An Energy Efficient Plastic Production Technology
Olefins, especially ethylene and propylene, are the building blocks of many important plastics, polymers and other chemicals. Funded through the Partnership Intake Program in 2020, the Permylene solution is a membrane technology that offers several applications, including olefin recovery and upgrading, and solves capacity constraints within petrochemical and refining processes.
The project was completed in 2023 and demonstrated Permylene olefin-paraffin membrane separation technology using larger membrane elements which have more surface area for increased throughput. Imtex’s Permylene membrane technology addresses a multi-decade-long search for an energy efficient alternative to current mainstream capital and energy intensive olefin/paraffin separation distillation processes. The technology provides a more efficient approach to the incumbent process – fractionation and cryogenic distillation – which is costly and energy intensive. Because Imtex systems require less energy than existing technologies, the emission reductions arise from the avoided emissions from the avoided energy use. Compared with incumbent separation technologies, Imtex’s membrane separation technology results in 63 to 70 per cent reduction in energy use.
Commercial Viability with Clients in the Field
Over the duration of the project, Imtex gained further expertise for how to optimize the potential operation of the Permylene system. They demonstrated the technology in both client field trials and the commercial scale 8040 demonstration system.
The commercial system provided prospective customers with a unique opportunity to run their own feedstock prior to purchasing their own customized commercial system, but was only able to run synthetic feed. This was mainly due to delays in commissioning and running the system. However, Imtex was able to test organic feed via several client field demonstrations, which as important validation of the Imtex technology in commercial operations.
Notably, Imtex deployed two field test units at client sites for two different applications. The first successfully achieved the client’s performance requirements, leading to the next stage of considering the commercial unit design. The second unit was generating a product purity higher than the client’s requirement during initial testing. This testing is due to continue through 2024. Imtex has also leveraged the design and cost from the 8040 to improve the project engineering/costing accuracy for future endeavours.
What’s next?
Imtex continues to engage with several clients within Alberta that can benefit from the technology. Since project completion, they’ve identified further opportunities at existing facilities. Imtex will continue to utilize the 8040 system as a testing and demonstration centre. In February 2023, Imtex sold an initial field demonstration system to a client in Texas, showing how the technology has been able to commercialize on a broader international scale. The unit has been commissioned, with numerous proposals in place for additional equipment. Following a successful trial, Imtex sold a technology license in March 2023.