AFPM ’19: INEOS to double capacity of new US EO, derivatives plant

SAN ANTONIO (ICIS)–INEOS Oxide plans to double the capacity of its new ethylene oxide (EO) and derivatives facility on the US Gulf Coast, expected to start up in 2023, the chemicals producer announced on Saturday.

The plant will produce 1.2bn lb/year (520,000 tonnes/year) of EO. Previous planned capacity was 270,000 tonnes/year.

INEOS is considering several sites on the US Gulf Coast. Expected project costs were not disclosed.

“This build allows us to address a fast growing EO merchant market as well as our own requirements,” said Ghislain Decadt, operations director at INEOS Oxide. “Combined with our upstream olefins capabilities, this world class facility will secure our position as a reliable and competitive producer.”

In addition to installing its own ethoxylate derivative capacity on site and infrastructure to supply customers by rail, INEOS plans to allow third parties to co-locate on site and consume EO by pipeline.

Hosted by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), the IPC takes place on 24-26 March in San Antonio, Texas.