SK Energy building world’s first naphtha-cracker using ACO technology

24-May-10

SK Energy is building the world’s first naphtha-cracker using advanced catalytic olefin (ACO) technology. The factory is expected to start operating in October. The conventional pyrolysing process consumes a lot of energy as it needs high heat, up to 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,800 degrees Fahrenheit). SK Energy has developed the ACO technology to use a catalyst that lowers the temperature to under 700 degrees Celsius, reducing the amount of energy usage and carbon dioxide [emissions] by 20% each. Using the ACO technology, the plant is able to produce equal amounts of ethylene and propylene.