S&B wins contract for Chevron Phillips Chem’s 1-hexene plant

HOUSTON (ICIS)–US engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm S&B Engineers and Constructors (S&B) has been awarded the engineering and construction contract for Chevron Phillips Chemical’s new on-purpose 1-hexene plant in Texas.

1-hexene is a component in the production of high-performance polyethylene (PE).

CP Chem broke ground on the 266,000 tonnes/year on-purpose 1-hexene unit on 25 May. It is being built at Old Ocean, Texas, near CP Chem’s Sweeny facility with expected start up in 2023.

Once the new plant starts up, it will increase CP Chem’s total capacity to 650,000 tonnes/year, the company said.

CP Chem currently operates two full-range alpha-olefin units and the world’s largest on-purpose 1-hexene unit at its Cedar Bayou plant in Baytown, Texas.

The Cedar Bayou plant’s 1-hexene unit was also built by S&B in 2014.

“The S&B team’s experience and track record make them the right contractor for the project as our business expands to meet global demand,” Mitch Eichelberger, CP Chem Executive Vice President of Polymers and Specialties, said.

The project will also use the latest technology to achieve energy and emissions efficiency improvements.

Financial details were not disclosed.