ThyssenKrupp bags Formosa Plastics' contract for propane dehydrogenation plant

ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions will supply Steam Active Reforming (STAR) process to Formosa Plastics Corporation (FPC) for a propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plant in Texas, USA. The PDH plant, which will produce propylene that can be used to make polypropylene, is to be built at the petrochemical complex in Point Comfort. The contract awarded to ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions includes licensing, basic engineering, detail engineering for the key equipment, delivery of the catalyst (STAR catalyst) and technical support during the entire project execution.
 
Hans-Theo Kuhr, CEO of the Process Technologies business unit at ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions, said, “Having already acquired several major fertiliser plant contracts for as a result of the shale gas boom in the US, we are confident we can now profit from forthcoming investments in propane dehydrogenation plants. This contract is an important step. With our engineering expertise and technological capabilities, we help our customers make their production processes more efficient so as to gain an edge in their markets."
 
Developed by Uhde, the STAR process for dehydrogenation of light hydrocarbons has a broad range of applications. The propylene produced is one of the most important base materials in the petrochemical industry. Among other things it is used to make polypropylene, a popular polymer used, for example, in the production of food packaging, toys, and textiles such as carpets.
 
"The advantages of the STAR process lie in its high flexibility and robustness in operation and its efficiency in manufacturing the desired products. This significantly reduces investment, operating and maintenance costs for our customers," said Dr Benno Luke, head of the Chemicals/Oil & Gas operating unit at ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions.
 
The PDH plant in Point Comfort will have a capacity of 545,000 tonnes per year of propylene and is part of the Point Comfort petrochemical complex expansion announced by FPC in February 2012.