Thai LDPE plant to use ExxonMobil autoclave technology

ExxonMobil is licensing its autoclave technology for manufacturing LDPE and EVA to a plant in Thailand. The new plant, being built by PTT Chem, will produce low-density polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate in a 100,000tpa autoclave system, similar to that used at the ExxonMobil polymers plant in Antwerp, Belgium. PTT Chem already manufactures HDPE and is part of the PTT Group, the largest producer of ethylene and propylene monomer in the country.

Suphon Tubtimcharoon, PTT Chem's senior executive vice president marketing and commercial, said: “This technology offers us a cost-effective way to meet demand for LDPE/EVA in this region.” ExxonMobil said the flexibility of its LDPE technology will enable PTTChem to produce an extensive grade slate. The products can be used in a variety of applications, including film packaging, injection mouldings, insulation materials, pipe and tubing.