LyondellBasell announced 20 percent completion of the 140-acre propylene oxide (PO) and tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) plant, which is being built at the LyondellBasell Channelview Complex located in Channelview, Texas. The work has shifted from foundation and infrastructure to vertical assembly. A key milestone of the project’s progress was marked by the recent delivery of a 25-story-tall, 601-ton distillation tower, which will be the tallest piece of equipment to be installed.
Largest PO/TBA Facility
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We’ve moved another step closer to delivering our PO/TBA project, with construction taking place simultaneously at two of our sites” said Dan Coombs, LyondellBasell Executive Vice President for Global Manufacturing, Projects and Refining.
“This project creates a long-term value for our investors, and we remain on track to bring our largest PO/TBA facility in the world online in 202.”
The first pieces of structural steel are being safely installed at both construction sites, and installation of tanks, cooling towers and the flare will begin soon at the Channelview site.
Once in operation, the PO/TBA plant will produce 1 billion pounds (470,000 metric tons) of PO and 2.2 billion pounds (1 million metric tons) of TBA annually.
Benefits of the Project
Based on an analysis by the Greater Houston Partnership, LyondellBasell’s USD 2.4 billion PO/TBA project is estimated to generate more than USD 450 million in tax benefits for the county, school district, community college and other local taxing districts over a 10-year period. The total project will create more than 2,200 construction jobs at the peak of construction and 160 permanent positions.
LyondellBasell broke ground on the PO/TBA plant in August 2018. An associated 34-acre ethers unit, which will convert TBA to oxyfuels, is being built at the company’s Bayport Complex in Pasadena, Texas.
Source: LyondellBasell