Plant Watch Top 10 Engineering Projects of January 2023

Source: Press release Baker Hughes, Chevron Lummus Global, Thyssenkrupp Uhde, Technip Energies, Nuberg EPC, Linde, BASF, Exxonmobil, Total Energies, Ineos 9 min Reading Time

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PROCESS Worldwide brings to you the ‘Top 10 plant engineering projects of January 2023’ from all over the world. Right from inaugurating one of the world’s largest plants for krypton, xenon production to developing the world's largest low-carbon hydrogen facility, find out all the projects making headlines here.

At a glance: Plant engineering projects from across the globe.(Source:  currahee_shutter - stock.adobe.com)
At a glance: Plant engineering projects from across the globe.
(Source: currahee_shutter - stock.adobe.com)

Two Out of Four: Ineos and Sinopec Finalize Major Petrochemical Projects

Ineos has acquired a 50 % stake in Shanghai Secco Petrochemical Company.(Source:  Secco)
Ineos has acquired a 50 % stake in Shanghai Secco Petrochemical Company.
(Source: Secco)

Jan 04 – With the successful completion of the Secco and ABS joint ventures, Ineos and Sinpoec have already successfully completed two of the four agreed petrochemical projects. In the course of this, Ineos has acquired 50 % of Shanghai Secco Petrochemical Company. The partners have also established the 50:50 joint venture for ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), based on Ineos' proprietary ABS technology.

The third and fourth deals are expected to be completed in 2023. The companies will also establish a third 50:50 joint venture to build a new 500 ktpa high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plant in Tianjin, China.

Ineos is also acquiring a 50 % stake in the Tianjin Nangang ethylene project, which is currently being implemented by Sinopec and is expected to come on stream by the end of 2023.

Baker Hughes to Supply Equipment for World’s Largest Offshore CCS Facility

Baker Hughes has been awarded a contract by MMHE to supply CO2 compression equipment to Petronas Carigali’s Kasawari offshore CCS project in Malaysia.(Source:  Baker Hughes)
Baker Hughes has been awarded a contract by MMHE to supply CO2 compression equipment to Petronas Carigali’s Kasawari offshore CCS project in Malaysia.
(Source: Baker Hughes)

Jan 06 – Baker Hughes has recently been awarded a contract by Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering (MMHE) to supply carbon dioxide (CO2) compression equipment to Petronas Carigali’s Kasawari offshore carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project in Sarawak, Malaysia. The project is expected to be the world’s largest offshore CCS facility, with capacity to reduce CO2 emissions by 3.3 million tons per annum (MTPA).

Building on its broad experience in liquefied natural gas and offshore technologies, Baker Hughes will deliver a state-of-the-art compression solution with minimized footprint and weight, as well as a power density allowing for larger flows per unit and best-in-class efficiency. The compressors will be used to enable the transportation and reinjection of the CO2 separated from natural gas into a depleted offshore field via a subsea pipeline.

The CCS project is expected to significantly reduce CO2 volume currently emitted via flaring of the overall Kasawari gas development, supporting Petronas’ ambitions to unlock Malaysia’s potential to be a global carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) hub and enable the company to progress towards achieving its own net zero carbon emission targets by 2050.

Chevron Lummus’ Technology Selected for World’s Largest Slurry Hydrocracking Units

By selecting the EST technology and technical solutions, Yulong will be able to achieve the highest conversion from residue to distillate products, and supply a maximum amount of feedstock to its petrochemical production units.(Source:  Shinonome Studio - stock.adobe.com)
By selecting the EST technology and technical solutions, Yulong will be able to achieve the highest conversion from residue to distillate products, and supply a maximum amount of feedstock to its petrochemical production units.
(Source: Shinonome Studio - stock.adobe.com)

Jan 06 – Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) has recently announced that Shandong Yulong Petrochemical has selected EST, which CLG licenses, for a slurry residue hydrocracking unit in Shandong Province, China. The unit will produce naptha, diesel and vacuum gas oil once it is complete, and with a capacity of 3.0 MMTA, it will be one of the largest in the world.

By selecting the EST technology and technical solutions, Yulong will be able to achieve the highest conversion from residue to distillate products, and supply a maximum amount of feedstock to its petrochemical production units. Yulong will also be able to convert a large amount of high sulfur residue (3.0 MMTA) to useful transportation fuels and petrochemical feedstock while removing sulfur and other contaminants.

The project scope includes the technology license, engineering, proprietary reactor internals and catalyst supply. CLG, together with its partner, is able to license a complete suite of residue hydrocracking technologies, including EST, LC-Fining, LC-Max, LC-Slurry and LC-LSFO technologies. These world-class technologies offer refiners a wide range of conversion options, including complete conversion of residua to valuable distillate products.

