S. Korean researchers invent highly efficient method of processing naphtha

24-Jan-07

A team of South Korean researchers from SK Corp. and the state-run Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology have developed a highly efficient process to extract ethylene and propylene from naphtha. The advanced catalytic olefin (AOC) process developed by the team enhances production, cuts back on energy consumption and is cheaper to set up, resulting in lower initial investment. The current naphtha cracking method requires the application of heat measuring 850 degrees centigrade, but the new AOC process uses heat of under 700 degrees. This lower heat conserves about 20% in energy and boosts production of ethylene and propylene by roughly 30%. Investments required to build the necessary facilities can be reduced by about 30%.