UNIPOL PP Process Technology for Polypropylene
The UNIPOL™ PP process for polypropylene is a comprehensive technology and services package with established worldwide success. It combines product and catalyst know-how with leading gas-phase process technology and technology transfer expertise. Licensed by Union Carbide since 1985, UNIPOL™ PP technology is now available through Dow. Dow's commitment to the UNIPOL™ PP process is evidenced by a significantly increased R&D effort directed at process technology improvements, a continuing flow of advanced catalysts, and advantaged products to meet the needs of market segments world-wide.
Skilled and experienced people form the foundation of the UNIPOL™ PP licensing business, a single, integrated organization encompassing, R&D, manufacturing, sales and service, focused on UNIPOL™ PP technology.
UNIPOL™ Polypropylene (PP) projects have been implemented in 18 countries, on six continents. Today, there are 51 reactor lines using UNIPOL PP technology worldwide with a production capacity of over 11.5 million tons per year.
Projects using UNIPOL PP have been executed on extremely short schedules, thanks in part to the availability of a group of highly experienced bidding contractors. Plant start-ups are also rapid and reliable. With the benefit of comprehensive training provided by Dow and assistance from experienced Dow personnel, production lines that use technology related to UNIPOL PP have achieved design production rates and first quality product within hours after start-up.
A project using UNIPOL PP is easily customized to the size, product scope and other requirements of individual operators. Many licensees have grown with technology relating to UNIPOL PP, adding new reactor lines as their business has expanded.
Simple, Versatile Gas-Phase Process
Compared to other processes, UNIPOL PP is a simple and elegant system, consisting of either one or two gas-phase fluidized-bed reactors. To produce homopolymers and random copolymers, a single reactor is used. For impact copolymers, a second-stage reactor adds the key elastomeric component to the growing polymer chains. The thoroughly back-mixed nature of the reactors leads to exceptional product consistency.
The fluidized-bed process for UNIPOL PP is the simplest, most economical process available. Its reliability, flexibility and safety have been proven in polypropylene plants worldwide.
Comprehensive PP Technology Offerings
The UNIPOL PP Process offers a broad and competitive product capability, including homopolymer, random copolymers using ethylene or butene, and impact copolymers. The advanced technology of the UNIPOL PP process is easy to operate, highly reliable, and provides high product consistency. In fact, the portfolio of UNIPOL PP offers licensees a superior combination of the widest product capability and high process flexibility.