Ethylene oxide (EO) producers typically convert EO into monoethylene glycol (MEG), which is easily transported via established networks for trading worldwide. However, MEG capacity is currently overbuilt compared with MEG demand and consequently prices are very low. The market for high-purity EO (HPEO) is more stable but HPEO can only be transported locally or regionally, not globally
Fortunately, strategies and solutions exist, and some plants have been able to run under low turndown conditions by consulting closely with Shell Catalysts & Technologies. This white paper will outline short-, medium- and long-term solutions, with examples of tried and tested strategies.