Aromatic Unit 3 - Bouali Petrochemical Complex (Bandar Imam) - Professional Profile
The Aromatic Unit 3 at Bouali Petrochemical Complex in Bandar Imam, Iran, is a key facility in Iran’s petrochemical value chain, specializing in the production of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX). With a nameplate capacity of 600,000 t/year, it plays a crucial role in supplying feedstocks for downstream polymer and chemical industries.
Project Specification
Key Specifications
Key Specifications
✔ Technology & Licensing:
- UOP (Honeywell) licensed technologyfor continuous catalytic reforming (CCR)
- Axens aromatics extraction(benzene & toluene)
- PAREX processfor para-xylene separation
✔ Production Capacity:
- Benzene:200,000 t/year
- Toluene:150,000 t/year
- Mixed Xylenes (MX):250,000 t/year
✔ Feedstock & Integration:
- Naphtha-fed(from Bandar Imam refineries)
- Fully integrated with PX (para-xylene) and PTA (purified terephthalic acid) units
Project Details
Project Details
Energy & Utilities
- Steam consumption:8 ton/ton aromatics
- Power demand:25 MW (cogeneration + grid)
- Hydrogen balance:15,000 Nm³/h (from reformers)
Market & Commercial Position
- Supplies 30% of Iran’s benzene demand
- Key export products:Para-xylene (PX) for polyester chain
- Competitive advantage:Low-cost naphtha feedstock
- Main customers:Domestic PET & polystyrene producers
Technical Highlights
Process Flow & Key Equipment
- Naphtha Hydrotreating Unit (NHT):
- Removes sulfur & nitrogen impurities
- Operating at 30-40 bar, 300-400°C
- Continuous Catalytic Reformer (CCR):
- Converts naphtha into high-octane reformate
- Platinum-rhenium catalysts(UOP R-98)
- Aromatics Extraction Unit:
- Sulfolane-based solvent extraction(Axens technology)
- 9% benzene purity
- Xylene Isomerization & Separation:
- PAREX simulated moving bed (SMB) technology
Crystallization for p-xylene (≥99.7% purity)
Operational Challenges
Catalyst deactivation management (CCR & isomerization catalysts)
Corrosion in sulfolane extraction units (stainless steel 316L required)
Benzene emission control (meet EPA & EU standards)
Energy optimization (high heat integration needed)
Sustainability & Future Expansion
Environmental Compliance
- Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) wastewater treatment
- VOC recovery systems(≥95% benzene capture)
- Carbon footprint:2 tCO₂/ton aromatics
Expansion Projects
- Debottlenecking to 700,000 t/year(2025 target)
- Benzene-to-cyclohexane unit(for nylon-6 feedstock)
- Green hydrogen integration study(for cleaner operations)
SEC Scope:
- Design + Procurement + Material take-off + Fabrication Drawing Preparation for 122 Units Air Cooler 2,500 Tons
- Design + Procurement + Material take-off + Fabrication Drawing Preparation for 35 Units Storage Tanks 11,000 Tons
- Design + Procurement + Material take-off + Fabrication Drawing Preparation for 80 Units Heat Exchanger 350 Tons
- Design + Procurement + Material take-off + Fabrication Drawing Preparation for 83 Units Pressure Vessel 1,210 Tons