Polyolefin specialist Borealis is exploring the possibility of building a new propane dedehydrogenation (PDH) plant at its existing production site in Kallo, Belgium.
A feasibility study is to be carried out over the next nine months. The final investment decision is expected to be taken in the third quarter of 2018, while the potential start-up of the plant is scheduled for the second half of 2021.
The new PDH plant would have a targeted annual production capacity of 740 kiloton. Borealis has selected Honeywell UOP’s Oleflex technology for the new plant.
“In Europe propylene demand is increasing while the supply growth from steam crackers and refineries is slowing down. With the market tightening, an on-purpose propylene investment is needed to ensure a reliable platform for continuous, long-term growth in propylene and its derivatives in Europe,” explained Thomas Van De Velde, Borealis Vice President, Hydrocarbons & Energy.
Source : China Plastic & Rubber Journal
