As well as expanding PTA production capacity, application of the latest advances in BP's proprietary paraxylene production technology to Geel's PX unit in 2005 has now increased capacity of the unit to 560,000 tonnes a year - over 30 per cent higher than the original design capacity of the unit, commissioned in 2000.
The use of BP's PX crystallisation technology has made the plant one of the most energy-efficient PX plants now operating.
'The material breakthroughs we have made in both PTA and paraxylene technologies have made our processes even stronger from environmental, energy efficiency and cost perspectives and demonstrate the strength of the continuing developments we are making in these areas,' added Mulliez. 'They clearly reinforce our leadership position in the polyester chain globally and, we believe, confirm us as the partner of choice for PX and PTA developments worldwide.'
PTA is the preferred raw material used to manufacture polyethylene terephthalate, a widely used polyester polymer for the production of textiles, bottles, packaging and film products. Paraxylene is a key feedstock for PTA production.
BP has been a leader in PTA for over 30 years, with a strong record of growth and innovation in this business. BP has a global PTA production capacity share of 21 per cent on an equity basis (or 31 per cent including joint ventures).
The Geel site is also advantaged as part of BP's extensive PTA & PX technology and manufacturing networks, contributing to developments on safe, reliable and cost & energy effective manufacturing.
BP plc has transformed: growing from a local oil company into a global energy group; employing over 100,000 people and operating in over 100 countries worldwide.
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