Singapore's PCS to run No 2 MTBE unit at 40% on 14-23 Apr

06 April 2009 06:25  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS news)--Petrochemical Corp of Singapore (PCS) is planning to run its Jurong Island-based 100,000 tonne/year No 2 methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) plant at 40% operating rate from 14-23 April as the plant will undergo catalyst regeneration, traders said on Monday.

It will run at full capacity after the planned maintenance, sources said.

The firm has no plans to carry out catalyst change at its 65,000 tonne/year No 1 MTBE plant at the same site in Singapore. The plant had its annual turnaround last year from 14 July to 21 August. Both plants are currently running at close to full capacities.

MTBE supplies were reported to be tight in the region but the reduced operation at PCS' MTBE plant was not likely to affect the situation much, sources added.

Industry experts explained that the MTBE production requires a catalyst change after a certain period.

The MTBE production utilises methanol and isobutylene at a certain temperature and pressure. The catalyst's exact make up is unknown as different plants and technologies use different one's.

One expert added that the catalyst change is not carried out on an annual basis as it takes a long time for the process. Normally, the change takes place during a major turnaround every two-three years at some plants.

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By: Desmond Chia
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