Lummus Technology, a Houston-based firm, has reached an agreement with IndianOil Corp. Ltd. (IOCL) for the implementation of its advanced Versalis/Lummus cumene technology at IOCL’s plant located in Paradip, India, with an annual capacity of 440 kilotons. This technology will be incorporated into the petrochemical and polymer expansion plan of the IOCL complex, as part of a broader strategy to improve its efficiency and production capacity.
What is cumene?
Cumene, also known as isopropylbenzene, belongs to the category of aromatic hydrocarbons. This compound is found in petroleum and several of its derivatives , including certain types of fuels. Its main application is observed in the production of phenol and acetone, where it is initially used to generate cumene hydroperoxide. In addition, it is used in the production of some types of detergents.
Benefits of the cumene technology agreement
The agreement includes several key components such as the license to use the technology, the basic engineering design, a proprietary catalyst, as well as on-site training and advisory services.
“Thanks to our cumene technology, IndianOil will be able to enjoy lower energy costs, greater reliability and operational efficiency, as well as superior product yield. These benefits are essential to optimize your plant economics and support your expansion plans”, explained Romain Lemoine, commercial director of polymers and petrochemicals at Lummus Technology.
Furthermore, Lemoine highlighted the strength of the working relationship with IndianOil, anticipating more successful collaborations in the future. Since 2007, Lummus together with Versalis, have successfully licensed cumene technologies that stand out for their high efficiency, using a patented zeolite catalyst that ensures high performance and purity of the cumene, as well as a long catalyst life.
Collaborations and emissions reduction
Lummus’ website details that its process produces cumene by alkylating benzene with propylene, using the PBE-1 zeolite catalyst developed by Versalis, which has been implemented commercially since the late 1990s. IndianOil, for its part, has licensed multiple technologies from Lummus for its complexes in India , including naphtha crackers and polypropylene technologies.
In another notable project, Lummus and biopolymer producer Braskem are collaborating on studies to demonstrate the feasibility of an SRT-eTM electric cracking heater at one of Braskem’s facilities in Brazil. This effort focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and is part of both companies’ commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency in chemical production.
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Source: Rigzone.com
Photo: Shutterstock
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