US Enterprise considers second PDH plant

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Enterprise Products is considering a second propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit given the outlook for propylene, the CEO of the US-based midstream and petrochemical producer said on Wednesday.

“I think there are opportunities for another PDH. In fact, we are working that hard,” said Jim Teague, CEO. He made his comments during an earnings conference call.

“When we look at how short the market is for propylene, given the demand growth, we think there’s a strong possibility we’ll build another PDH,” Teague said.

US-based catalyst producer WR Grace noted the global shortage of propylene last week during its earnings conference call.

Enterprise had planned to build a second PDH unit earlier this decade. In 2015, the company said it shelved the plans.

Enterprise built its first 750,000 tonnes/year propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit in Mont Belvieu, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Enterprise)

Enterprise has recently started up its first PDH unit, which operated in excess of nameplate capacity earlier this year.

That unit is in Mont Belvieu, Texas, and it has a capacity of 1.65bn lb/year (750,000 tonnes/year).