LyondellBasell to more than double tri-ethylene glycol capacity

LyondellBasell today announced plans to more than double tri-ethylene glycol (TEG) production capacity at the company's existing ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol plant in Pasadena, Texas.

The additional capacity of 50 million pounds per year would more than double the company's current production capacity, according to a company release.

The new unit is already under construction and when it becomes operational in late 2016, it would be one of the world's largest on-purpose TEG production units.

TEG is produced by design and not as a by-product of another manufacturing process, the company noted.

"The long-term demand for Tri-ethylene Glycol in oil-field, construction and automotive markets in North America, along with the company's feedstock integration to ethylene and ethylene oxide, makes this project a logical extension of our high-value glycol derivative businesses," said Pat Quarles, LyondellBasell executive vice president of intermediates and derivatives, supply chain and procurement.

TEG is a colourless, odourless glycol that is used to dehydrate natural gas and as an additive in hydraulic and brake fluids, among other uses.

The company's Bayport Underwood plant in Pasadena produces ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, glycol ethers and other products. Glycol ethers are used to manufacture brake fluid, dyes, paint, solvents, commercial cleaners and waxes, detergents and cosmetic bases. Ethylene glycols are used as intermediate chemicals to produce polyester (PET) fibres, films and bottles.

LyondellBasell, one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, manufactures products at 55 sites in 18 countries.

Its offers a range of products and technologies including packaging, electronics, automotive parts, home furnishings, construction materials and biofuels.