Production of propylene oxide (PO) is currently carried out commercially through indirect processes thatinvolve extra purification steps. There is however, a potential process to produce PO similarly toethylene oxide. The main barrier is in finding a catalyst with a selectivity high enough to make theeconomics favorable. This paper evaluates a process for the direct production of PO.A process comprising reaction, absorption, CO_2 removal, and purification is being proposed as a firstpass for this process. Based on the concept, the equipment sizing and costing was performed using acapital estimation proprietary tool. Working together with the capital estimation team an estimate wasput together for the capital required under such process. The estimate is in the range of $900-1000mln for a nominal capacity of 300 kta placed on a Greenfield site in 2015.Several patents have reported advances in catalyst development for this system. Our evaluationshows that a higher selectivity that currently demonstrated is needed to make the process economicallyattractive. In addition, developments in other process areas may also change the view from what isrepresented in this paper.
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