INEOS plant improves ethanol efficiency. INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe has recently improved its Grangemouth ethanol plant’s efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
The plant has undergone significant upgrades over the last five years. The technical team reviewed the entire manufacturing process to find a more efficient solution.
The team determined optimal production rates to allow for less water use in the reaction section. This means lower volumes need to be boiled off in the purification process.
The management and use of steam for heating the reactors and in the distillation columns have also been improved. This resulted in reduced process temperatures and pressures.
As a result, emissions have been reduced by between 6,000 and 7,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to removing 3,700 cars from the UK road network.
Additionally, the plant can now operate over longer periods of time due to reduced stress on infrastructure, such as pipework, pumps, and valves.