ExxonMobil signs exclusive licensing alliance agreement with Axens

ExxonMobil Catalysts and Licensing LLC and Axens have signed an exclusive licensing alliance agreement  allowing Axens to include ExxonMobil’s MTBE Decomposition Technology for high purity isobutylene in its  portfolio. Used in the production of high-reactivity polyisobutylene and butyl rubber, this technology enables  Axens’ customers to better address the growing demand for petrochemical intermediates over the next decade. 

Under the agreement, Axens is granted a worldwide right to market, license and provide engineering work and  technical support for the design, construction and start-up of new MTBE Decomposition units. This alliance  builds on collective expertise to provide customers with isobutylene purity of at least 99.99 wt% via an  integrated unit with MTBE and MTBE Decomposition technologies or through a standalone unit using MTBE  Decomposition technology. 

“ExxonMobil MTBE Decomposition technology is a commercially proven, cost-effective, continuous fixed bed process that catalytically cracks MTBE into isobutylene and methanol. Adding this technology to Axens’ portfolio completes Axens’ offer and  strengthens our long-term partnership with ExxonMobil Catalysts and Licensing LLC,” said Luc Wolff, vice president of Petrochemical product line at Axens. 

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Axens and provide this proven technology to the industry. Our  partnership with Axens in other technologies has demonstrated how well the two companies work together. It  was consequently quite natural to propose this technology to Axens knowing their capability to deliver  technology to the market.” said Louis Burns, Market Development manager for ExxonMobil Corporation.