The refining division of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc Refining) has reached full production of polymer-grade propylene from its newly commissioned propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit in Abu Dhabi’s Ruwais downstream hub.

The PDH unit processes propane from Adnoc Gas Processing and Ruwais Refinery West to produce half a million tonnes a year of polymer-grade propylene.

The standalone unit is part of the recently commissioned carbon black and delayed coker project.

Propane dehydrogenation is used to produce polymer-grade propylene from propane independent of a steam cracker or fluid catalytic cracking unit.

It provides a reliable source of propylene to meet growing market demand and gives more control over propylene feedstock costs.

Propylene is a key ingredient in the production of polymer.

Future demand for polymer is expected to come from Asia, which is projected to be the fastest-growing market for the product due to rising automotive production and the greater purchasing power of expanding middle-class populations.

In July, Borouge, Adnoc’s joint venture with Austria’s Borealis, awarded the engineering, procurement and construction contract for a fifth polypropylene plant (PP5), to be integrated with the existing Borouge 3 complex in Ruwais.

The PP5 project will grow Borouge’s polymer production capacity to almost 5 million tonnes a year by 2021.