LyondellBasell to Slow Construction on PO/TBA Project

LyondellBasell announced on Monday that it will slow construction of its propylene oxide (PO) and tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) facility in Channelview, Texas.

The company is limiting non-essential activities considering the current concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The PO / TBA site is under construction and limiting the construction activities will be prudent, according to the company. LyondellBasell is committed to completing this low-cost strategic investment and incorporating its next generation PO / TBA technology.

Over 30% of the project is complete with the ongoing installation of main equipment and towers. The project has a split-facility configuration to optimize synergies between two existing sites.

The project consists of a 140-acre PO/TBA plant at Channelview, TX facility and a related 34-acre ethers unit at Bayport Complex in Pasadena, TX. 

Post completion, the facility will produce around 1 billion lb/yr (470,000 metric tons per year) of PO and 2.2 billion lb/yr (1 million metric tons per year) of TBA. PO is used in the manufacture of bedding, furniture, carpeting, coatings, and adhesives.

TBA is converted into methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE).