LyondellBasell to test electric furnace technology for olefins production

LyondellBasell has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chevron Phillips Chemical and Technip Energies to potentially design, construct, and operate a demonstration unit using Technip Energies' electric steam cracking furnace technology to produce olefins.

The demonstration unit will be sited at LyondellBasell’s Houston-area petrochemicals complex in Channelview, Tex., and designed to prove Technip Energies’ technology at industrial scale. The parties expect to assemble a development team and sign a joint development agreement later this year, LyondellBasell said in a release June 1.

"Deployment of an industrial-scale electric cracking furnace is one option we are considering in this space because of its ability to reduce furnace GHG emissions by up to 90% compared to a conventional furnace,” said Peter Vanacker, chief executive officer, LyondellBasell.

Steam cracking furnaces play a significant role in the production of basic chemicals by breaking down hydrocarbons into olefins and aromatics. This cracking process requires a temperature of more than 1,500°F (850°C).

The electric steam cracking furnace technology could enable LyondellBasell to use renewable electricity as a heat source for olefins cracking in the future, reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of its olefins production process, LyondellBasell said.

LyondellBasell said its Channelview site offers an optimal environment for the demonstration unit, in part, due to its feedstock flexibility and electric grid infrastructure.

Two olefin units at the north side of the Channelview complex manufacture ethylene, propylene, butadiene, and benzene. The south side plant uses the products to produce propylene oxide, styrene monomer, other derivatives, and gasoline-blending products.

Construction of the demonstration unit is a pre-condition for potential future construction of a full-scale unit.