Ineos Phenol Launches Europe’s Largest Cumene Unit

Recently, Ineos Phenol started operation of its cumene plant in Marl, Germany, which is the largest cumene plant in Europe.

This world-scale device with an annual output of 750,000 tons can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50% per ton of product. Leading cumene technology combined with the Marl Chemical Park's unique heat integration system enables the plant to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

Due to its advantageous location, the plant will utilize the existing pipeline connections between Ineos's phenol and acetone production site in Gladbeck, the Evonik Chemical Park in Marr, and the BP refinery and cracking combined unit in Gelsenkirchen. The plant also makes full use of the nearby Marport waterway connection. Much of the factory's waste heat is used for district heating, further reducing the carbon footprint.

As key raw materials, cumene produces phenol and acetone, which are widely used in various pharmaceuticals, including aspirin, lozenges and sprays. Derivatives of phenol and acetone are also used in contact lenses, artificial joints, dentures and dental fillings, among a variety of other uses.

INEOS is the world's leading producer of phenol and acetone and the largest consumer of cumene.

The plant was jointly constructed with CAC Engineering Co., Ltd. CAC adopted the EPCM project management model, and the scope of work covered the FEED verification, detailed engineering design, procurement, construction and commissioning of the plant.

Hans-Juergen Bister, Director of Operations for INEOS Phenol, commented: “We are delighted to see this world-scale unit for INEOS Phenol come online. This unit strengthens our feedstock supply advantage in the European phenol market. At the same time, it will reduce the CO2 footprint of INEOS’s phenol business. We are also investing heavily to reduce the carbon footprint of producing key raw materials. “

The technical, organizational and especially human investment involved in this project has made it the leading project of CAC. “Not only is it the largest engineering demonstration project our company has ever been commissioned, it also represents an outstanding partnership between us and INEOS Phenol. “ Mike Niederstadt, general manager of CAC, said.