9 Jun 2016

Clariant’s Catofin® catalyst supports strong start of largest PDH unit in South Korea

Largest propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit in South Korea designed to produce 600,000 tons of propylene annually
Process uses Clariant's Catofin® dehydrogenation catalyst
On-spec propylene produced within one day of propane feed introduction

Munich, June 9, 2016 – Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, today reported the excellent performance of its catalysts during the successful start-up of the largest propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit in South Korea. Located in Ulsan on the southeast coast of the country, the PDH plant is a joint project between SK Gas Corporation Ltd and Advanced Petrochemical Company. The facility is designed to produce 600,000 tons of propylene annually using CB&I's Catofin® catalytic dehydrogenation technology, which is based on Clariant's Catofin catalyst.

The Catofin process is recognized as a highly reliable and efficient technology for producing propylene from propane. The process operates at optimum reactor pressure and temperature to maximize conversion of propane for a high yield of propylene and correspondingly low investment and operating costs.

These performance benefits were confirmed by the successful start-up of the PDH plant in Ulsan. The unit has achieved a fast start-up time with on-spec propylene produced within one day of propane feed introduction. 100 percent of design capacity was available in less than 15 days, and the plant is currently operating slightly above 100 percent capacity. Design conversion rate has already been reached at lower than expected temperatures. These highly favorable start-up results mirror those achieved in previous start-ups.

CJ Kim, CEO of SK Advanced, stated: “The completion of the new PDH plant is an important milestone for our company and, indeed, for the Korean petrochemical industry. We are very pleased with the smooth start-up and the initial performance of the Catofin catalyst technology.”

Stefan Heuser, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Business Unit Catalysts at Clariant, added: “We are proud to share the success of this major PDH project in South Korea. Together with our engineering partner, CB&I, we continue to prove the commercial strength and performance benefits of Catofin for customers around the world.”

In addition to supplying leading catalyst products, Clariant’s Catalysts business unit offers customers comprehensive service regarding the use of its catalysts. Dedicated support from Clariant and CB&I begins with providing process information during the initial stages of plant design and construction, includes start-up assistance when the plant is placed online, and continues with follow-up maintenance to ensure optimum operating performance of the plant.

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Notes for editors

Catofin® IS A TRADEMARK OF CLARIANT REGISTERED IN MANY COUNTRIES.

www.clariant.com

Clariant is a globally leading specialty chemicals company, based in Muttenz near Basel/Switzerland. On 31 December 2015 the company employed a total workforce of 17’213. In the financial year 2015, Clariant recorded sales of CHF 5.807 billion for its continuing businesses. The company reports in four business areas: Care Chemicals, Catalysis, Natural Resources, and Plastics & Coatings. Clariant’s corporate strategy is based on five pillars: increase profitability, reposition portfolio, add value with sustainability, foster innovation and R&D, and intensify growth.

www.clariant.com/catalysts

Clariant’s Catalysts business unit is a leading global developer and producer of catalysts for industrial processes. It has been part of the Catalysis business area of the Clariant Group since the acquisition of Süd-Chemie in 2011. Clariant Catalysts is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and has a total of 18 production sites, 14 sales offices, and 12 R&D and Technical centers around the world. Approximately 1 750 employees serve customers across all regional markets. Aimed at delivering sustainable value to customers, Clariant’s catalysts and adsorbents are designed to increase production throughput, lower energy consumption, and reduce hazardous emissions from industrial processes. The broad portfolio also includes products that enable the use of alternative feedstock for chemical and fuel production.