UOP technology chosen for new China propane dehydrogenation plant

Chinese petrochemical producer Guangdong Peng Zun Energy has selected Honeywell UOP's C3 Oleflex process technology to convert propane to propylene, a valuable petrochemical used in plastics production.

This will be the first propane dehydrogenation project in the Southern Guangzhou region, which is a major trade hub for Southeast Asia located near Macau and Hong Kong. 

The project also is the 20th reported license for UOP’s Oleflex technology since the beginning of 2011 as petrochemical producers globally move to meet growing demand for propylene and isobutylene. This marks the 16th time that UOP’s Oleflex process has been selected by Chinese petrochemical producers.

"The rise in disposable income for Asia’s middle and upper classes is increasing consumption of durable and nondurable goods made from chemicals and polymers derived from light olefins,” said Pete Piotrowski, senior vice president of UOP’s process technology and equipment business. 

“China’s demand for propylene is expected to more than triple by 2020 from 2011 levels," he added. "The combined Oleflex projects UOP has reported since 2011, including this new project, will increase global propylene production by more than 8 million metric tons in the next three years."

After comparing multiple propane dehydrogenation technologies, Guangdong Peng Zun chose the Oleflex process to satisfy demand in the region’s local market for high value propylene. In addition to the economic advantages, regional presence and strong technical support were key drivers in the decision, as more key technical service roles have been staffed in UOP’s Beijing office.

Guangdong Peng Zun will install the technology at its facility in the Donghai Island Port Chemical Industrial Zone in Zhanjiang, China, where it will produce 450,000 tpy of propylene starting in 2016. In addition to technology, UOP will provide training, technical services, catalysts, adsorbents, and equipment for the project.