BASF Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Final Phase Expansion of MDI Project

The implementation of the methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) capacity increase program for production facilities at BASF’s Verbund site in Geismar, Louisiana, is progressing on schedule.(Source:  BASF)
The implementation of the methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) capacity increase program for production facilities at BASF’s Verbund site in Geismar, Louisiana, is progressing on schedule.
(Source: BASF)

Jan 12 – BASF has broken ground on the third and final phase of the methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) expansion project at its Verbund site in Geismar, Louisiana, announced in July 2022. The company will increase production capacity to approximately 600,000 metric tons per year by the middle of the decade to support the ongoing growth of its North American MDI customers.

The investment for this final expansion phase, which takes place from 2022 to 2025, amounts to 780 million dollars. Including the first and second phases, the investment volume totals around 1 billion dollars, making the MDI expansion project BASF’s largest wholly owned investment in North America.

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Kicked off in 2018, the expansion project follows a staggered approach. First, a new MDI synthesis unit was put in operation in October of 2020. The second phase, which started operations in 2021, expanded several existing upstream units. The third and final phase will add new upstream units and a splitter. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, the expansion will showcase the highest safety standards combined with advanced digitalization in its operations.

Total Energies Launches Largest Biogas Production Unit in France

Total Energies has launched its eighteenth biogas production unit in France, which will be the largest in the country with a maximum capacity of 160 gigawatt hours.(Source:  Kletr - stock.adobe.com)
Total Energies has launched its eighteenth biogas production unit in France, which will be the largest in the country with a maximum capacity of 160 gigawatt hours.
(Source: Kletr - stock.adobe.com)

Jan 13 – Total Energies has launched its eighteenth biogas production unit in France, which will be the largest in the country with a maximum capacity of 160 gigawatt hours (GWh). Named Bio Béarn and located in Mourenx in the south-west of France, this new unit, fed with organic waste, has begun feeding its first cubic meters of biomethane – a renewable, decarbonized and locally produced gas – into the natural gas transmission network operated by Téréga. It will produce 69 GWh in 2023 and then ramp up progressively to keep pace with the rapidly growing demand for biogas.

The project, which illustrates Total Energies' commitment to promoting the circular economy, will convert 220,000 metric tons of organic waste into 200,000 metric tons per year of digestate, a natural fertilizer, and 160 GWh of biomethane, equivalent to the average annual consumption of 32,000 people. Bio Béarn will enable the Lacq basin, a historical gas area, to pursue a local and sustainable growth, this new unit allowing to avoid the emission of 32 000 tons of CO2 per year.

The development of Bio Béarn began in 2016 and involved all local stakeholders, including over 200 from farming and the food industry, the local community and elected officials, allowing the project to adapt to the needs and potential of the territory.

Adnoc, Thyssenkrupp Uhde to Develop Large-Scale Ammonia Cracking Projects

The MOU was signed on January 16, 2023, and the agreement will focus on a joint project development of large-scale ammonia cracking, which is used to extract hydrogen from ammonia after transportation.(Source:  Thyssenkrupp Uhde)
The MOU was signed on January 16, 2023, and the agreement will focus on a joint project development of large-scale ammonia cracking, which is used to extract hydrogen from ammonia after transportation.
(Source: Thyssenkrupp Uhde)

Jan 18 – Thyssenkrupp Uhde and Adnoc have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore a long-term partnership to create new markets for hydrogen and promote global clean energy value chains. The MOU was signed on January 16, 2023, at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), and the agreement will focus on a joint project development of large-scale ammonia cracking, which is used to extract hydrogen from ammonia after transportation.

The ammonia cracking process is based on globally proven uhde reformer technology, which is applied in over 130 large-scale chemical plants across the world.

Under the agreement, the companies will work together to develop projects for large-scale ammonia cracking plants with thyssenkrupp technology. The agreement will also lead to the exploration of opportunities in the clean energy value chain for the supply and shipment of clean ammonia from the UAE to large-scale ammonia cracking facilities globally.

Nuberg EPC Wins EPC Contract for Sulphuric Acid Plant Project in Czech Republic

he contract was signed at Spolana’s head office in Neratovice, Czech Republic.(Source:  Nuberg EPC)
he contract was signed at Spolana’s head office in Neratovice, Czech Republic.
(Source: Nuberg EPC)

Jan 20 – Nuberg EPC has been awarded an EPC contract for a 550 TPD sulphuric acid plant project in Neratovice, Czech Republic. The project is owned by Spolana, a leading chemical manufacturer in Neratovice, Czech Republic and also the manufacturer of PVC, Caprolactam, ammonium sulphate and sulphuric acid.

Nuberg EPC shall be executing this project based on the latest Double Conversion Double Absorption (DCDA) technology. The plant is expected to be delivered in 3 years including project stages 1, 2 & 3.

Sulfuric acid produced by the 550 TPD sulfuric acid plant project in Czech Republic will be used for petrochemical and fertilizer based applications. It will also be used in mining and processing of some ores and minerals, manufacturing batteries, and etching surfaces. Sulphuric acid is also used in manufacturing Caprolactam, which is used in the production of nylon and perlon and subsequently in the textile and clothing industry.

