Techno economic and energy-efficient LLDPE production via advanced sclairtech technology

Abstract

Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) is a widely used polymer in the plastics and packaging industries because of its flexibility and good mechanical properties. The increasing global demand for LLDPE encourages the development of more energy- and cost-efficient production technologies. This study aims to analyze the technical and economic feasibility of building an LLDPE plant using Advanced Sclairtech Technology (AST). The plant is designed with a production capacity of 287,000 tons/year and optimized using a Heat Exchanger Network (HEN). The design and evaluation of the HEN are carried out using Aspen Energy Analyzer software based on the Temperature Interval and Composite Curve methods. The analysis results show that implementing heat integration can reduce the high-pressure steam requirement from 204,541 kg/hour to 30,770 kg/hour and the cooling water requirement from 6,491,808 kg/hour to 1,527,774 kg/hour. The utility savings achieved exceed 80%, with a reduction in utility costs of USD 6,750 per hour. Economic analysis yields a Payback Period (PBP) of 3.03 years, a Net Present Value (NPV) of USD 84.15 million, an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 24.53%, and a Break-Even Point (BEP) of 24.46% of production capacity. Based on the technical and economic analysis results, the LLDPE plant using AST technology is considered feasible. It has the potential to be developed as a more efficient and sustainable LLDPE production technology.