Clariant Signs Second CATOFIN™ Catalyst Contract
Clariant announced today that it has won a second contract with Dongguan Grand Resource Technology (DGR) in Dongguan, China for CATOFIN catalysts. The company based its decision on the successful startup in October 2019 of a 600 KTA CATOFIN propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit. Both PDH units will represent an additional annual propylene capacity of 1.2 million metric tons per year. Since 2017, CATOFIN Technology has been selected for 22 new PDH plants or the majority of new PDH tenders representing more than 15 million metric tons of propylene per year.
Stefan Heuser, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Clariant Catalysts, said, "We are honored to be selected by DGR for this second propylene project. Continuous catalyst innovation, together with ongoing improvements in Lummus Technology's processes, demonstrates why CATOFIN is one of the most productive and reliable solutions on the market."
Hanchu Li, General Manager of Dongguan Grand Resource Technology, said, "We are proud of the rapid execution of our project. Mechanical completion for the first phase was achieved in just two and a half years, followed by a quick and smooth startup. The results are already showing, and we thank Clariant and Lummus for their expertise and support. After commissioning the second phase in 2022, we expect the same positive results."
CATOFIN, used to produce more than 10 million metric tons of olefins per year, is increasingly preferred due to higher production, reliability and return on investment. The catalyst has proven to provide reliable operation at high flow rates (typically above 98%) and allows production at rates exceeding design capacity (up to an average of 110%). These advantages are further enhanced by the inclusion of Clariant's innovative Heat-Generating Material in the process. The proprietary material generates heat within the catalyst bed, which helps increase selectivity and efficiency while reducing energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions. As a result, propylene producers can benefit from faster payback of their investments and profitable daily operations.
