BPCL advances in polyethylene production with Univation Technologies

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) has announced a major expansion in its polyethylene production capabilities by selecting Univation Technologies’ UNIPOL PE Process Technology. This significant decision involves the establishment of two world-scale production lines at BPCL’s Bina Refinery in Madhya Pradesh, India. These new facilities are set to achieve a combined production capacity of 1,150,000 tons per annum, marking a substantial increase in BPCL’s manufacturing output of polyethylene (PE).

Designed with cutting-edge technology, the two reactor lines at the Bina Refinery will feature full production back-fill capabilities. This design choice is strategic, enhancing manufacturing flexibility, ensuring continuous supply of PE resins, and addressing the dynamic demands of the marketplace. BPCL aims to produce both high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), covering a broad spectrum of applications that are crucial to the Indian market.

Furthering technological advancement, BPCL will incorporate Univation’s sophisticated HDPE platforms, including the PRODIGY Bimodal HDPE Technology and ACCLAIM Unimodal HDPE Technology. These technologies are expected to meet the high-performance requirements of various HDPE applications, such as high-pressure pipes, blow molding processes, and even specialty metallocene films for agricultural and packaging uses.

Nathan J. Wiker, president of Univation Technologies, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are honored by BPCL’s selection of Univation’s UNIPOL PE Process for their two reactor lines in India, and our Univation teams are ready to work side-by-side with the BPCL teams on the successful design, commissioning and safe start-up of these two world-scale plants.” He further emphasized the ongoing collaborative prospects post-startup, focusing on maximizing the value in high-performance end-use markets.

This collaboration between BPCL and Univation Technologies is a forward-thinking move that aligns with global sustainability trends by enhancing production efficiency and broadening the range of high-quality polyethylene products. Such advancements are crucial for meeting the growing needs of the Indian market and supporting the country’s industrial development.