Williams to start up expanded Geismar ethylene complex in November

Williams Partners expects its expanded olefins plant in Geismar, Louisiana, to begin manufacturing ethylene for sale in November, the company announced. 

That timeline is consistent with the financial guidance the partnership provided in July. 

Last year, the Geismar plant was in the middle of a turnaround for the expansion when a June 2013 explosion caused two deaths and numerous injuries. The project was delayed on multiple occasions, due to the accident as well as rising costs and labor issues.

But as of now, all major construction related to the rebuild of the damaged plant, the expansion project and the safety-related equipment installation is complete. 

The general contractors for the expansion and rebuild projects have demobilized, and Williams' operations personnel are now directing the dry-out and commissioning of the plant.

"We are in the final stages of commissioning and startup," said John Dearborn, senior vice president of NGL and petrochemical services at Williams. 

"We fully expect to be manufacturing ethylene for sale in November, consistent with our financial guidance," he added. "We continue to place our highest focus on restoring safe and reliable operations for our employees, contractors, community and customers."

Capacity at the plant is now 1.95 billion lb/year of ethylene, or about 880,000 tpy. 

Williams Partners' share of the total capacity of the expanded plant is approximately 1.7 billion lb/year. Williams owns controlling interest and is the general partner of Williams Partners.