Chevron Phillips completes 1-hexene unit construction in U.S.A.

Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem), a major player in the chemical industry, has announced the completion of the world’s largest on-purpose 1-hexene unit in Old Ocean, Texas, U.S.A. The facility is set to commence operations in early September 2023.

The new unit boosts CPChem’s 1-hexene capacity to a total of 646 thousand tons per annum in the U.S. The unit’s strategic location in Old Ocean, Texas, provides additional flexibility and production capacity to meet the growing demand from CPChem’s customer base.

1-hexene is used as a comonomer in the production of polyethylene, a common plastic material.

CPChem has been operating two full-range alpha olefin units and one on-purpose 1-hexene unit at its Cedar Bayou plant in Baytown, Texas, U.S.A. The new unit in Old Ocean will surpass the Baytown facility as the world’s largest on-purpose 1-hexene unit. The unit will utilise the latest iteration of CPChem’s proprietary technology to produce high-purity 1-hexene, a key component in polyethylene production.

Bruce Chinn, president and CEO of CPChem, expressed his pride in the team’s efforts. “This represents an exciting step forward in our manufacturing capabilities,” said Chinn.

The 1-hexene unit has become a significant economic engine for the region, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. The project has created over 600 construction jobs and more than 50 full-time positions. In 2022, CPChem spent USD31.5 million with over 70 Brazoria County vendors and suppliers for operating materials, equipment, and services for the facility.

CPChem has also invested in the community, supporting education initiatives and local healthcare options. The company has backed scholarships at Brazosport College and Wharton County Junior College and supported local healthcare facilities like the Sweeny Community Hospital and Matagorda County Medical Center.

CPChem has leveraged the latest advances in process design to reduce emissions while maximising production at the new unit. “Aligning our investment strategy to our sustainability goals is a critical component to our business strategy,” Chinn said.