Exxon Catalysts and Licensing, the proprietary catalyst and advanced process technologies unit of ExxonMobil Chemical (Houston, Texas, USA; www.exxonmobilchemical.com) will collaborate with compatriot plant operator KBR (Houston, Texas; www.kbr.com) in a joint technology offering to advance propane dehydrogenation (PDH) technology. Financial terms were not disclosed.

ExxonMobil’s proprietary catalyst technology will be combined with KBR’s proprietary K-PRO Propane Dehydrogenation technology to convert propane into propylene. The good performance of ExxonMobil’s new catalyst combined with KBR’s technology could offer financial savings compared to current PDH technologies available. The joint technology offering has the potential to substantially reduce energy consumption and significantly shorten the time to commercialise the catalyst, Exxon said.

“The collaboration is exciting not only for new K-PRO customers but also for existing K-PRO licensees who could have the potential to increase capacity and reduce operating expenses by upgrading to the new catalyst,” said Doug Kelly, KBR president.