Eastman Chemical plans to expand capacity for 2-ethylhexanol – used in lube additives – in late 2014, and Oxea started basic engineering for a 2-EH and propanol unit. Both projects are planned at sites in Texas.
According to Eastman, 2-EH is an oxo derivative used in additives for lube oils and fuels.
Kingsport, Tenn.-based Eastman Chemical said it will expand 2-EH capacity by 20,000 metric tons per year at its Longview, Texas site in the fourth quarter of 2014. The company completed a 32,000 metric ton expansion of 2-EH at the same site in April 2012.
In the short time since our last 2-EH capacity increase, we have seen strong demand growth for this product, said Juan Moncada, business unit director of Eastmans Oxo Chemicals business unit of the specialty fluids and intermediates business segment.
Oberhausen, Germany-based Oxea said it started basic engineering for a 2-EH and a propanol unit at its production plant in Bay City, Texas. The units are scheduled to come on stream in late 2016.
Once on line, our customers of 2-EH in the Americas will be able to benefit from our enhanced delivery capability for this important chemical, said Miguel Mantas, member of Oxeas executive board and responsible for sales and marketing.
Oxea spokeswoman Birgit Reichel confirmed to Lube Report its 2-EH is also used in additives for lube oils and fuels.
The company said key elements of the basic engineering work will also be used for construction of Oxeas future Asian oxo chemicals platform in Duqm, Oman. Oxea is owned by Oman Oil.