IRPC Is Studying Aromatics Project; In Talks with Partners for SAP JV

:: 22 Oct  2012 ::

Bangkok - IRPC, the petrochemical subsidiary of Thailand's PTT, is studying the feasibility of building a 1-million-t/y aromatics project in the second phase of its Phoenix investment plan, reported the Bangkok Post, quoting Atikom Terbsiri, president of IRPC.

The first phase of the Phoenix plan, scheduled to be completed in 2016, will raise refining capacity to 250,000 b/d from 180,000 b/d, and includes the production of raw materials for aromatics.
 
Investment required for the aromatics project, as well as location, will be determined in the study.

The first phase will also include the production of super absorbent polymers (SAP), compounds and nylon.  "We are in talks with strategic partners to form a joint venture for the SAP project," Atikom said.  “The agreement is expected to be signed within this quarter."

In 2011, commodity-grade polymers contributed 65% to the company's revenue, with highvalue polymers and engineering polymers making up 35%, he noted.  By 2015, IRPC hopes to switch those two percentages.

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