Page 167 - CW E-Magazine (10-10-2023)

News from Abroad

GEARED FOR GROWTH

ExxonMobil expands chemical production at Texas

ExxonMobil has started up two
new chemical production units at its
Baytown, Texas (USA), manufacturing
facility. The $2-bn expansion is part of
ExxonMobil’s long-term growth plans
to deliver higher-value products from
its US Gulf Coast refining and chemi-
cal facilities.

The new performance polymers line
will produce 400,000 metric tons per
year of Vistamaxx and Exact-branded
polymer modifiers, which can enhance
the performance of a broad range of
chemical products used to make auto-
motive parts, construction materials,
hygiene and personal care products,
and various packaging applications.

“Vistamaxx can increase the dura-
bility of consumer products like reus-
able containers to extend their useful
life while also allowing for higher re-
cycled content. Exact can help meet the
growing demand in the auto industry
for thinner, lighter weight parts that
improve fuel efficiency,” the company
informed.

The new linear alpha olefins unit
will produce 350,000 tons per year of
Elevexx-branded products, marking Founded in 1919, ExxonMobil’s Bay- ExxonMobil acquired in 2021. “It’s
ExxonMobil’s entry into the market. town area operations are located on a new speciality business that trans-
Linear alpha olefins are used in plastic approximately 3,400 acres along the forms low-value fuels from a refinery
packaging, high-performing engine Houston Ship Channel, about 25 miles into higher-value and high-growth
and industrial oils and other applica- east of Houston. They include a refinery, materials. These are thermoset resins that
tions. They are also building blocks chemical plant, olefins plant, plastics cure faster, are stronger, more durable
for surfactants, which reduce surface plant and global technology centre. and lighter than existing products in
tension for cleaning and industrial uses, the marketplace,” said Mr. Loic Vivier,
and drag reducing agents, which allow New class of C5-based polymers senior vice president, specialty pro-
crude to flow through pipelines more In another development, Exxon- ducts, for ExxonMobil’s Product Solu-
efficiently. Mobil said it is advancing develop- tions business.
ment of a new class of C5-based poly-
ExxonMobil’s Baytown facility is mers expected to generate earnings of Applications include replacement
one of the largest integrated and most $1-billion per year by 2040. The thermo- of steel in rebar, automotive materials,
technologically advanced refining and set resin is based on technology advanced coatings, and wind turbine
petrochemical complexes in the world. pioneered by US-based Materia, which blades, ExxonMobil said.

Chemical Weekly October 10, 2023 167

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