UNIPOL^® PP Technology Advances Terpolymer Solutions in China

The first UNIPOL^® polypropylene process technology licensee in China to successfully produce terpolymer resin offers local manufacturers the capability to produce low temperature heat-sealing film material.

During a recent terpolymer campaign at Yunnan Yuntianhua Petrochemical Co., Ltd. (YTH), Grace helped YTH successfully produce a terpolymer grade with low heat-seal temperature for packaging applications using UNIPOL^® polypropylene technology. Since many of the high-end polypropylene products used in China are imported products, this successful production demonstrates that the gas-phase fluidized bed process technology solution can remove that barrier. By achieving advanced product capabilities using UNIPOL^® PP technology, YTH can fill the domestic polypropylene technology gap in China.

Brian Kimberley, Vice President of Licensing and Services, emphasized the strategic advantages offered by Grace: “UNIPOL® PP technology allows our licensees to produce a broader range of resin grades, including advanced terpolymer products. This capability supports their ability to meet diverse market demands and enhances their position in the industry.”

Enhancing Product Capabilities

Utilizing Grace’s expertise in polypropylene resin manufacturing, YTH safely retrofitted their existing UNIPOL^® PP technology plant to enable the production of high-end terpolymer polypropylene resin. This new capability allows YTH to meet the growing demand in China for locally sourced advanced PP products.

The terpolymer campaign successfully produced advanced terpolymer grades and demonstrated sustainable reactor operability using Grace’s unique operation model. Using the Grace operation model, the trial involved transitions among homopolymers, butene random copolymers, and terpolymers. The production of these terpolymer grades will help YTH produce low temperature, heat-sealing film resin for applications within the food packaging industry.

Achieving Innovative Operations

Extensive preparation was undertaken before the trial. Once the new operation model was installed, all transitions were executed according to Grace’s terpolymer operation principles. This approach ensured stable fluidization and good product morphology.

Using a process technology that allows for operational simplicity enabled YTH to not only hit the trial targets, but also allows for faster commercial grade scale-up to offer their customers more advanced products sooner.

The approach used ensured excellent reactor operability during the entire transition without any issues.

As we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible, the successful terpolymer campaign at YTH underscores the capabilities and flexibility of UNIPOL^® PP technology. From retrofitting to advanced product production, UNIPOL^® PP technology is designed for excellence and delivers success.