BASF and Lutianhua sign agreement to build dimethyl ether pilot plant

BASF

BASF and Lutianhua have signed a memorandum of understanding to build a pilot plant for synthesising dimethyl ether (DME) using a new energy-efficient one-step process.

The new DME synthesis technology has been jointly developed by BASF and Linde. DME is used to produce olefins such as ethylene and propylene and is usually produced from syngas via methanol as an intermediate. The new process produces DME directly from syngas using BASF’s high-performance catalyst, which enables one-step conversion, and Linde’s process design and engineering which provides significant energy and CO₂ reductions.

Lutianhua – a major chemical producer in China – will construct the pilot plant, which is scheduled to be built in 2020. The cooperation is also facilitated by the Open Innovation Platform of China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation (CPCIF). “The Open Innovation Platform is designated to promote cooperation among industry leaders for technological breakthroughs and industrial transformation,” said Li Shousheng, Chairman of CPCIF. “The BASF-Lutianhua partnership shows a great example of how we live up to our purpose.”

“Climate protection is firmly embedded in BASF’s corporate strategy. This collaboration will help our customers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Zheng Daqing, Senior Vice President, Business and Market Development Greater China, BASF. “We will continue working closely with Lutianhua on this revolutionary project for the sustainable development of China’s chemical industry.”