BASF FINA Petrochem's naphtha plant under maintenance
23 Mar '06
3 min read
While shutting down the plants and preparing equipment for maintenance, the BASF FINA site will be flaring for about three days. Flaring will also occur for approximately seven days during the re-start process that is expected to begin in May.
“We anticipate there may be noise coming from the site during flaring,” said McAtee. “We strive to be a good neighbor in this community and minimize flaring as much as possible. Our goal is to ensure our neighbors are not inconvenienced at any time, but especially during this important site-wide project.”
Construction of the $1 billion BASF FINA Petrochemicals steam cracker began in 1998 and production commenced in 2001. Approximately 3,500 people were employed in its construction, and the site currently employs about 220 people on a full-time basis.
BASF FINA Petrochemicals LP is a joint venture between BASF Corporation and Total Petrochemicals USA Inc. The Port Arthur facility operates the largest steam cracker of its type in the world, turning naphtha and light hydrocarbons into ethylene, propylene, and other chemical raw materials. The products from the cracker are in turn used to manufacture hundreds of consumer products.
The cracker convert naphtha and light hydrocarbons into mainly ethylene and propylene, which are key raw materials in the manufacture of plastics, fibers, solvents, paints and surfactants (surface-active agents). These products are used in various industries, including housing, construction, automotive, textile and clothing, beverage containers and cosmetics
BASF is also a part of Sabina Petrochemicals LLC in Port Arthur, a joint venture with Shell Chemical LP and Total Petrochemicals USA.
marketing@alchempro.com
