WorleyParsons Ltd. (North Sydney, Australia; www.worleyparsons.com) has been awarded a contract by Biosynthetic Technologies (BT; Irvine, Calif.) to perform FEED design and engineering services for a new synthetic base-oil facility that will commercialize BT’s unique technology converting natural oils into performance base stocks. The plant will be constructed at a site along the Texas Gulf Coast and will be the first of many similar facilities around the world.
BT produces a patented lubricant base-oil first developed by the U.S. Government that is not only known for its performance characteristics but also its environmental benefits. When used in motor oil, BT’s products showed reduced levels of varnish and received some of the highest cleanliness ratings possible after a 150,000-mile field trial. BT’s efforts have resulted in what is considered a leading technology in the lubricant sector as that industry looks to use more environmentally friendly products. The use of sustainable products has proven to be particularly tough in performance lubricant applications. However, the excellent viscometrics, prolonged stability, and low volatility of BT’s product, will allow major oil companies to combine performance and sustainability in their product offerings.
Previously, WorleyParsons performed pre-FEED work for BT which included project scoping and definition, technology scale up and initial cost estimating. WorleyParsons’ Houston, TX office has led and directed the work effort.
BT is an innovative startup company out of California commercializing sustainable technologies in the lubricant sector. They have a large patent portfolio and are primarily funded by BP, Monsanto, Evonik, and Sime Darby.