Name and Location
BASF alcohol and plasticisers facility revamp, Texas, US.

Client
BASF.

Project Description
The project involves the revamp of an alcohol and plasticisers facility in Pasadena to produce Palatinol diethylhexyl terephthalate (DOTP).

BASF will convert production from its current general-purpose plasticiser, Palatinol dipropyl heptyl phthalate (DPHP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP), to Palatinol DOTP at the facility.

Palatinol DOTP, a terephthalate, is an alternative to traditional orthophthalates that are used in many general-purpose applications.

Further, BASF will convert 2-propylheptanol production to 2-ethylhexanol to generate reliable raw material integration for Palatinol DOTP.

BASF will continue to market DPHP and DINP in North America, importing both products from its global production network.
In addition, BASF will discontinue the manufacture of phthalic anhydride molten at the facility. Conversion is planned to begin this year, and the start-up of Palatinol DOTP is set for early 2017.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
The project started in 2015, and start-up of Palatinol DOTP is set for early 2017.

Latest Developments
Fluor has been awarded an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract for the revamp of the facility.

Fluor will convert the general-purpose plasticiser units to Palatinol DOTP. This unit will be BASF’s first in North America. The plasticiser is used in numerous products, including vinyl film, flooring, coated fabrics and wire and cable coatings.

In addition, Fluor will convert another unit to provide raw material for the Palatinol DOTP unit.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Fluor (EPCM).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
BASF communications – petrochemicals, tel +1 713 759 6244. Fluor Corporation media relations, Brian Mershon, tel +1 469 398 7621.