(450c) 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.