US TPC is restarting idled dehydrogenation unit in Texas

Jessie Waldheim

15-Dec-2014

US TPC is restarting idled dehydrogenation unit in TexasHOUSTON (ICIS)–US-based TPC Group is scheduled to restart an idled dehydrogenation unit next week in Houston, according to a state filing made available on Monday.

The unit will produce up to 650m lb/year (295,000 tonnes/year) of isobutylene from isobutane, a natural gas liquid (NGL), which has been increasing in supply as a result of US shale gas development.

The restart is scheduled for 22 December, when isobutane will be fed into the unit, and prestart activities began on Sunday, TPC said in a filing with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

The unit is one of two idled dehydrogenation units. TPC has announced plans to restart it in early 2011.

TPC uses isobutylene to produce polyisobutylene (PIB) and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), a fuel additive that is used in much of the world.

PIB is used as an additive for lubricants. Demand is increasing because of rising fuel efficiency standards for automobiles.

In addition, PIB is used to reduce particulate emissions from diesel engines.

Additional reporting by Al Greenwood

READ MORE

Global News + ICIS Chemical Business (ICB)

See the full picture, with unlimited access to ICIS chemicals news across all markets and regions, plus ICB, the industry-leading magazine for the chemicals industry.

Contact us

Now, more than ever, dynamic insights are key to navigating complex, volatile commodity markets. Access to expert insights on the latest industry developments and tracking market changes are vital in making sustainable business decisions.

Want to learn about how we can work together to bring you actionable insight and support your business decisions?

Need Help?

Need Help?