGAN. BAYEGAN will license Lummus' CATOFIN technology for a new 450 KTA propane dehydrogenation unit and Lummus' Novolen technology for a new 450 KTA polypropylene unit. The units will be located at BAYEGAN's complex in the Hatay Province of Turkiye and will be Lummus' first integrated PDH and PP complex in the country.

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Grand Pacific Petrochemical Corp (GPPC), a significant player in Taiwan's petrochemical industry, commenced scheduled maintenance on its No. 3 styrene monomer production facility in Ta She, Kaohsiung Province, Taiwan, on February 19, said Chemanalyst.

This maintenance initiative, focused on a production line with an annual capacity of 250 thousand tons of styrene, is expected to continue until mid-March of the current year.

This strategic decision aligns with GPPC's commitment to ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of its production infrastructure. The No. 3 styrene monomer line, a crucial component of GPPC's operations, undergoes periodic maintenance to address wear and tear, enhance efficiency, and uphold industry standards. The planned hiatus in production during this maintenance period allows for thorough inspections, repairs, and necessary upgrades to the facility.

Earlier reports indicate that GPPC undertook a similar maintenance endeavor on line No. 1 for styrene monomer production in Ta She, starting in early February 2022 and concluding in early March of the same year. This line, boasting a capacity of 250 thousand tons of styrene annually, underwent meticulous maintenance procedures as part of GPPC's proactive approach to facility management.

GPPC's commitment to the well-being of its production infrastructure extends to Styrene Line 2 at the same Ta She site. With an annual capacity of 130 thousand tons of styrene, this line underwent scheduled maintenance from February 27 to April 1, 2021. The temporary closure during this period allowed for comprehensive maintenance activities aimed at ensuring the continued reliability and efficiency of Styrene Line 2.

The petrochemical landscape in Taiwan sees significant contributions from various industry players. Noteworthy among them are Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corp and Taiwan Styrene Monomer Corp, which are key producers of styrene in the region. The production and maintenance activities of these companies play a crucial role in sustaining the supply chain for styrene, a primary raw material for the production of polystyrene (PS).

In Taiwan, GPPC operates two plants dedicated to the production of styrene, with capacities of 130 thousand tons per year and 250 thousand tons per year, respectively. Additionally, the company engages in the production of substations with a capacity of 60 thousand tons per year. These facilities collectively contribute to GPPC's role as a major petrochemical supplier in the region.

As the maintenance activities on styrene monomer production facility unfold, GPPC remains steadfast in its commitment to safety, efficiency, and quality. The periodic maintenance not only ensures the continued reliability of the production lines but also aligns with industry best practices for sustainable and responsible operations. The completion of these maintenance initiatives will position GPPC for continued success in meeting the demands of the dynamic petrochemical market in Taiwan and beyond.

We remind, Hanwha TotalEnergies Petrochemical, a significant player in the South Korean petrochemical industry, has taken measures to increase the utilization of styrene production at its Daesan facility in Sosan, South Korea. This adjustment in production strategy comes in response to a technical breakdown that affected operations. The utilization of the production capacity, set at 400 thousand tons of styrene per year, has experienced a slight increase and is expected to maintain this level in the short term.

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Zhejiang Xingxing New Energy, a key player in China's petrochemical industry, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful resumption of production at its olefin-to-methanol plant in Zhejiang, said Chemanalyst.

The plant, strategically located in Zhejiang, China, boasts an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes each of ethylene and propylene. This achievement follows a well-executed period of scheduled maintenance that commenced on January 7, underscoring the company's commitment to operational excellence.

In a strategic move, Zhejiang Xingxing New Energy had previously announced the temporary suspension of production at the olefin plant in Zhejiang Province, China, starting from March 2, 2022. The objective was to undertake scheduled preventive maintenance, a crucial aspect of ensuring the sustained functionality and safety of the facility. The meticulous maintenance activities were diligently carried out and successfully concluded on April 1, 2022, meeting the necessary operational standards.

The ethylene and propylene produced by the Zhejiang facility serve as vital raw materials for the manufacturing of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), respectively. Established in 2011, Zhejiang Xingxing New Energy has carved a niche for itself by specializing in the production of ethylene and propylene derived from methanol. The company's headquarters are strategically located in Huzhou, China, further enhancing its position in the heart of a region known for its industrial significance.

The resumption of production at the olefin-to-methanol plant reflects Zhejiang Xingxing New Energy's unwavering commitment to maintaining operational efficiency. By adhering to rigorous scheduled maintenance practices, the company showcases a proactive approach aimed at ensuring the longevity and reliability of its production facilities. This operational resilience positions Zhejiang Xingxing New Energy as a key contributor to meeting the escalating demand for polyethylene and polypropylene in China and beyond.

As a crucial player in the petrochemical landscape, Zhejiang Xingxing New Energy's successful restart of operations holds broader implications for the supply chain of key materials essential to the plastics industry. The plant's strategic location in Zhejiang, a region renowned for its industrial prowess, further solidifies the company's standing in the market.

The triumphant reinstatement of operations at Zhejiang Xingxing New Energy's olefin-to-methanol plant serves as a testament to the company's unwavering dedication to operational excellence. As the demand for ethylene and propylene continues to surge, Zhejiang Xingxing New Energy stands poised to play a pivotal role in meeting market requirements and contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of China's chemical manufacturing sector. The successful restart not only affirms the company's commitment but also positions it as a cornerstone in the dynamic and thriving petrochemical industry in China.

We remind, on February 13, Royal Dutch Shell, a prominent Anglo-Dutch oil and gas company and one of the world's largest petrochemical producers, resumed olefin production at its facility in Deer Park, Texas, USA. The plant had experienced a temporary closure due to a technical breakdown. This production facility boasts a substantial capacity, with the ability to produce 475 thousand tons of ethylene and 190 thousand tons of propylene annually. The shutdown had been initiated in May 2023.

