SAO PAULO (ICIS)–Braskem Idesa is preparing for the start-up of its new joint venture (JV) ethane terminal along with a major turnaround at its Ethylene XXI cracker and polyethylene (PE) complex in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico in 2025, ahead of a planned expansion of ethylene capacity, its CEO said.
The 1.05m tonne/year ethane cracker is running at around 80% capacity with higher than anticipated ethane feedstock volumes from Pemex, Mexico’s state-run energy company, as well as supplemental ethane from its “fast track” ethane import project where ethane is imported and shipped to the cracker by truck.
Downstream capacities include 750,000 tonnes/year of high density PE (HDPE) and 300,000 tonnes/year of low density polyethylene (LDPE).
Braskem Idesa is receiving over 35,000 bbl/day of ethane from Pemex, above Pemex’s minimum of 30,000 bbl/day contractual obligation, and over 20,000 bbl/day from its fast track project. Pemex itself is producing around 50,000 bbl/day of ethane, the CEO said.
Published by: www.icis.com
Joseph Chang
16-Nov-2023
