INEOS Aromatics completes modernisation of Indonesia petrochem plant
INEOS Aromatics has completed a $70 million (€63 million) modernisation of its purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plant in Merak, Indonesia.
The installation of a larger oxidation reactor, reconfiguration of the reactor’s heat recovery system and revamp of the process air compressor train will both reduce CO2 emissions per tonne by 15% and increase the site capacity by 15%, from 500,000 tonnes to 575,000 tonnes per annum.
PTA is used in a variety of industrial industries and the investment will also improve the reliability and competitiveness of the plant, increasing the availability of PTA for the Indonesian market.
“The INEOS Aromatics facility in Merak has played an important role in the Indonesia polyester industry for some time. This new, multi-million dollar investment shows our commitment to its future growth,” said Frank Yang, president director, INEOS Aromatics Indonesia.
“It also continues INEOS Aromatics’ tradition of deploying technology that helps lead the polyester industry to a more sustainable future,’ he adds. ‘It supports INEOS’ commitment to producing essential products while reducing emissions to net zero by 2050.”
The plant modernisation was completed safely amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the movement of people and materials during the process.
Yang added: “We thank everyone who participated in the project, surrounding communities, and regulators in providing the support needed to complete the project safely.”
The Merak plant has been operating for nearly 25 years and is a major PTA supplier in Indonesia. It became part of INEOS, as part of its $5 billion acquisition of the bp petrochemicals business in January 2021, extending both its portfolio and geographical reach.
The installation of a larger oxidation reactor, reconfiguration of the reactor’s heat recovery system and revamp of the process air compressor train will both reduce CO2 emissions per tonne by 15% and increase the site capacity by 15%, from 500,000 tonnes to 575,000 tonnes per annum.
PTA is used in a variety of industrial industries and the investment will also improve the reliability and competitiveness of the plant, increasing the availability of PTA for the Indonesian market.
“The INEOS Aromatics facility in Merak has played an important role in the Indonesia polyester industry for some time. This new, multi-million dollar investment shows our commitment to its future growth,” said Frank Yang, president director, INEOS Aromatics Indonesia.
“It also continues INEOS Aromatics’ tradition of deploying technology that helps lead the polyester industry to a more sustainable future,’ he adds. ‘It supports INEOS’ commitment to producing essential products while reducing emissions to net zero by 2050.”
The plant modernisation was completed safely amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the movement of people and materials during the process.
Yang added: “We thank everyone who participated in the project, surrounding communities, and regulators in providing the support needed to complete the project safely.”
The Merak plant has been operating for nearly 25 years and is a major PTA supplier in Indonesia. It became part of INEOS, as part of its $5 billion acquisition of the bp petrochemicals business in January 2021, extending both its portfolio and geographical reach.
