Hoechst Celanese Chemical Group, Inc.

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Chemical Synthesis

Industry: Chemical Manufacturing

Wastes Reduced: VOC Emissions

Substance: CO, VOC

Equipment: Catalytic Oxidizer

Location: Pampa TX

No. of employees: 600

Contact: Brian Nelson

Phone: (806) 665-1801

Description:

The Hoechst Celanese plant in Pampa produces acetic acid from the controlled oxidation of butane. The off gas stream was a major contributor to emissions from the facility. After acetic acid and other products have been separated from the gas stream, there remains some small amounts of organics and carbon monoxide. The hydrocarbons are very dilute, and the gas is at high temperature and pressure.

P2 Application:

A catalytic oxidation system was installed that could reduce the hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide while generating heat in the gas which is then used to generate power. The system was designed internally by Hoechst Celanese engineers. It is unique in that it operates at high pressure, where as most catalytic systems are under low pressure. The pressure, combined with the heating effect of the oxidation makes it possible to generate power by exiting the gas through a turbine.

Environmental Benefits:

Prior to this project, 9,200 tons of carbon monoxide and acetaldehyde and other hydrocarbons were released with the reactor off gas stream. In addition to reducing these emissions, the power generation reduced the consumption of coal by approximately 2,600 tons per year.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

The costs savings from the power generation generates a payback on the catalytic system of less than six years.

Source: TCEQ