Braskem ties up with Coolbrook to test cracker electrification
Brazilian petchem firm Braskem and Finland-based manufacturer of naphtha cracking-based reactor Coolbrook will jointly implement a pilot project, in which Braskem will evaluate Coolbrook’s RotoDynamic Reactor (RDR) technology on an industrial scale, which enhances energy efficiency compared to traditional cracking technologies. Coolbrook says its RDR technology can prevent 100% of the CO2 emissions created in the steam cracking process.
The two companies will jointly implement a pilot project, in which Braskem will evaluate the latter’s RDR technology on an industrial scale, prior to introducing it in the crackers.
In addition to eliminating emissions, the technology can also increase feedstock flexibility and yields, while enhancing energy efficiency than traditional cracking technologies.
Braskem global process technology director Gus Hutras said: “Our ambition is to considerably reduce CO2 emissions and increase the sustainability of our products through innovation, in-house developments, and important partnerships.
“Coolbrook’s revolutionary RDR technology will help Braskem achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, significantly improving the energy efficiency of our crackers.”
The project involves the electrification of crackers by replacing the use of thermal energy derived from fossil fuel with electricity generated from renewable sources
The expanded use of renewable electricity and renewable materials will enable Braskem to reduce its carbon footprint in the production of ethylene, propylene, and other chemicals.
The project is expected to contribute potential reduction of around 2.5 million tonnes/year of CO2 emissions at the company’s crackers.
Braskem sustainable development director Jorge Soto said: “The agreement with Coolbrook is yet another example of Braskem’s investments in disruptive technologies that significantly contribute to the achievement of our targets.”
Coolbrook CEO Joonas Rauramo said: “Braskem is one of the biggest chemical players in the Americas, and this cooperation is a significant step in Coolbrook’s strategy to decarbonise the petrochemical sector globally.”
