World's Largest Single-Train PKNMTBE Project Completes Mechanical Completion Ahead of Schedule

On September 8, it was learned from China National Chemical Tianchen Company that the Shabik PKNMTBE project in Saudi Arabia, contracted by Tianchen as EPC general contractor, achieved mechanical completion four days ahead of schedule, continuing its excellent track record of on-time delivery.

As another major project marking successful cooperation between Tianchen and Shabik, this project was officially signed in November 2022 and commenced construction in December of the same year. It primarily involves upgrading and expanding the existing 700,000-ton-per-year MTBE unit at PKN to increase its capacity to 1 million tons per year.

The project is Shabik's first to utilize its proprietary patented technology. Upon completion, it will become the world's largest single-train 1-million-ton-per-year MTBE plant. The upgraded facility shows significant improvements in economic efficiency, environmental performance, and operational reliability. It can effectively generate 10 MW of power using by-product low-pressure steam, reduce annual catalyst consumption by approximately 6,300 tons, and extend the operating cycle of the MTBE synthesis unit from eight months to two years.

Throughout project execution, the team faced multiple challenges in design, procurement, construction, quality, and safety management. By closely collaborating with the client, suppliers, and subcontractors, and through real-time monitoring of design, procurement, and construction progress, along with strict control over site safety and execution quality, the project successfully completed mechanical completion four days early. Measures such as optimizing international shipping routes and on-site construction plans, increasing prefabrication ratios for piping and steel structures, implementing a "package leader system" for key equipment procurement, and a "zone leader system" for construction areas contributed significantly to this achievement. The project has earned high praise from Shabik, demonstrating the Saudi team spirit of "hard work, teamwork, innovative models, and excellent service," and laying a solid foundation for the company's deeper expansion into the Saudi and Middle Eastern markets. (Qu Zhaogui, China Chemical Industry News;通讯员 Liu Huayi)