Major Olefins Unit Upgraded in U.S. by BP
BP is to modernize and expand its olefins units at Chocolate Bayou, TX. The company plans to replace several older furnaces with larger, more efficient units by 2002. This move will reduce its nitrogen oxide (NO2) emissions, significantly keeping up with the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission’s 2004 requirement to reduce NO2 emissions by 90%. The project will also add around 225 kts/pa of ethylene to the plants' current combined capacity of 1,461 kts/pa. Officials state it will not be up to full capacity until late 2003 or early 2004. Although a construction contract has yet to be awarded, BP has shown interest in Kellogg Brown & Root's Selective Cracking Optimum Recovery furnace technology. The project comes about as BP negotiates a deal to acquire 49% of Solvay’s North American high-density polyethylene (HDPE) business. The transaction should be finalized by the end of Q3. Over the long term more ethylene will be needed with the Solvay deal.
Other news from the department
