Enterprise Expands Propylene Pipeline System, Converts Lines

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Enterprise Products Partners LP (Houston) said in July 9 had launched a series of projects to convert and expand segments of its petrochemical pipeline network to increase throughput for polymer-grade propylene (PGP) and enhance system flexibility and reliability. The company’s North Dean pipeline will be converted from refinery-grade propylene (RGP) service to PGP service. The conversion is scheduled for completion in January 2017. Originating at Enterprise’s Mont Belvieu complex, the converted pipeline will serve petrochemical facilities as far south as Seadrift, Texas in Calhoun County. Construction of a 33-mile lateral pipeline, new metering stations, and additional pumping capacity will accommodate the additional volumes and increase total PGP delivery capacity to more than 150,000 bbld.

Enterprise’s Lou-Tex propylene pipeline conversion involves the 263-mile, bi-directional line that currently transports chemical-grade propylene (CGP) between Sorrento, La. and Mont Belvieu. It will be converted to PGP service. The conversion is scheduled for completion in 2020. Finally, the RGP pipeline and rail terminal expansion project involves construction of a new 65-mile, 10-in.-dia. pipeline to transport RGP between Sorrento and Breaux Bridge, La. It is scheduled for completion in early 2017. Rail receipt facilities at Mont Belvieu will also be expanded to give Enterprise the capability to unload up to 100 RGP railcars a day.

“The expanded capacity of our new South Texas petrochemical pipeline network will complement Enterprise’s growing propylene production capacity driven by our new propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit now under construction,” said A.J. (Jim) Teague, COO of Enterprise’s general partner. “When completed, our PGP distribution system will stretch 587 miles and allow us to serve more than 30 petrochemical facilities from South Texas to east of the Mississippi River from our Mont Belvieu complex. These projects will also support incremental capacity at our PGP marine export terminal in Seabrook, Texas. These conversion and expansion projects reflect our commitment to providing customers with the first- and last-mile connections between supplies and markets.”

Enterprise’s PGP infrastructure at Mont Belvieu currently consists of six propane/propylene fractionators. Following completion of the new PDH plant, which is scheduled for September 2016, Enterprise will have the capability to produce 8 billion lb of PGP at Mont Belvieu. In addition, a portion of Enterprise’s salt dome storage capacity at Mont Belvieu is dedicated to PGP service. RGP is a mixture of propane and propylene that is fractionated into PGP. PGP is used as a feedstock in the production of various consumer products, including packaging film, fibers for carpets and upholstery, and molded plastic parts for appliances and automotive, hardware, and medical products.

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