Zagros to build Iran DME plant using NPC-RT -Haldor Topsøe technology

HOUSTON, June 17 -- Zagros Petrochemical Co. has contracted the joint venture of Petrochemical Research & Technology Co. (NPC-RT ) of Iran and Haldor Topsøe A/S of Denmark to license their proprietary technology, provide engineering, and supply catalyst for a dimethyl ether (DME) plant to be constructed at Bandar Assaluyeh, Iran.

The 800 million tonne/year plant will incorporate technology and catalyst Haldor Topsøe developed for the dehydration of methanol, which is made available in Iran via the JV with NPC-RT.

Completion of the plant will result in a 200% increase in DME production worldwide, the JV said, and represents "a breakthrough for the application of DME as a green fuel."