Lummus Technology, a global provider of process technologies and energy solutions, has agreed with Air Liquide Engineering & Construction to acquire licensing and marketing rights for ester grade acrylic acid technology and light and heavy acrylates process technology. This strategic addition expands Lummus’ portfolio for propylene production and derivative products, allowing customers to choose between upstream and downstream operations and provides end-to-end solutions from propane, gas, or biomass to high-value polymers and chemicals for consumer and industrial products.
“Combining acrylic acid and acrylates technology into our portfolio will enable Lummus to offer our customers comprehensive solutions from the beginning of the chemical value chain to its end. This integration will help customers achieve their investment and sustainability goals and reduce CAPEX and OPEX,” said Leon de Bruyn, President, and CEO of Lummus Technology.
Acrylic acid is the primary building block for super-absorbent polymers, adhesives, and numerous coatings. Ester grade acrylic acid is vital to synthesizing various acrylate esters, which are critical components of resins, plastics, rubber, and many other everyday goods. The acquired technology converts propylene into ester grade acrylic acid while reducing capital requirements and delivering the industry’s lowest carbon footprint. The technology has been operational for over 50 years, with successful large-scale acrylic acid production worldwide.
Lummus’ Verdene™ suite currently offers propylene production process technologies from bio-derived feedstocks. This, along with the newly acquired technology portfolio, allows Lummus to plan the entire propylene complex, promoting integrated product portfolios, improved project economics, and expediting execution schedules.
