Lummus Technology (Houston, Tex.; www.lummustechnology.com), a global leader in process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, announced the commercial launch of Thermacrack™ C5. The new technology will help producers increase production efficiency and reduce capital investment for specialty chemicals.
This launch builds on the success of the widely adopted Thermacrack™ C4 process, commercially demonstrated for methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and ethyl-tert-butyl ether (ETBE) backcracking to produce high‑purity isobutylene, as well as Lummus’ experience in tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME) production, the primary feedstock for isoamylene. Thermacrack™ C5 extends this proven platform to C5 streams and leverages established backcracking and feedstock capabilities to produce isoamylene.
“With Thermacrack processes, we can deliver an effective solution that directly addresses our customers’ needs for efficiency, performance, reliability and product quality,” said Romain Lemoine, Chief Business Officer, Lummus Technology. “This technology enhances production economics while supporting growth in high‑value specialty applications such as adhesives, antioxidants and performance additives.”
Key advantages of the technology for producers, according to Lummus, include the following:
- High‑purity isoamylene production with improved conversion and selectivity
- Reduced byproduct formation, simplifying downstream processing
- Lower energy consumption improves operating economics and reduces emissions
- Reliable, continuous operation with reduced downtime
- Flexible integration with existing units enables seamless retrofits or expansions
Lummus is a leading licensor of etherification and backcracking technologies, supported by a global installed base and decades of operating experience. The Thermacrack™ platform extends the company’s ability to deliver high‑value conversion solutions across a broader range of feedstocks, helping customers maximize asset performance and capture new market opportunities.