European Chemical Industry News & Insights

Lummus Technology to Supply Ethylene Unit for Kazakhstan's First Polyethylene Plant

At a glance
  • The plant will convert ethane from the Tengiz oil field into 1.3 million tons per year of ethylene.
  • The ethylene unit will use Lummus' Short Residence Time (SRT®) heaters and olefins recovery system
  • The plant is located at the National Industrial Petrochemical Technopark in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.
  • Lummus has licensed more than 200 ethylene plants, accounting for approximately 45 percent of global ethylene capacity.

Project Overview

Lummus Technology has secured a contract from Silleno LLP to provide an ethylene unit for Kazakhstan's first polyethylene plant, located in the National Industrial Petrochemical Technopark in Atyrau. This plant aims to boost Kazakhstan's economy by increasing GDP, creating jobs, and generating indirect business opportunities.

Technological Implementation

The plant will convert ethane from the Tengiz oil field into 1.3 million tons per year of ethylene. The process involves two stages: converting ethane to ethylene and then producing polyethylene directly from ethylene. Lummus' ethylene technology, including Short Residence Time (SRT®) heaters and an olefins recovery system, will be critical in optimizing product yield, increasing energy efficiency, lowering capital costs, and reducing CO2 emissions.

Strategic Importance

This project builds on Lummus' experience in Kazakhstan, where they have executed several projects recently. The new plant will leverage Lummus' leading technology to advance Kazakhstan’s energy and petrochemicals industry.

Industry Impact

Lummus is a leading supplier of light olefins technologies, having secured nearly 50 percent of new project awards since 2000. The company has licensed more than 200 ethylene plants globally, accounting for approximately 45 percent of global ethylene capacity.