Nanjing, Jiangsu – Huntsman and Sinopec’s propylene oxide /methyl tertiary butyl ether (PO/MTBE) plant in Nanjing, had a successful trial run in July, according to report by local newspaper Nanjing Daily on July 17.
Located in Nanjing Chemical Industry Park, the joint venture was set up in 2012 with $750 m investment as UTECH-polyurethane.com reported at the time, Huntsman owning 49% and Sinopec owning 51%.
The plant broke ground in January 2013 with 240kT/year planned capacity for PO and 742kT/year for MTBE.
It uses Huntsman’s proprietary technology and is supported by Sinopec’s, said the local report.
The successful trial run 'is significant to the development of new-gen energy saving, environmental friendly materials and the promotion of high-quality clean oil products,' the report added. MTBE can be used as fuel oxygenation agent to promote cleaner burning gasoline.