With a growing surplus of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and North American producers investing to capture value, North America is poised to become a global propylene producer, according to Keith Couch, Senior Director of Sales Support and Integrated Project Solutions for Honeywell UOP. And propane dehydrogenation (PDH) is leading that expansion, Couch added.
Discussing “The Future of FCC Units and Reformers” at the World Petroleum Conference 2018 by IHS Markit held recently in Houston, Texas, Couch also noted that North American benzene demand is expected to exceed production through 2023. He predicts strong olefin growth, as well. This surge in interest in petrochemical demand, Couch said, requires refiners “to evolve their business model.”
Keith Couch, Senior Director, Sales Support and Integrated Project Solutions for Honeywell UOP at the World Petroleum Conference 2018 by IHS Markit