Clariant catalysts for INEOS’ new PDH plant 

Munich, Germany – Clariant has won a long-term contract from INEOS to supply its Catofin catalysts and heat generating material (HGM) for a major propane dehydrogenation plant to be constructed in Europe, Clariant announced 17 Oct.

Scheduled for completion in 2023, the facility is designed to produce 750 kilotonnes of propylene annually, which will make it the largest propane dehydrogenation plant in Europe.

For the project, Clariant will collaborate with its process partner, McDermott, which has exclusive licensing rights to Lummus’ Catofin technology.

“Catofin technology and catalysts were selected [for their] resource efficiency and process reliability,  said Rob Ingram, CEO INEOS Europe Group AG.

The technology "will enable us to realise our sustainable strategy in the coming decades,” added Ingram.

In operation at 17 facilities worldwide, Catofin dehydrogenation technology is used to produce olefins, such as propylene or isobutylene, from light paraffin feedstocks.

The process operates at optimum reactor pressure and temperature to maximize conversion and selectivity of propane to propylene, while reducing investment and operating costs.

The catalyst complies with the REACH regulation of the European Union, and it is proven to increase the profitability, sustainability and reliability of plant operations, said Clariant.

The chemical company’s patented metal-oxide HGM is said to enhance the performance of Catofin technology and catalysts.

The HGM is designed to produce heat and drive the dehydrogenation reaction, thereby increasing yields and conserving energy, as well as reducing emissions.