US-based TPC Group has announced plans to increase its polyisobutylene (PIB) production capacity in the US.
The proposed expansion plan has received approval from the company’s board of directors to proceed with the front-end engineering and design to install a third PIB production unit.
With this project, the company will be able to meet the anticipated demand for highly reactive polyisobutylene resulting from changes in fuel and lubricant additive standards, which are scheduled to take effect in late 2017.
TPC said that it is in talks with potential customers over off-take commitments for its third line.
TPC commercial senior vice-president Charlie Graham said: “TPC continues to demonstrate a commitment to meet the needs of our PIB customers and drive growth in this segment of our business.
“The company is increasing PIB capacity, as well as investing in supply chain and logistics infrastructure and isobutylene supply to further strengthen our position as a strong PIB supplier in North America.”
Meanwhile, the company is working to debottleneck its PIB capacity. Since 2012, the TPC has achieved more than 20% increase in capacity and additional debottlenecking efforts will continue to be implemented in 2015.
The debottlenecking will allow the company to cater to its customers in the lubricant additives, sealants, adhesives, and industrial lubricants segments.
In 2000, TPC commissioned its patented process to produce PIB products. The company operates a production facility and product terminals in Houston and close to Chicago, Illinois.
TPC’s product portfolio includes synthetic rubber, fuels, lubricant additives, plastics, and surfactants.
– chemicals-technology.com
