New Low Viscosity PAO Unit in Belgium
Chevron Phillips Chemical to build new low viscosity PAO unit in Belgium to address growing worldwide demand.
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Chevron Phillips Chemical's Beringen plant in Belgium. Photo credit: Chevron Phillips Chemical.[/caption]
Chevron Phillips Chemical ("CPChem") announced today that it will build a new unit in Beringen, Belgium, to expand its polyalphaolefins (PAO) business.
This significant investment, once local permits are approved, will double the company's PAO production capacity in Belgium (to 120,000MT) when it begins production in 2024.
CPChem has been a pioneer in the development of high-quality PAO s under the Synfluid® brand for more than 40 years. PAOs are chemicals made from alpha olefins that have been specially designed.
They're found in a variety of synthetic products like lubricants, greases, and fluids, and they've become indispensable in a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, cosmetics, technology, and military.
“Our Beringen plant has a long history of safe, reliable production of PAOs and of serving our customers with excellence,” said Mitch Eichelberger, executive vice president of polymers and specialties.
“The construction of a new unit near our existing assets will allow us to benefit from strong local expertise and leverage Belgium’s central position to meet customer needs globally.”
Because of their unique properties, Synfluid® PAOs provide significant benefits and support the company's commitment to accelerating change for a more sustainable future. PAOs reduce energy consumption by lubricating efficiently; by reducing friction, they can reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
The performance of these molecules at extreme temperatures, as well as new applications such as electric and fuel-efficient vehicles and heat transfer fluid, are driving up demand for PAOs.
“Increased production from this new investment will be critical to support growing demand at a time of great innovation in several sectors that require PAOs,” said Antoine Janssens, Europe Africa region general manager.
The new PAO unit will benefit from significant infrastructure, feedstock availability, and operational expertise due to its ideal location in the heart of Europe. PAO units are already in use by CPChem in Beringen, Belgium, and Baytown, Texas.
The company is reaffirming its commitment to being the supplier of choice for its growing global customer base with this new investment.
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