- A 2,700-ton/year propylene oxide unit is under construction in Kalush, Ukraine.
- The start-up is scheduled for Q3 2019.
- The technology uses hydrogen peroxide and acetonitrile as a solvent.
- TECHINSERVICE is responsible for technology development and equipment.
Project Overview
A propylene oxide pilot unit with a capacity of 2,700 tons per year is currently under construction at the KARPATNAFTOCHIM petrochemical plant in Kalush, Western Ukraine. The unit will process propylene produced on-site, with the start-up scheduled for the third quarter of 2019.
Technology
The project employs a propylene epoxidation technology using hydrogen peroxide, which is environmentally friendly and generates fewer by-products compared to traditional methods like the chlorohydrin process or hydroperoxide-based technologies. This process, known as HPPOa, uses acetonitrile as a solvent and has successfully passed laboratory tests.
Development and Equipment
The technology development, design, and manufacture of equipment for the propylene oxide pilot unit are being handled by the Ukrainian company TECHINSERVICE Manufacturing Group. A key feature of their patented technology is the use of a TS-1 catalyst, produced with a proprietary method that utilizes solid fumed silica as a source of silicon ions.
Future Plans
The project is planned in two stages. The first stage involves the construction of the 2,700-ton/year pilot unit. The second stage will see the construction of a larger industrial unit with a capacity of 130 kta for propylene oxide and a 90 kta hydrogen peroxide unit at the same site.
