For its proposed, integrated propane-dehydrogenation/polypropylene (PDH-PP) plant in Karachi, Pakistan, Engro Corp. has selected process technologies from Honeywell UOP (Des Plaines, Ill.) and W.R. Grace Co. (Columbia, Md.).
Honeywell UOP’s C3 Oleflex technology will be used produce 750,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr) of on-purpose propylene at Engro’s new complex. Propylene is the primary component in a variety of plastic products that are rapidly growing in demand, and this project will mark the first use of C3 Oleflex in Pakistan. UOP will provide technology licensing and basic engineering design, in addition to services, equipment, catalysts and adsorbents for the proposed plant. Engro has also agreed with Grace to use its UNIPOL PP Process Technology for the project.
“Our proposed integrated propane dehydrogenation complex can be a significant milestone for Engro and Pakistan for the domestic growth of polypropylene, and enrichment of the petrochemicals landscape for the country,” said Ghias Khan, president and CEO, Engro Corporation.
Currently, Pakistan spends about $600 million on annual import of polypropylene. Engro’s PDH-PP complex is the first polypropylene plant to be built in Pakistan and aims to address the increasing demand in the local polypropylene market and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.
“This facility will allow Engro to expand its portfolio in the region, and optimize the production of polypropylene, a key ingredient in plastics, resins and fibers,” said Laura Leonard, vice president and general manager, Honeywell UOP Process Technologies. “Our Oleflex technology enables the conversion of propane into high-quality propylene, which is rapidly growing in demand in the Middle East and South Asia.”
Laura Schwinn, President of Grace’s Specialty Catalysts business said, “We are honored to be part of the first polypropylene plant in Pakistan, and we are excited that Engro has selected our UNIPOL PP Process Technology for their proposed project. We know that our process technology and our catalysts will provide Engro with the reliability, versatility, and product capabilities that they need to be a dominant player in the region. We look forward to seeing their business grow and flourish in the years to come.”