New Honeywell Naphtha Technology Set To Boost Energy Efficiency

Solution enables production of ethane and propane from naphtha, improving profitability and reducing carbon intensity of ethylene and propylene production

DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia, May 8, 2024 – Honeywell today announced a transformational new naphtha to ethane and propane (NEP) process that will enable regions across the world to improve the efficiency of light olefin production and lower CO₂ emissions per metric ton of olefin produced.  

Ethane and propane are the ideal feedstocks for producing ethylene and propylene – important petrochemicals used in the production of chemicals, plastics and fibers. This innovation demonstrates Honeywell's alignment of its portfolio with three compelling megatrends, including the energy transition.

The NEP technology generates a tunable amount of ethane and propane from naphtha and/or LPG feedstocks.  In a typical NEP-based olefin production complex, the ethane will be fed to an ethane steam cracking unit and the propane will be fed to a propane dehydrogenation unit. This approach generates more high-value ethylene and propylene with reduced production of lower-value byproducts compared to a traditional mixed-feed steam cracking unit directly processing the same quantity and composition of feedstock. This new approach results in Net Cash Margin increases from 15 to 50%.¹

An NEP-based olefins complex also reduces CO₂ intensity per metric ton of light olefins produced by 5 to 50% versus a traditional mixed-feed steam cracker.² Honeywell’s latest technology expands our portfolio of offerings to help meet growing demand for efficient petrochemical solutions.

“The petrochemical industry faces strong competition and challenges in obtaining raw materials globally,” said Matt Spalding, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions in MENA. “Our technology helps to enable more efficient production of ethylene and propylene, two chemicals which are in high demand, while also helping our customers lower their carbon emissions.”

This new solution is a part of Honeywell’s Integrated Olefin Suite technology portfolio – a first of its kind in the industry that creates differentiated offerings to enhance the production of light olefins.

¹Based on two UOP crude to petrochemical studies (ID#0033, ID#0034) using standard UOP simulation models and methodologies to estimate net cash margin (NCM) as applied to two different greenfield petrochemical configurations and use cases.

²Based on three UOP crude to petrochemical studies (ID#0033, ID#0034, ID#0035) using standard UOP simulation models and methodologies to estimate combined Scope 1-3 emissions as applied to three different greenfield petrochemical configurations and use cases.