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Pregis LLC, headquartered in Chicago and renowned for its innovative protective packaging solutions, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking foam packaging product. Developed in collaboration with ExxonMobil Corp, based in Irving, Texas, this new product is supported by certified-circular polyethylene (PE) resins, marking a significant stride towards sustainability in the packaging industry, said Chemanalyst.

This initiative by Pregis stems from a pressing need to address consumer demand for circular plastic products while maintaining the high-performance standards expected of PE foam packaging. Recognizing the imperative for more environmentally conscious solutions, Pregis has embraced a holistic approach to circular design, leveraging ExxonMobil's expertise in advanced recycling technology to integrate certified-circular resins into their packaging applications.

The incorporation of certified-circular resins into protective foam applications represents a paradigm shift achieved through extensive collaboration across the packaging value chain. Pregis sees advanced recycling technologies and the utilization of certified-circular resins as pivotal tools in addressing the global plastic waste challenge. This endeavor underscores Pregis' unwavering commitment to advancing plastics circularity and sustainability.

ExxonMobil, fully aware of the increasing consumer preference for circular plastic solutions, especially in the domain of protective packaging, has played a pivotal role as a key partner in this collaborative endeavor. The company's ExxtendTM technology for advanced recycling, coupled with its collaboration with Pregis, reflects its dedication to meeting this demand by delivering circular products that uphold the highest standards of performance and safety.

ExxonMobil's advanced recycling facilities and processes have attained certification through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus system. Employing ISCC Plus's mass balance attribution methodology, the mass of plastic scrap processed through ExxonMobil's advanced recycling process, adjusted for manufacturing losses, is attributed to the mass of certified-circular plastic sold to Pregis.

Pregis, in turn, utilizes the certified-circular plastics procured from ExxonMobil in the production of foam at its facilities in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and Visalia, California. Both of these facilities have obtained ISCC Plus certification, reaffirming Pregis' commitment to sustainability across its operations.

By sourcing certified-circular polymers, Pregis plays a vital role in stimulating demand for the utilization of plastic scrap as a valuable feedstock. This approach not only fosters a more sustainable supply chain but also contributes to the broader goal of mitigating plastic waste.

Pregis LLC's introduction of foam packaging supported by certified-circular polyethylene resins, in collaboration with ExxonMobil Corp, represents a significant advancement in sustainable packaging solutions. Through their joint efforts, these companies are paving the way for a more circular and environmentally responsible future in the packaging industry.

We remind, QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil are on track to commence LNG production at their Golden Pass LNG export terminal, situated on the US Gulf Coast near Sabine Pass, Texas, during the first half of 2025. QatarEnergy, a state-owned entity, holds a substantial 70 percent stake in the Golden Pass project, which boasts a capacity exceeding 18 million metric tons per annum (mtpa). Notably, QatarEnergy will offload 70 percent of the terminal's capacity. In parallel, ExxonMobil, a prominent US-based energy firm, possesses a 30 percent share in the venture.

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Evonik Industries AG, headquartered in Essen, Germany, has entered into a significant license agreement with the University of Mainz, which is paving the way for the commercialization of a groundbreaking class of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) known as randomized polyethylene glycols (rPEGs), said Chemanalyst.

This collaboration signifies Evonik's commitment to expanding its platform of specialized lipids by incorporating rPEGs, with a focus on meeting the evolving needs of customers and the broader market. The company aims to leverage this innovative development to enhance its excipients, ultimately bringing technical grade rPEG-lipids to market by the second half of 2024.

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) have been integral polymers in the pharmaceutical industry for over three decades, contributing to improvements in bioavailability, stability, targeting, and overall therapeutic performance. The unique structure of rPEG polymers, while retaining similar properties to traditional polyethylene glycols (PEGs), is designed to provide an improved immunogenicity profile. This makes them particularly suitable for pharmaceutical applications, especially in lipids designed for lipid nanoparticle (LNP) carriers.

The collaboration with Evonik represents a significant milestone in meeting the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the domain of nucleic acid drug delivery. This aligns with Evonik's broader strategic initiatives, as evidenced by their previous collaborations and investments in advancing drug delivery technologies.

This partnership with the University of Mainz is just one in a series of strategic moves by Evonik to address the transformative demands of the pharmaceutical industry in the field of nucleic acid drug delivery. Approximately a year ago, Evonik inaugurated a new cGMP facility in Hanau, Germany, dedicated to the development and manufacture of smaller batches of specialized lipids. This was followed by the commencement of the construction of a global-scale production facility for pharmaceutical specialty lipids in Lafayette, Indiana, in collaboration with the Government of the United States.

Evonik's proactive role as a strategic partner to the pharmaceutical industry spans several decades, positioning the company as a leader in advanced drug delivery. Through comprehensive services, Evonik supports pharmaceutical companies globally in the development and manufacturing of complex parenteral and oral drug products. These services encompass the provision of pharmaceutical excipients such as polymers and lipids, formulation development, and the production of clinical samples, as well as the manufacturing of commercial drug products. The collaboration with the University of Mainz and the commercialization of rPEGs further solidify Evonik's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical technologies and meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

We remind, Evonik Hydroxylterminated Polybutadienes Production CapacityEvonik, a specialty chemicals company, begins work to expand its POLYVEST® HT plant in Marl, Germany. The Coating & Adhesive Resins business line expects the additional production capacity for its hydroxyl-terminated polybutadienes (HTPB), marketed under the brand name POLYVEST®, to be ready as early as the second quarter of 2024 following the double-digit million-euro investment.

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