Chengzhi Yongqing use Honeywell technology to convert coal into plastics

Oct. 9, 2017 – China’s Chengzhi Yongqing Energy Technology Co. Ltd. will build its second Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO) process unit using Honeywell technology, which will convert methanol from coal and other sources into olefins to make plastics.

The new unit, located in the provincial capital of Nanjing, will have a capacity of 600,000 metric tonnes per year — nearly double the capacity of Chengzhi’s existing unit which went into service in 2013.

“Honeywell UOP’s MTO technology is a proven and growing process in China, where more than $100 billion is expected to be invested in coal-to-chemicals technology in the next five years,” said John Gugel, vice president and general manager of UOP’s Process Technology and Equipment business. “This technology has the highest yield of olefins with the lowest consumption of methanol and catalysts, as well as the lowest operating and capital costs of any MTO solution.”

MTO produces olefins including ethylene and propylene – two widely used components to make plastics – and butadiene precursors that are used to make rubber products. These components traditionally have been derived from crude oil. For regions lacking domestic sources of crude oil, the Advanced MTO Technology allows for the use of other more economical feedstocks such as coal and natural gas, says Honeywell.

Honeywell UOP’s MTO process converts methanol from coal and natural gas into ethylene and propylene. At the heart of the technology are UOP’s proprietary catalysts, which make it possible to efficiently adjust the ratio of propylene and ethylene produced so operators can most effectively meet demand for those products. In addition, the MTO process offers the lowest operating cost, quick and efficient start-up and operational reliability.