Alpha olefins is a term used to describe single unsaturated compounds having carbon chains consisting of between 5 and 8 C atoms. They are mainly used as copolymers in polyethylene and polypropylene production. Adding alpha olefins to the above mentioned polymers will increase flexibility and strength in the end product. 1-Hexene is the most commonly used but 1- Octene and 1-Pentene have also found their way to the polymer producers.
Traditionally alpha olefins have been produced by oligomerisation of ethylene. An alternative production method is extracting these components from Coal to Liquid product streams. A specific challenge when designing an alpha olefins extraction unit is dealing with close boiling azeotropic mixtures. Furthermore catalysts used in polypropylene and polyethylene production are sensitive to a variety of impurities so product specifications for the copolymers tend to be strict.
Linde Engineering has assisted clients in the development of processes to tackle these design challenges by applying, among others, extractive distillation and partitioned wall columns.
Through a long tradition of performing high quality process work design Linde Engineering has proven to be capable to assist clients with those specific design challenges that arise out of the development of innovating technologies. And as such Linde Engineering is also extremely proud each time it can contribute by finding a smart design solution or optimization.
