Process Technologies

Butadiene/Butylene Production

The BASF NMP-butadiene extraction process offered by Lummus Technology is the preferred technology for the production of high purity 1,3 butadiene from crude C4 cuts. The process has been successfully applied in more than 30 plants worldwide.

The process utilizes two-stage extractive distillation to recover 1,3 butadiene (>99.7% pure) from mixed C4 feed streams using n-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent and conventional distillation technology. Solvent consumption is low because of NMP's high boiling point and stability against hydrolysis and thermal decomposition. As well as being non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, the aqueous mixtures of NMP are non-corrosive, allowing for carbon steel construction and therefore lower investment cost. NMP can be treated by conventional biological wastewater treatment, providing a safe, environmentally sound design.

Process Technologies

Pyrolysis/Steam Cracking

Lummus Technology’s proprietary ethylene steam cracking process is the most widely-applied process for the production of polymer grade ethylene, polymer grade propylene and butadiene. The process is noted for its performance, including high product yield and energy-efficiency, low investment cost and operating reliability.

Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO)

Lummus Technology's Light Olefins Recovery Technology is the leading recovery technology used for MTO reactors. It has been used in twelve units which are in operation or under design, producing over 3.6 million metric tons of ethylene and over 4.0 million tons of propylene. It is known for its high product recovery, low energy consumption, low capital costs and high reliability. 

CATOFIN® Propane/Butane Dehydrogenation

The CATOFIN® technology is a unique process for the production of olefins, such as propylene (from propane) and iso-butylene (from iso-butane).

CATADIENE® n-Butane Dehydrogenation to Butadiene

The CATADIENE® dehydrogenation process is a reliable, proven route for the production of 1,3 butadiene from n-butane or a mix of n-butane and n-butenes. Lummus Technology has exclusive worldwide licensing rights to this technology.

Butadiene Extraction (BDE)

The BASF NMP-based butadiene extraction process, licensed by Lummus Technology since 1990, is the preferred technology for the production of high purity 1,3-butadiene from crude C4 cuts. The technology is successfully applied in 41 plants worldwide, with a total capacity exceeding four million tons per year.

C4 Selective Hydrogenation

The BASF process called SELOP is licensed by Lummus Technology for C4 and C5 selective hydrogenation. In the process, C4s or C5s from an ethylene plant or MTO unit are selectively hydrogenated to convert the contained acetylenes and dienes to primarily olefins.

C4 Total Hydrogenation

The C4/C5 Total Hydrogenation Unit is commercially proven, with over 35 years of operating experience. Worldwide, there are 24 units in operation or design for total hydrogenation of C4s, C5s or C4/C5 mixture.

Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC)

The Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) and Resid FCC (RFCC) processes have long been trusted workhorses in the refining industry to meet the demand for motor fuels.

Complementary Technologies (Butadiene/Butylene Production)

The following licensed technologies can bring added value by supplementing or upgrading by-products from the primary butadiene/butylene production processes:

Proprietary Supply (Butadiene/Butylene Production)

Lummus Technology supports our petrochemical and refining technologies with a variety of engineered products that facilitate conversion, enhance productivity and lower production cost.

Catalysts and Equipment

Sustainability

Services

Innovation