ExxonMobil has commenced startup operations at one of the world’s largest ethylene steam crackers, the centerpiece of its multi-billion dollar expansion project at its Singapore petrochemical complex.
The expansion, powered by a new 220-megawatt cogeneration plant, adds 2.6 million tons per year of new finished product capacity. It includes two new polyethylene plants, a polypropylene plant, a metallocene elastomers unit, an oxo-alcohol unit and an aromatics expansion, all of which are completed and beginning operation. Ethylene production is expected to start in the next few months.
“We have doubled the size of our finished product capacity at Singapore, making this the largest chemical expansion project in ExxonMobil history,” said Steve Pryor, President, ExxonMobil Chemical Company. “This is among the most technically advanced and competitive manufacturing sites in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region.”
The new cogeneration plant allows for the efficient generation of electricity to run pumps, compressors and other equipment, while at the same time producing additional steam needed in the production processes, according to ExxonMobil. Cogeneration is significantly more efficient than traditional methods of producing steam and power separately, resulting in lower operating costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
