LyondellBasell energy-saving technology wins backing
11 Jun 2012
Houston, Texas - LyondellBasell has gained a $4.5-million grant from the US department of energy (DOE) to develop technology to improve the energy efficiency of producing ethylene from ethane gas while emitting less greenhouse gases.
LyondellBasell, in collaboration with Quantiam Technologies Inc. and BASF Qtech Inc., will develop the new catalyst-assisted technology in a three-part programme over the next three years.
The work will build upon earlier generation ethane and naphtha-fed catalytic coating technology for steam crackers developed by BASF Qtech by extending the benefits to ethane and natural gas liquid-fed steam crackers.
LyondellBasell has six steam cracking units in the US and can process ethane and natural gas liquids for up to 85% of their feedstocks.
The project could benefit the US chemical industry through lower energy costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, believes Tim Roberts, LyondellBasell’s senior vice president, olefins and polyolefins - Americas.
“Access to low-cost ethane from shale gas over the past three years has changed the competitive position of the US chemical industry,” said Roberts. “This grant helps to facilitate faster development of catalyst-assisted technology for ethane cracking.”
The DOE grant was one of 13 projects announced today by DOE to receive more than $54 million for initiatives aimed at increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs of US manufacturing.
