Borealis AG selects Honeywell UOP's process technology for Oleflex unit in Europe

01-Feb-17

Borealis AG has selected Honeywell UOP's process technology for a proposed plant in Kallo, Belgium, that converts propane into propylene. Borealis proposes to use Honeywell UOP's C(3) Oleflex technology to produce a targeted 740,000 m tpa of polymer-grade propylene. When completed, it will be UOP's third C(3) Oleflex unit, and the largest, in Europe.

"Demand for propylene in Europe continues to rise at the same time the supply from refineries and steam crackers is beginning to slow down," said Mike Millard, vice president and general manager of Honeywell UOP's Process Technology and Equipment business. "Oleflex technology is an on-purpose, reliable route to fill propylene supply gaps and support derivative production in Europe." In addition to technology licensing, Honeywell is providing the basic engineering design as well as services, equipment, catalysts and adsorbents for the plant.
Honeywell UOP's C(3) Oleflex technology uses catalytic dehydrogenation to convert propane to propylene. Its low energy consumption, low emissions and fully recyclable, platinum-alumina-based catalyst system minimizes its impact on the environment. The process design maximizes operating flexibility and on-stream reliability. In addition to the C(3) Oleflex process, Honeywell UOP also licenses C(4) Oleflex technology, which converts isobutane to isobutylene, the primary ingredient for making high-octane fuel and synthetic rubber.