Siemens Power Generation (PG) will supply core equipment to the world’s first Methanol-to-Propylene (MTP) Plant. The MTP process plant will be operated by Datang International Power Generation Co. Ltd., one of the biggest energy suppliers in China. The total order value is approximately EUR20 Mio.

Siemens PG will be supplying one synthesis gas compressor and one propylene compressor to Datang International Power Generation. The synthesis gas compressor, an eight-stage single-shaft compressor in a horizontally split case, will be driven by an SST-600 condensing steam turbine and will be used to compress the synthesis gas from 31.7 bar to 86 bar. The propylene compressor is a single shaft, horizontally split compressor, which will compress the propylene from 1.05 to 17.6 bar. The driver for this compressor will be an SST-600 condensing steam turbine with an output of over 40 MW. The compressor trains are scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2008.

Propylene is one of the most important feedstocks for the petrochemical industries. The main derivate of propylene is polypropylene with a projected growth in consumption of five per cent per year. Propylene has mainly been produced from crude oil in the past. In the Methanol-to-Propylene process developed by Lurgi AG, a German company that was recently acquired by industrial gas manufacturer Air Liquide S.A., natural gas or coal can be used to generate methanol in a first step. In a second step, methanol is converted to propylene.

"Siemens’ ability to supply the complete compressor trains was attractive both to the process developer, Lurgi, and also the end customer, Datang International Power Generation. The fact that we had numerous references in methanol plants was also an advantage," said Peter Langer, head of the Process Compression subdivision within the Oil & Gas and Industrial Applications division of Siemens PG. "We are delighted to supply our turbomachinery to this showcase project, which proves that Siemens is a technological leader with innovative processes."