Davy Process Technology has announced details of a deal with PetroChina International to service its new 128,000ta normal butanol plant.

The plant will use low pressure (LP) Oxo Process technology, employing a rhodium-based catalyst, and will be operated by PetroChina Jilin Petrochemical Company,at Jilin, China.

The normal butanol will be used primarily for internal operations, but will also be used in the regional market for the production of solvents, paints, coatings and adhesives, while some volume will be sold into the regional merchant market. The new capacity will help to reduce the volume of imported butanol needed in China.

Davy Process Technology says it is now working on the design specifications for the plant, with the project set for final completion by the end of 2004.   This will be the second plant in which, PetroChina Jilin have used the LP Oxo Process.