ExxonMobil has begun startup operations at one of the world’s largest ethylene steam crackers. This cracker is the key part of ExxonMobil’s multi billion dollar expansion of the Singapore petrochemical plant.
The expansion is powered by a 220 Mw cogeneration plant and adds 2.6 million tpy of new finished product capacity. It includes two polyethylene plants, a polypropylene plant, a metallocene elastomers unit, an oxo alcohol unit and an aromatics expansion, all of which are completed and beginning operation. ExxonMobil have stated that ethylene production is expected to start in the next few months.
The cogeneration plant will allow for the efficient generation of electricity to run pumps, compressors and other equipment, while at the same time producing additional steam needed in the production processes. Cogeneration is significantly more efficient than traditional methods of producing steam and power separately, resulting in lower operating costs and reduced GHG emissions.
Adapted from Press Release by Claira Lloyd.
Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/01012013/exxonmobil_singapore_expansion_301/
