BP unveils two new technologies to produce petrochems from ethanol

In the UK, BP announced two new technologies for the production of key petrochemical feedstocks. SaaBre™ is a new route for the production of acetic acid from syngas and Hummingbird® directly converts ethanol to ethylene through dehydration. SaaBre’s breakthrough is a process for the conversion of synthesis gas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen derived from hydrocarbons such as natural gas) directly to acetic acid in a proprietary, integrated three-step process, that avoids the need to purify carbon monoxide (CO) or purchase methanol. SaaBre™ is expected to deliver a significant reduction in variable manufacturing costs, and lead to capital efficiencies, compared to the carbonylation of methanol route which has been the leading technology for several decades.