The utilization of surplus naphtha capacity is a key driver of Indian petrochemical sector, according to a top official with the Indian Oil Corporation.
The utilization of surplus naphtha and stranded propylene from refineries, as well as other potential refinery molecules such as n-paraffins and petroleum coke, are the key drivers of petrochemicals, said Mr. RK Ghosh, Director (Refineries), Indian Oil, at the ongoing Hydrocarbon Processing's fourth annual International Refining and Petrochemical Conference (IRPC) in New Delhi.
Mr. Ghosh referred to over 10 major petrochemical projects that have either been recently completed or are currently under development.
Indian Oil’s recent projects include a 700,000 tons per year polypropylene and polyethylene plant, and a 1.2 million tons per year paraxylene plant.
Speaking at the same conference, Mr. Sourabh Mukherjee from KBR Petrochemicals said the North American shale gas has generated global interest and at least seven mega-projects were awarded in the last 12 months.
As the trend for new plants or revamps is expected to continue, there would be many more ethane crackers coming up, said Mr. Mukherjee, who heads KBR’s basic engineering design team in India.
This creates a huge opportunity for finding new solutions to meet the huge 42 million tons gap in propylene demand worldwide, he added.
IRPC provides a platform for the industry’s elite to share knowledge and ideas relating to the international refining and petrochemical industries.
The three-day conference aims to discuss the latest technological and operational advances from both local and global perspectives.
Source:
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