The most successful gas phase PP polymerization technology
The UNIPOL® PP fluidized bed technology for polypropylene production has been used for decades, and has been licensed on 100+ PP reactor lines. We provide you with the experience you need when it comes to process innovation and improvements.
The main reasons our licensees choose UNIPOL® PP process technology is because we meet key criteria:
- Lowest CAPEX and OPEX
- Mechanical and operational simplicity
- Broadest product range that meet you customers' needs today and in the future
- Excellent on-stream times
- Flexible project schedules
- Commissioning and startup support
- Technology that meets high environmental, health and safety standards.
You want to work with a licensor that you trust will deliver the critical project elements required to effectively design, build, and operate your plant. This includes a process package that meets your engineering needs, a team of experts that will work closely with you during the building and construction phase, tailored operator and startup training, on-site commissioning and startup support, product wheel optimization and post-startup support and services.
When you license UNIPOL® PP technology, you enter the PPartner Program™ services family and form a lifetime relationship.
One of the most advantaged PP process technologies in the industry
Our UNIPOL® PP Process is a differentiator and enables your success:
- Lowest CAPEX
- Competitive OPEX
- Smallest footprint for your plant layout
- High reliability
- Low emissions
- Intrinsically safer process
- Robust operation
- Easy transitions with minimum off-grade generation
How is gas phase polymerization technology used in the production of polypropylene?
Gas phase polymerization is a process used to produce polypropylene (PP) by the polymerization of propylene gas in a fluidized bed reactor using a powdered catalyst. Propylene gas is continuously fed into the reactor, and the resulting polypropylene is removed as a product. The process is controlled by adjusting the temperature, pressure, and composition of the gas mixture in the reactor. Gas phase polymerization technology has several advantages over other polymerization methods, such as being more energy-efficient, producing less waste, and allowing for better control of the polymerization process. It is a widely used technology in the production of polypropylene, which is used in various applications such as packaging, textiles, and automotive parts.
UNIPOL® PP process technology is engineered for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. While most emissions in the polypropylene value chain originate from upstream propylene production, our polymerization process operates with low energy intensity and reduced emissions. Using advanced catalyst systems and streamlined process configurations, we ensure that the polymer production contributes only a small portion to the overall carbon footprint. This positions UNIPOL® PP technology as a benchmark for sustainable and cost-effective polypropylene manufacturing.
Carbon Minds GmbH, a globally recognized consultant specializing in lifecycle analysis for chemicals and plastics, conducted a cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint (PCF) assessment for a 400 kiloton-per-annum UNIPOL® PP technology plant. The analysis was based on mass and energy balance inputs provided by Grace, used a U.S. Gulf Coast utilities basis, and adhered to ISO standards.
The results of the study indicate that the primary contributor to the overall PCF is emissions associated with propylene supply. Within the UNIPOL® PP technology plant itself, electrical power consumption is the most significant factor. These findings are consistent with and validate Grace’s internal PCF methodology. Grace’s own analysis, supported by input data from Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS, confirms that UNIPOL® PP technology ranks among the lowest in carbon footprint compared to major polypropylene technologies.
Together, these third-party validated findings and our internal analysis affirm UNIPOL® PP technology as a proven leader in low-carbon polypropylene production—delivering measurable sustainability without compromising performance or profitability.
Our Advanced Offerings
UNIPOL UNIPPAC® Process Control Software
Use UNIPOL UNIPPAC® process control software with your UNIPOL® PP technology to optimize your polypropylene resin plant operations.
CONSISTA® Catalysts
A non-phthalate catalyst providing differentiated product performance across the broadest range of product applications.
REFLECTN™ Digital Plant Simulator Software
The REFLECTN™ digital plant simulator is a zero-risk, offline training environment for UNIPOL® Polypropylene process technology licensees.