US Williams starting up expanded Geismar ethylene plant

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Williams is in the final stages of starting up its expanded 1.95bn lb/year (880,000 tonnes/year) ethylene complex at Geismar, Louisiana, and expects to begin producing ethylene for sale in November, the US-based petrochemicals firm said on Wednesday.

The plant was in midst of a turnaround for an expansion when an explosion in June 2013 led to two deaths and numerous injuries. The plant’s start-up was delayed several times.

In a statement on Wednesday, Williams said that all major construction related to the rebuild of the damaged plant, the expansion project and the safety-related equipment installation was now complete.

The general contractors for the expansion and rebuild projects have demobilised, and Williams’ operations personnel are now directing the dry-out and commissioning of the plant, the company said.

“We are in the final stages of commissioning and start-up,” said John Dearborn, Williams’ senior vice president of natural gas liquids (NGL) and petrochemical services.

“We fully expect to be manufacturing ethylene for sale in November, consistent with our financial guidance,” Dearborn said.

“We continue to place our highest focus on restoring safe and reliable operations for our employees, contractors, community and customers,” he added.

Al Greenwood contributed to this article