LyondellBasell (Rotterdam, The Netherlands; www.lyondellbasell.com) announced plans to expand tri-ethylene glycol (TEG) production capacity at the company’s existing ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol plant in Pasadena, Tex.
The additional capacity of 50 million pounds per year would more than double the company’s current production capacity. Engineering is already underway on the new unit, which is anticipated to be operational in late 2016. It is expected to be one of the world’s largest on-purpose TEG production units, meaning the TEG is produced by design and not as a by-product of another manufacturing process.
“The longterm demand for tri-ethylene glycol in oil-field, construction and automotive markets in North America, along with the company’s feedstock integration to ethylene and ethylene oxide, makes this project a logical extension of our high-value glycol derivative businesses,” said Pat Quarles, LyondellBasell executive vice president of Intermediates and Derivatives, Supply Chain and Procurement.
TEG is a colorless, odorless glycol that is used to dehydrate natural gas and as an additive in hydraulic and brake fluids, among other uses. The company’s Bayport Underwood plant in Pasadena produces ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, glycol ethers and other products. Glycol ethers are used to manufacture brake fluid, dyes, paint, solvents, commercial cleaners and waxes, detergents and cosmetic bases. Ethylene glycols are used as intermediate chemicals to produce polyester (PET) fibers, films and bottles.