OCT (Olefins Conversion Technology)

Summary

Together with Lummus, in the Asian region, TOYO offers Olefins Conversion Technology (OCT) licensed by Lummus. to boost production of propylene.

OCT process has been developed as a means for increasing the production of high value-added propylene at lower cost, from ethylene and 2-butene using the metathesis reaction. Compared to other processes to increase the propylene production, it is an excellent process that enables efficient production of propylene with smaller investment and lower operating costs.
As a technology for supplementing deficiencies in the supply of propylene and also in view of growth in demand for propylene expected in the near future and the difference in prices with butenes, the OCT process is regarded as a technology for making effective use of the C4 fraction from steam crackers and FCC plants, as well as for enhancing economic efficiency.

Features

The OCT process features a high propylene yield and the production of highly pure propylene above 99.9 mol%. The metathesis catalyst is capable of selectively producing propylene, and does not require a super-fractionation for refining the product. As a result, construction costs and utilities consumption are reduced. The main utility requirement is limited to fuel for preheating the feed at the metathesis reactor inlet and the steam and cooling water required for the fractionation system for the propylene product.

The OCT process also helps to improve operational flexibility and profit for the overall plant when integrated with the steam cracker and FCC plant. Consequently, the economic efficiency and performance of the existing facilities may also be improved. Since the process involves a thermal equilibrium reaction, only a small volume of greenhouse gases is generated compared to the other catalytic cracking processes. For these reasons, the process has attracted attention from the environmental perspective as well.

Projects

TOYO was awarded an order in 2002 to design and construct the first OCT plant in Asia at Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. Osaka Plant. Since then, TOYO has received orders for the basic design and EPC for OCT plants in Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and other countries in Asia.