Lummus Technology, a global provider of process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, announced the launch of a major enhancement to its leading ethane feed steam cracker that is capable of achieving zero CO2 emissions from an ethylene plant. Lummus developed this next-generation design as part of its comprehensive strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from all of its technology offerings.

The cracker, which is the industry’s first, is now available for commercial use to decarbonise a process in petrochemical manufacturing that is very carbon intensive. It can be incorporated into both new and existing ethane crackers, and at sites and facilities of different sizes.

“Ethylene producers are looking for solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of their investments, and this new net zero ethane cracker will help them achieve their decarbonisation goals,” said Leon de Bruyn, president and chief executive officer of Lummus Technology. “By launching the world’s first CO2-free ethane cracker, we are leveraging Lummus’ innovative culture and proven ability to commercialize technologies to play a critical role in the energy transition.”  

The combustion of methane or other carbon-based fuels can be eliminated through innovations to the cracking heater design, resulting in significant reductions in the fuel firing demand, enhancements in the recovery section and a partial switch from steam turbine to electric drivers on the major compressors.  

Lummus’ proprietary ethane feed steam cracking process is the most widely applied process for the production of polymer grade ethylene and polymer grade propylene.