Olefins Conversion

PE Olefins Recovery

Aromatics Extraction

PP Acetyls

Oxiranes and Derivatives

Licensed Polyolefin
Technologies and Services
Spheripol
Leading polypropylene process technology for the production
of homopolymers, random and heterophasic copolymers

www.lyondellbasell.com/technology

With over 100 licensed lines around the Key characteristics of Spheripol process technology
globe, LyondellBasell has pioneered the
Spheripol polypropylene process, which Safety and environment Design flexibility
represents over 40 years of continuous
commitment to innovative polypropylene A safety record among the best in Single-line capacities, from 40 up to 550
technology development. the industry kt/a are available for homopolymer, random
copolymer and heterophasic impact
More companies use the Spheripol technology Leading resource consumption, monomer
copolymer production
than the technologies of the three closest efficiency and emissions
competitors combined. More than 20 million Tailored design for chemical or
No undesired by-products from the reaction
tonnes of Spheripol process capacity has polymer grade monomer feedstock
been licensed worldwide, providing licensees Product capability and versatility
Modular flexibility
with an elegant and economical method to Wide range of homopolymers, random
produce a wide range of premium-quality Expansion achievable through
copolymers and heterophasic impact
polypropylene grades. minor adjustments
and specialty impact copolymers,
LyondellBasell’s development of a third- as well as terpolymers for all Extension of product range possible through
generation high-yield, high-selectivity catalyst polypropylene applications introduction of Metocene PP process as an
has dramatically simplified the Spheripol add-on technology
Unmatched product quality with minimum
process steps and significantly improved property variation due to excellent process Flexible modular design facilitates low
product quality. stability and catalyst performance investment costs
Additional breakthroughs have subsequently Reliability Economics
occurred in the process design through the
refinement of the bulk-polymerization and Average overall operability rate is Capital costs are competitive with currently
gas-phase reactors. approximately 98% – in an average of available polypropylene processes
2% downtime, less than 1% is due to
The latest-generation Spheripol process design Lowest operating costs of any PP process
process features
utilizes the newest catalysts, enabling the and high transition efficiency
production of market-leading, reactor-based
product families with improved properties
that reinforce the technology’s industry-
benchmark status.
Spheripol process description
Spheripol simplified process flow diagram
The Spheripol process is a modular
technology consisting of three main process
steps – catalyst and raw material feeding,
polymerization and finishing. The catalyst,
liquid propylene and hydrogen for molecular
weight control are continuously fed into the
loop reactor. The bulk polymerization typically
occurs in two tubular loop reactors filled
with liquid propylene and optional gas-phase
copolymerization reactors. Reduced reactor
residence time and economically optimized
equipment sizing can be achieved relative to
other technologies, due to the high monomer
Steam
density and increased catalyst activity.
Propylene +
The finishing section consists of highly Gas-phase
Hydrogen
Reactor
efficient liquid propylene vaporization
operations at very high polypropylene
Catalyst
concentrations, separation of the unconverted
monomers, and complete recycling of the Nitrogen

monomers back to the reactor. To polymer Steam

Ethylene
handline
A leading advantage of the Spheripol process, Propylene + Hydrogen
and extrusion

in combination with Avant catalysts, is its Ethylene

unique ability to produce polymer spheres
directly in the reactor. Spherical polypropylene
provides superior process reliability and
best in class operability, in contrast to the
processability of small, irregularly shaped,
granular polymer particles produced by
other technologies.

Spheripol process – Capabilities Spheripol polypropylene random copolymers

and product properties are characterized by excellent optical
properties and extremely low catalyst
The Spheripol technology produces a residues. The product portfolio also includes
complete portfolio for use in the full range of specialty grades for pressure pipe applications
polypropylene applications. Many Spheripol and copolymers with very low seal
process resins are recognized as industry- initiation temperatures.
leading products in many application areas.
Spheripol polypropylene heterophasic
Spheripol polypropylene homopolymers range copolymers have outstanding low-
from grades with a fractional melt flow rate temperature impact strength. The product
for pipe and sheet extrusion applications portfolio includes a broad range of grades
to very high flow specialty grades for melt for specialty applications such as pipes and
blown applications. The comprehensive automotive bumpers, and reactor-grade,
product portfolio includes a vast number of high-flow heterophasic copolymers for
tailor-made products for a variety of film and thin-wall injection molding applications.
fiber applications.

LyondellBasell is one of the world’s largest plastics, chemical, and refining companies. The company manufactures products
at 59 sites in 18 countries. LyondellBasell products and technologies are used to make items that improve the quality of life
for people around the world including packaging, electronics, automotive parts, home furnishings, construction materials
and biofuels. More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.lyondellbasell.com

Before using a LyondellBasell product, customers and other users should make their own independent determination that
the product is suitable for the intended use. They should also ensure that they can use the LyondellBasell product safely and
legally. (Material Safety Data Sheets are available from LyondellBasell at www.lyondellbasell.com). This document does not
constitute a warranty, express or implied, including a warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No one is
authorized to make such warranties or assume any liabilities on behalf of LyondellBasell except in writing signed by an authorized
LyondellBasell employee. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the exclusive remedy for all claims is replacement of the product
or refund of the purchase price at LyondellBasell’s option, and in no event shall LyondellBasell be liable for special, consequential,
punitive, or exemplary damages.

Avant, Spheripol and Metocene are trademarks owned or used by LyondellBasell group companies. Avant and Spheripol are
registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

You can find out more about us by visting our website at: lyondellbasell.com/technology www.lyondellbasell.com