Repsol S.A. (Madrid, Spain) has selected Univation Technologies’ (Houston) UNIPOL PE Process for its 300,000-ton/yr polyethylene (PE) plant. This new PE plant will be constructed along with another polymer production unit with both plants located at Repsol’s Industrial Complex in Sines, Portugal. The combined project represents the largest industrial investment in Portugal in the last ten years with a total value at €657 million (around $775 million).
Repsol selected a full-density plant design with production capabilities for a broad range of HDPE and LLDPE products specifically targeting highly specialized PE applications serving the pharmaceutical, automotive and food industries. The UNIPOL PE Process’ flexible manufacturing platform further supports Repsol’s continued growth targeting key markets and capturing new opportunities within the greater European market. In addition to Univation’s HDPE and LLDPE capabilities, Repsol has also selected to access Univation’s XCAT Metallocene Technology to produce specialty metallocene PE grades aimed at the sophisticated European polyethylene film market.
Additionally, Repsol will utilize Univation’s advanced software platforms for process control capability (“PREMIER APC+”) and also virtual process training (“UNIPOL PE Virtual Plant Simulator – UVPS”). PREMIER APC+ is an advanced process control platform designed specifically for the UNIPOL PE Process. Its state-of-the-art process control capability is designed to maximize production rates, ensure efficient product grade transitions and enhance overall operational reliability of the UNIPOL PE Process. The UVPS software provides Repsol with the latest generation process simulator training tool that delivers a realistic training environment for a full range of unit operations for the UNIPOL™ PE Process.
“The UNIPOL PE Technology platform provides Repsol with multiple sustainable operational benefits ‒ including low carbon footprint, minimized emissions, reduced energy consumption, and maximized raw material utilization – to enable Repsol to achieve its objective of sustainable development while delivering positive economic activity within the regions that it operates,” commented Dr. Steven Stanley, President of Univation Technologies. Dr. Stanley continued his comments, “Additionally we look forward to supporting Repsol’s vision of producing value-added, recyclable materials for the European market with this new UNIPOL™ PE Plant. Univation is pleased to have already formed strong, collaborative relationships with the Repsol team and we look forward to a safe start-up of this new, flexible and sustainable manufacturing platform.”
José Luis Bernal, Repsol Química Executive Director, commented, “This project demonstrates Repsol’s commitment to a more integrated and sustainable petrochemical industry and also shows our support for the strategically important Sines Industrial Complex. Partnering with a proven, experienced leader in the field of polyethylene was of utmost importance, and we are pleased to collaborate with Univation Technologies on this landmark project.”