Expansions: Alujain selects Lummus tech for propylene plant in Saudi Arabia; Lummus licenses Texplore’s HDPE tech in Thailand

Technology provider Lummus Technology says that Alujain National Industrial Co. has selected its C3 Catofin propane dehydrogenation (PDH) technology for its new propylene plant in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. This is the first time Alujain will license Lummus' PDH technology at its Yanbu complex. The 600,000-tonnes/year integrated propylene, PP complex will be connected to Alujain’s existing PDH/PP facility; with an investment of US$2 billion and start-up expected in 2026.

The scope of this award includes the technology license and basic engineering. Once complete, the plant will serve as feedstock for Alujain's new downstream PP production.

"We are excited that Alujain has selected Lummus' PDH technology and look forward to supporting their growth and expansion in petrochemicals," said Leon de Bruyn, CEO of Lummus Technology. "Alujain will be able to leverage the technology's requisite reliability, low cost and reduced energy consumption to help expand its propylene production in Saudi Arabia and achieve a competitive advantage in the market."

In addition to the licensed technology, Alujain will have access to Lummus' portfolio of lifecycle services during the operation phase of the plant. This includes advanced operator training simulators, extended technical support and digitalization services.

In related news, Lummus and Texplore Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Thailand’s SCG Chemicals Public Co., Ltd. (SCGC), have announced a commercial cooperation agreement to license and market Excene, Texplore's high-density polyethylene (HDPE) technology.

Under the agreement, Lummus will exclusively license Texplore's Excene HDPE technology. Lummus will also provide engineering design for plant construction, services for plant commissioning and start up, and additional lifecycle services, while Texplore will provide their EL-CAT catalyst supply.

Well suited for high-capacity production, HDPE is a thermoplastic polymer that is one of the most versatile plastic materials. HDPE has a high strength-to-density ratio and is used to make a wide variety of products including large-diameter pipes and films, and more

"Licensing Texplore's HDPE technology builds on our recent success of expanding Lummus' comprehensive technology portfolio," said de Bruyn. "Lummus has a long history of partnering with industry leading companies like SCGC to leverage our collective strengths and bring innovative technologies to market."

"We are honoured to join hands with Lummus Technology in this collaboration, as we see it as a perfect fit for both parties to synergize our strengths and experiences towards a successful long-term partnership," said Suracha Udomsak, Executive Vice President of SCGC. "Today's CCA signing is just the beginning of a new chapter in our journey, and we are excited to explore further steps together to boost our sustainable market and bring value to our clients."

Excene is said to offer HDPE for the use in variety of high-end applications and quality products.

(PRA)

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