Ineos Aromatics has completed its $70 million to modernise and expand its purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plant in Merak, Indonesia.
Not only was a larger oxidation reactor installed at the facility, the reactor’s heat recovery system was reconfigured and the process air compressor train was updated. This is expected to reduce CO2 emissions per ton by 15% and increase the site capacity from 500,000 tonnes to 575,000 tonnes per annum.
The overhaul, which will also improve the reliability and competitiveness of the facility, was completed safely amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has been operating for nearly 25 years and is a major PTA supplier in Indonesia. It became part of Ineos, as part of its $5 billion acquisition of the bp petrochemicals business in January 2021.
“The Ineos Aromatics facility in Merak has played an important role in the Indonesia polyester industry for some time. This new, multi-million dollar investment shows our commitment to its future growth,” said Frank Yang, President Director, INEOS Aromatics Indonesia.
“It also continues Ineos Aromatics’ tradition of deploying technology that helps lead the polyester industry to a more sustainable future,” he added. “It supports INEOS’ commitment to producing essential products while reducing emissions to net zero by 2050.”
PTA is the main raw material for polyethylene terephthalate - PET - and for polyester fibers and is used by the polyester industry to produce items for homes and businesses such as clothes, furniture, food & drink packaging and other industrial uses.