CP Chem’s new US PE units in Texas mechanically complete

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Chevron Phillips Chemical’s (CP Chem) two polyethylene (PE) units in Old Ocean, Texas, have achieved mechanical completion, the company said on Monday.

According to CP Chem, the PE units are undergoing a series of commissioning activities, system checks and final certifications.

The two units, which CP Chem noted are part of its $6bn US Gulf Coast petrochemical investment, are expected to fully start up in the third quarter, the company said.  

Once operational, CP Chem stated each unit will produce approximately 500,000 tonnes/year.

Ethylene feedstock for the new units will be supplied via the company’s ethylene pipeline and storage system, CP Chem said, adding it has purchased nearly 3,000 rail cars and constructed a rail facility for shipping purposes.

CP Chem noted the final element of the company’s Gulf Coast investment involves the new ethane cracker in Baytown, Texas, expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017.

(Pictured above: Chevron Phillips Chemical’s two polyethylene (PE) units in Old Ocean, Texas, have achieved mechanical completion.)