LyondellBasell and CPChem to test Technip’s electric steam furnace tech
Engineering firm Technip Energies and chemical firms LyondellBasell and Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) recently announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the design, construction and operation of a demonstration unit for Technip Energies’ electric steam cracking furnace technology (eFurnace by T.EN) to produce olefins. The demonstration unit will be located at LyondellBasell’s site in Channelview, Texas, US, and is designed to prove the technology at industrial scale.
Steam cracking furnaces play a significant role in the production of basic chemicals by breaking down hydrocarbons into olefins and aromatics. This cracking process requires a temperature of more than 850°C.
Technip Energies developed the concept and design for the e.Furnace by T.EN technology, which could achieve this temperature using electricity as the heat source. The use of renewable electricity in this process would contribute to significantly reducing GHG emissions associated with olefins production.
Arnaud Pieton, CEO of Technip Energies, stated: “We are delighted to team up with LyondellBasell and CPChem to bring the eFurnace by T.EN to fruition. Consistent with our purpose to engineer a much-needed sustainable future Technip Energies is making huge strides toward reducing the CO2 emissions resulting from the production of ethylene and this design will enable olefins producers to take advantage of the growing supply of available renewable energy to operate the most energy-intensive part of the plant.”
