Union Carbide - Seadrift Plant

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Olefin Manufacturing

Industry: Chemical Manufacturing

Wastes Reduced: VOC Emissions

Location: Port Lavaca TX

No. of employees: 1150

Contact: Rick Curtis

Phone: (512) 553-2436

Description:

Union Carbide's Olefins Unit began operation in 1961. Technological advances have demonstrated that improved design and operation methods could enhance the unit. Projects were initiated to revise several major pieces of equipment to allow for the recovery of organics and the addition of equipment to handle larger loads. Equipment was added to route air emissions from process equipment to the flare for treatment. The control system was upgraded to provide quicker responses and help improve unit efficiency and reduce episodic releases during trips.

P2 Application:

The control system utilizes smart logic to enable operators to program good operating practices into the system. The result has been fewer trips and reduced emissions from trips when they occur.

Environmental Benefits:

The project reduced the methanol and hydrocarbon loading on the wastewater treatment system by over 2.1 million pounds per year (1.8 million pounds of methanol and 290,000 pounds of benzene). Resulting secondary emissions have been reduced by over 150,000 pounds per year (113,000 pounds of benzene and 24,000 pounds of methanol).

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

Eliminated the need for over 3.7 million pounds of methanol per year. Recovered benzene, which had been incurring waste treatment costs, also now contributes positively to unit variable margin.

Source: TCEQ