The time dedicated to learning the nuances of Dow’s proprietary technology makes Aker Solutions the most cost-effective partner for Dow in helping customers establish their EO/EG production. Because of the collaboration, the learning curve in each plant design is diminished, and the time otherwise spent obtaining and reviewing engineering bids is eliminated. Licensees are, therefore, assured of a customized facility that seamlessly integrates METEOR EO/EG process technology and brings product to market in less time.
Aker Solutions employs its deep understanding of the METEOR EO/EG technology to provide licensees a complete set of services, including:
• customized process design package (PDP)
• 3-D modeling
• control systems design
• design of offsite facilities necessary to support the EO/EG battery limits
• procurement and construction services as needed
• lump-sum turnkey EPC bidding with strong use of local business partners
• supply of key equipment and bulk materials
The engineering process is set in motion with the PDP, which takes into consideration a facility’s required capacity, available site, feedstocks, utilities supply sources, logistical restrictions, etc. The plan allows a manufacturer to visualize the design and foresee capital investment, construction expenses, production capacity, energy consumption and maintenance costs.
The integrated approach between Dow and Aker Solutions ensures that specific client requirements are taken into account at the start of PDP development, thereby adding real value to a client’s project. Furthermore, it allows an early sourcing of major and key equipment. Long-standing relationships with suppliers reduce time between design and construction, providing an overall time saving that can amount to up to six months of revenue-generating production.
SINOPEC Benefits from the Cooperation
Two new METEOR™ EO/EG plants in China will be the first to benefit from the cooperation between Dow and Aker Solutions. In mid-July, Dow awarded Aker Solutions the engineering contract to assist in the development of the PDP for each facility.
One project is at the SINOPEC Tianjin ethylene complex in the Dagang District of Tianjin, and the second is at SINOPEC Zhenhai Refining and Chemical Company’s production facility in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. Both branches have received approval for one thousand kilo-tonne per annum (KTA) ethylene crackers.
The Tianjin EO/EG plant is slated to produce up to 420 KTA monoethylene glycol (MEG) and 40 KTA pure EO. The Zhenhai EO/EG plant will be able to produce up to 650 KTA MEG product, and 100 KTA of pure EO. The combined production capacity of these two plants amounts to roughly six percent of current global demand.
Aker Solutions has begun developing engineering plans for each. Normally, a health, safety and environmental standards assessment would follow; however, years of experience in China afford Aker Solutions the expertise to include it in the PDP
portion of the project. Eliminating this step accelerates plant construction.
Throughout planning, design, construction, startup and operation, Dow and Aker Solutions provide comprehensive support to each licensee. The cooperation enhances the depth of service, shortens time to commercial production at the plant, and improves return on investment.
Aker Solutions and Dow have a long history of technology cooperation, which has led to a highly successful model for project execution.
Main photo: example of a METEOR™ EO/EG plant.
Photo and article reproduced courtesy: The Dow Chemical Company
™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
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