Honeywell’s latest breakthrough in naphtha technology promises to revolutionize the petrochemical industry, offering a transformative solution to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. Announced on May 9, 2024, the Naphtha to Ethane and Propane (NEP) process is set to empower regions worldwide by optimizing light olefin production and reducing CO2 emissions.
Ethane and propane, key feedstocks for ethylene and propylene production, lie at the heart of this innovation. By harnessing naphtha and LPG feedstocks, Honeywell’s NEP technology unlocks a tunable production of ethane and propane, paving the way for enhanced efficiency in olefin production complexes.
Unlike traditional mixed-feed steam cracking units, the NEP process directs ethane to ethane steam cracking units and propane to propane dehydrogenation units. This strategic approach yields higher-value ethylene and propylene while minimizing the production of lower-value byproducts. The result? Net cash margins skyrocket by 15 to 50 percent.
Moreover, Honeywell’s NEP-based olefins complex delivers a significant reduction in CO2 intensity per metric ton of light olefins produced—by as much as 5 to 50 percent compared to conventional methods. This not only enhances profitability but also aligns with global sustainability goals, making it a game-changer in the fight against climate change.
Matt Spalding, Vice President and General Manager of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions in MENA, stresses the broader impact of this innovation. In a fiercely competitive landscape, where access to raw materials poses challenges, Honeywell’s NEP technology emerges as a beacon of efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, this groundbreaking solution is part of Honeywell’s Integrated Olefin Suite technology portfolio, a pioneering initiative in the industry. By offering differentiated offerings to optimize light olefin production, Honeywell continues to lead the charge towards a more sustainable and efficient future for the petrochemical sector.