TPC begins FEED process on polyisobutylene expansion in Houston

The board of directors at TPC Group, a leading provider of C4 based products and services, has approved funds for the front-end engineering and design (FEED) to finalize the design and cost estimate to install a third polyisobutylene (PIB) production unit. 

This project is targeted to satisfy future industry growth, mainly resulting from anticipated changes in fuel and lubricant additive standards beginning in the second half of 2017. 

These higher standards are driving substantial growth in demand for highly-reactive polyisobutylene, which TPC Group manufactures using its proprietary process. 

TPC says it is in discussions with customers regarding definitive off-take commitments for its third line.

In parallel with its third production unit engineering work, TPC continues to debottleneck its PIB capacity. Capacity has increased more than 20% since 2012 with significant progress made in 2014, according to company officials.

Additional debottlenecking efforts are continuing in 2015. This debottlenecking effort is targeted to supply the current and near-term needs of customers in the lubricant additives, sealants, adhesives and industrial lubricants segments.

"TPC continues to demonstrate a commitment to meet the needs of our PIB customers and drive growth in this segment of our business," said Charlie Graham, senior vice president of TPC's commercial business. "The company is increasing PIB capacity, as well as investing in supply chain and logistics infrastructure and isobutylene supply to further strengthen our position as a strong PIB supplier in North America."

TPC Group first entered the PIB industry in May 2000 with the startup of its patented process to produce a wide range of PIB products. 

Since that time, the business has grown significantly through multiple expansions to become the largest producer in North America. TPC supplies PIB from its Houston production facility as well as product terminals in Houston and near Chicago, Illinois.