Upon receiving the project, A. K. Tyagi, CMD, Nuberg EPC said, "Nuberg EPC's scope of services includes process design & technology comprising product and technology development - in-house as well as with third party licensors, process know-how & licensing, basic engineering, front end engineering design (feed), residual detailed engineering, procurement, construction management, operation & maintenance, detailed engineering, project management, commissioning, EPC solutions, heavy fabrication, and start-up of the plant."

Linde Inaugurates One of the World’s Largest Plants for Krypton, Xenon Production

Linde inaugurated one of the world’s largest plants for the production of krypton and xenon with Minister President Dr. Reiner Haseloff (middle) in Leuna, Germany.(Source:  Linde)
Linde inaugurated one of the world’s largest plants for the production of krypton and xenon with Minister President Dr. Reiner Haseloff (middle) in Leuna, Germany.
(Source: Linde)

Jan 23 – Linde has expanded its production capacity for krypton and xenon at its largest industrial gases production site in Leuna, Germany. The new complex for the production and filling of these noble gases is the most advanced of its kind and one of the largest in the world. It was officially opened on January 19 in the presence of Saxony-Anhalt’s Minister President Dr. Reiner Haseloff, Dr. Mathias Kranz, Vice President Onsite & Bulk Germany at Linde and Dr. Christof Günther, Managing Director Infraleuna.

Accounting for an extremely small share of ambient air, the noble gases krypton (Kr) and xenon (Xe) have unique chemical and physical properties that are used in highly specialized applications. In addition to their function as shielding gases for welding, the electronics and aerospace industries in particular rely on ultrahigh-purity noble gases. As chip manufacturing expands in Europe, demand is expected to increase.

“With this investment, Linde is consolidating European noble gas production at the Leuna site,” said Dr. Mathias Kranz at the official opening.

Wolfgang Dornow, Director of Noble Gases Linde, explained that the plant complex is a milestone in the supply chain for high-tech customers both inside and outside Europe: “With the construction of this plant, Linde is setting new standards worldwide for quality and security of supply which will benefit our customers.” The new plant already started operation at the end of 2022.

Technip Energies Wins Contract to Upgrade Aramco’s Sulfur Recovery Facilities

The project will be executed locally, leveraging Saudi economic resources and infrastructure.(Source:  Saudi Arabian Oil Co.)
The project will be executed locally, leveraging Saudi economic resources and infrastructure.
(Source: Saudi Arabian Oil Co.)

Jan 27 – Technip Energies – as part of its long-term agreement with Aramco – has been awarded a contract to upgrade sulfur recovery facilities at Aramco’s Riyadh Refinery. This contract covers the implementation of three new tail gas treatment (TGT) units, improving the performance of the existing three sulfur recovery units (SRU) to comply with more stringent regulations for sulfur dioxide emissions, with recovery efficiency at more than 99.9 %.

The project will be executed locally, leveraging Saudi economic resources and infrastructure. The existing sulfur recovery units in the Riyadh refinery were designed and built by Technip Energies in the early 2000s.

Exxonmobil Awards Contract for Developing World's Largest Low-Carbon Hydrogen Facility

Exxonmobil’s Baytown low-carbon hydrogen, ammonia and carbon capture facility is expected to produce one billion cubic feet of low-carbon hydrogen per day, making it the largest low-carbon hydrogen project in the world at planned startup in 2027-2028. (Source:  malp - stock.adobe.com)
Exxonmobil’s Baytown low-carbon hydrogen, ammonia and carbon capture facility is expected to produce one billion cubic feet of low-carbon hydrogen per day, making it the largest low-carbon hydrogen project in the world at planned startup in 2027-2028.
(Source: malp - stock.adobe.com)

Jan 31 – Exxonmobil announced the next step in the development of the world’s largest low-carbon hydrogen production facility with a contract award for front-end engineering and design (Feed). A final investment decision for the project is expected by 2024, subject to stakeholder support, regulatory permitting, and market conditions.

Exxonmobil’s Baytown low-carbon hydrogen, ammonia and carbon capture facility is expected to produce one billion cubic feet of low-carbon hydrogen per day, making it the largest low-carbon hydrogen project in the world at planned startup in 2027-2028.

More than 98 % of the associated CO2 produced by the facility, or around 7 million metric tons per year, is expected to be captured and permanently stored. The carbon capture and storage network being developed for the project will be made available for use by third-party CO2 emitters in the area in support of their decarbonization efforts.

“This project allows us to offer significant volumes of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia to third party customers in support of their decarbonization efforts,” said Dan Ammann, president of Exxonmobil Low Carbon Solutions. “In addition, the project is expected to enable up to a 30 % reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from our Baytown integrated complex, by switching from natural gas as a fuel source to low-carbon hydrogen.”

Exxonmobil will pair the world’s largest low-carbon hydrogen facility with the largest olefins plant in the United States to deliver more sustainable, lower-emissions products for customers and society. Exxonmobil has awarded the contract to Technip Energies who will be responsible for the next stage of front-end engineering and design of the low-carbon hydrogen project.

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