LyondellBasell's Polyolefin Innovation to Drive China Coal Shaanxi Chemical Project

LyondellBasell, the leading global licensor of polyolefin technologies, has unveiled a major partnership with China Coal Shaanxi Yulin Energy & Chemical Co., Ltd. (China Coal Shaanxi), wherein the latter will leverage LyondellBasell's cutting-edge technologies for its upcoming facility. The collaboration will see the implementation of LyondellBasell's Spherizone, Hostalen Advanced Cascade Process (Hostalen ACP), and Lupotech T technology for the construction of a significant chemical complex in Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China.

The comprehensive project includes a Spherizone polypropylene plant with a capacity of 300 kilotons per annum (KTA), a Hostalen ACP high-density polyethylene plant also with 300 KTA capacity, and a Lupotech T vinyl acetate copolymer plant with a production capacity of 250 KTA. These state-of-the-art facilities are poised to bring advanced polymer manufacturing capabilities to the region.

LyondellBasell's Spherizone multi-zone circulating reactor (MZCR) stands out as a pivotal component of the polypropylene plant, offering a distinctive platform for the production of polypropylene products with novel architecture and enhanced properties. The Spherizone process has already secured licenses for differentiated polypropylene production capacity totaling almost 10 million tons worldwide. The plant is set to kick off operations using Avant ZN catalyst, marking the beginning of a new era in polypropylene manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the Hostalen ACP process technology, designed for the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plant, is recognized for its ability to manufacture high-performance, multi-modal HDPE resins. These resins boast an industry-leading balance between stiffness and toughness, coupled with exceptional impact resistance and high stress-cracking resistance. The Hostalen ACP plant will be powered by Avant Z501 and Avant Z509-1 catalysts, enabling the production of a comprehensive range of multi-modal HDPE products suitable for pressure pipe, film, and blow molding applications.

The Lupotech T process, chosen for the vinyl acetate copolymer plant, has established itself as a preferred technology for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) plant operators. Backed by decades of experience in high-pressure application design, the Lupotech T process is celebrated for its high conversion rates, demonstrated plant availability, and effective process heat integration, ensuring optimal energy efficiency. LyondellBasell has already licensed over 15 million KTA of Lupotech T process capacity for LDPE/EVA production across more than 70 lines worldwide.

In addition to the cutting-edge technologies, new licensees also have the opportunity to join the LyondellBasell Technical Service Program. This program offers access to LyondellBasell's in-house expertise, providing continuous support for production improvement, sustainable product development, and catalyst utilization. It serves as a valuable resource for licensees, enhancing their capabilities and ensuring the success of their ventures.

The collaboration between LyondellBasell and China Coal Shaanxi marks a significant milestone in the advancement of polyolefin technologies in the region, paving the way for the production of high-quality polymer products with enhanced properties and performance. As the chemical complex takes shape, the industry will be closely watching the innovative developments and contributions to the polymer market.