INEOS Oligomers starts up the world’s largest single train Low Viscosity Polyalphaolefin (LV PAO) plant at its Chocolate Bayou facility in Texas.
- The new 120,000 tonne per annum Low Viscosity Polyalphaolefin (LV PAO) unit at Chocolate Bayou, TX is the world’s largest single PAO train.
- The new LV PAO plant will meet increased demand for improved efficiency from low viscosity low volatility engine oils, electrical transmission fluids and heat transfer fluids for data servers and electrical batteries.
- It positions INEOS Oligomers as the world’s largest merchant supplier of LV PAO
INEOS Oligomers has today announced that it has started up its new 120,000 tonne per annum Low Viscosity Polyalphaolefin (LV PAO) unit at Chocolate Bayou, TX. This facility is the world’s largest single PAO train and complements existing units in La Porte, TX and Feluy, Belgium.
It positions INEOS Oligomers as the world’s largest merchant supplier of LV PAO with an unprecedented production footprint in LV PAO. Facilities operated across 3 distinct locations, provide stronger security of supply to the global lubricants industry.
The new Chocolate Bayou LV PAO unit is fully integrated into INEOS’ production of Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO), the raw material used for PAO. Its feedstocks are also supplied from the adjacent LAO plant that started up in 2020 and from its Joffre, Canada LAO unit.
Peter Steylaerts, Business Director INEOS Oligomers said “Our new LV PAO unit comes at the right time to fulfil increasing needs from the lubricant industry for low viscosity low volatility engine oils, electrical transmission fluids and heat transfer fluids for data servers and electrical batteries. It also brings state of the art technology allowing a step change in efficiency of production.”
LV PAOs are used in various lubricants such as engine oils, gear oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids and greases. They offer excellent thermal and oxidative stability, better flow properties and better energy efficiency leading to reduced fuel consumption, reduced emissions, less frequent oil changes and improved reliability of machineries. They are also used in other applications such as processing aids, polymer modification and cosmetics.
Media Contacts
Richard Longden (Richard.longden@ineos.com) 0041 21 627 7063 or 0041 7996 26123
Andrew McLachlan (andrew@mediazoo.tv) 07931 377162
Alex Williams (alex.williams@mediazoo.tv) 07793 207325
About INEOS: INEOS is a global manufacturing company making the raw materials and energy used for everyday life. Its products make an indispensable contribution to society by providing the most sustainable options for a wide range of societal needs. For example, preservation of food and clean water; construction of wind turbines, solar panels and other renewable technologies; for construction of lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles and aircraft; for medical devices and applications; for clothing and apparel; and for insulation and other industrial and home applications.
INEOS businesses have put in place the plans and actions needed to ensure that they lead the transition to a net zero economy by no later than 2050, whilst remaining profitable, and staying ahead of evolving regulations and legislation. As part of its greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy, there is widespread goal to move to a more circular economy, in which materials are re-used to their maximum extent.