Published December 2010
The Catofin catalytic dehydrogenation process features a parallel adiabatic fixed-bed reactor system that can be designed for the production of propylene from propane. The process operates at optimum reactor pressure and temperature to maximize conversion of propane for a high yield of propylene. The main features of the Catofin dehydrogenation process include: (1) high per-pass conversion and high catalyst selectivity, (2) no hydrogen recirculation or dilution steam, (3) adiabatic fixed-bed reactors, and (4) a high single-train propylene production capacity.
Because propylene demand is forecast to grow faster than ethylene, on-purpose processes are becoming more significant in the supply of propylene. In view of the benefits of propane dehydrogenation processes, this review evaluates an SRIC design based on the Catofin process licensed by Lummus Technology, a CB&I company.
Our cost analysis is based upon a plant capable of producing 500,000 metric tons per year of polymer-grade propylene. The estimated capital investment is about $416.3 million at a U.S. Gulf Coast location. Product value is 57.20¢/lb and the net production cost is 47.75¢/lb.
