US ExxonMobil considers Vistamaxx, LAO plants in Baytown

HOUSTON (ICIS)–US-based producer ExxonMobil revealed on Monday details of a proposal to build to new units at its complex in Baytown, Texas, saying that one of them will produce its Vistamaxx copolymer and the second will produce linear alpha olefins (LAO).

Vistamaxx is a semi-crystalline copolymer of propylene and ethylene.

The Vistamaxx plant would have a capacity of about 400,000 tonnes/year, the company said.

The LAO plant would represent the company’s entry into this market, ExxonMobil said. The unit would produce about 350,000 tonnes/year of the product.

ExxonMobil expects to make a final investment decision (FID) in the first half of 2019, the company said. Such a decision would depend on environmental permits, market conditions and economic competitiveness, among other factors.

If ExxonMobil proceeds with the project, operations should start in late 2021.

The project was revealed earlier when ExxonMobil applied for a state tax programme. The application gave a different start-up date.

Above: ExxonMobil is considering building a Vistamaxx copolymer unit and a linear alpha olefins (LAO) plant at its Baytown, Texas. Earlier this year, the company started up its new ethane cracker at the site. (Photo from ExxonMobil)