The current INEOS Technologies maleic anhydride catalyst and technology business has its roots from both Amoco and BP. Both companies established research and development activities for the oxidation of butane in the 1970s, with Amoco focused on fixed-bed reaction systems and BP (then SOHIO) focused on fluid-bed reaction technology, leading to the first commercial applications in the 1970s (Amoco) and the 1980s (BP). Upon merging in 1999, BP and Amoco combined their R&D efforts in maleic anhydride and this combination has since produced three new generations of catalyst.

Technology Licensing

With more than 40 years of experience as both an operator and licensor of fluid-bed technology, INEOS has demonstrated a proven track record of delivering breakthrough technologies for the production of chemicals.  Through this experience, INEOS has refined areas critical to the successful scale-up and commercial application of high productivity fluid-bed technology including catalyst development, reactor design, and associated  hardware equipment required for optimum reactant distribution, temperature management, catalyst distribution, and safety precautions.  INEOS has learned how to achieve and optimize these parameters through years of reactor design, operation, and catalyst development.  

INEOS’ extensive experience and understanding make INEOS the leader in designing reactor/catalyst systems with better yields, less shutdowns, and fewer environmental problems than any other technology supplier.  Today, there are more than eighty reactors worldwide utilizing INEOS’ fluid-bed reactor technology with a combined operating experience of greater than 1,500 years (includes both INEOS and licensee operated reactors).

Since the 1980’s, INEOS’ maleic anhydride fluid-bed reactor and catalyst technologies have been utilized in plants ranging from 15 ktpa to greater than 80 ktpa, demonstrating safe, stable and efficient operating performance.  The latter plant is a single reactor system and represents the largest single-train assembly in the world for maleic anhydride production.

Global Licensing Experience

INEOS has licensed its fluid-bed reactor technology to companies in twenty-three countries, spanning five continents.  In addition to key technology transfer activities as part of its detailed licensing process, INEOS offers extensive operations training, on-site plant start-up support, and on-going technical assistance post start-up.