A Case Study Of Debottlenecking Strides In A Petrochemical Plant

Process plant debottlenecking is aimed at increasing the plant's efficiency, optimizing raw material consumption, energy and other utilities, capacity utilization, on-stream availability, safety rating, competitiveness and profitability among others. To be competitive, the promoters of a process plant has to pro-actively adapt to ever changing realities and templates caused by equipment obsolescence, raw materials vulnerability, technological changes and even stringent local legislations and environmental laws.

Nigerian's government quest to attract foreign and local direct investment into key sectors of the economy in general and the oil and gas sector in particular to create jobs, contribute to GDP growth, facilitate the exploitation of vast natural resources are among the driving force for debottlenecking of existing facilities in the Petroleum and Gas sector for optimization and process improvement.

Indorama Eleme Petrochemical Ltd (IEPL), sited in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has pursued and implemented a robust and integrated debottlenecking master plan to modernize its plants and facilities. In this presentation, we shall examine the giant debottlenecking strides made by IEPL Eleme which is fast transforming Nigeria into a large petrochemical hub in Africa. These debottlenecking strides include the modification for catalysts separation and regeneration.  We shall also discuss some of the resources added by IEPL to consolidate the robust maintenance programs, upgrading of manufacturing facilities, streamlining of feedstock availability constraints and implementing a safety culture all of which have led to capacity improvements at a cost effective and profitable manner.