Chevron Phillips Chemical expands Cedar Bayou plant capacity

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP (Chevron Phillips Chemical) has announced that it has reached a final investment decision to expand the low viscosity polyalphaolefins (PAO) capacity at its Cedar Bayou plant in Baytown, Texas by 10 000 tpy or about 20%. The expansion will allow the company to meet the increasing demand for high performance lubricants in automotive and industrial applications, as demand for higher energy efficiency and high quality basestocks continues to grow.

The project also improves process safety and overall unit efficiencies while reducing waste generation for the Cedar Bayou’s PAO unit. Feedstocks for this project will be provided through Chevron Phillips Chemical’s recent 100 000 tpy expansion of normal alpha olefins (NAO) capacity at its Cedar Bayou plant.

“This additional capacity enables us to expand with our customer base to meet the future requirements of the industry," said Global PAO Business Manager for Chevron Phillips Chemical Miles Oberton. Chevron Phillips Chemical is a leader in the development and production of PAOs, marketed under the brand name Synfluid® PAO, which are used for a variety of automotive and industrial applications including engine oils, gear oils and greases.

Construction will begin in April 2016 with completion and startup expected by the middle of 2017. The expansion will support up to 135 construction and engineering jobs.

Adapted from press release by Francesca Brindle

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/30032016/chevron-phillips-chemical-increases-polyalphaolefin-capacity-cedar-bayou-plant-2881/