Fluor to Revamp BASF’s Texas Plasticizers Unit

US engineering and construction company Fluor is to revamp BASF’s alcohol and plasticizers facility in Pasadena, Texas, USA. The value of the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract was not disclosed.

The project will be executed under the deal agreed with BASF in June 2015, when the German company chose Fluor as its engineering partner for petrochemical projects worldwide. The scope of work covered by the agreement includes conceptual and front-end engineering, detailed engineering, procurement, project and construction management, as well as other services.

Fluor will convert the general-purpose plasticizer units to make Palatinol diethylhexyl terephthalate (DOTP). This will be BASF’S first plant in North America for the Palatinol plasticizer which is used in a variety of products, including vinyl film, flooring, coated fabrics, and wire and cable coatings.

In addition, Fluor will convert another unit to provide raw material for the Palatinol DOTP plant. Front-end engineering and design work have already been completed. Start-up of the new facility is scheduled for early 2017.