KBR’s new propane dehydrogenation (PDH) technology combines the benefits of a low-cost, precious-metal free catalyst with a fluidized-bed design to improve propylene selectivity and conversion rates, according to the company

The new PDH technology, K-Pro, is based on KBR’s commercially proven catalytic olefins technology. KBR stated that K-Pro improves propylene yields by converting low-value olefinic, paraffinic or mixed streams with elevated propane concentrations into higher value olefins.

New plants based on K-Pro technology can operate as a stand-alone propylene production unit, functioning independently from steam crackers or fluid catalytic cracking units. The technology mitigates operating costs while improving process performance.

Propylene is a refined petrochemical extensively used in the production of polypropylene. In 2018, U.S. domestic propylene production increased as new PDH units came online, including Enterprise's PDH unit at Mont Belvieu, Texas, which has an operational capacity of 1.65 billion pounds per year.

KBR is marketing their new PDH technology to new and existing PDH units, estimating a capital expenditure savings of 20% to 30% over other commercially available technologies.

John Derbyshire, president of technology and consulting at KBR Inc., stated: "The CAPEX savings for K-PRO over other commercially available technologies is in the range 20-30% based on our internal studies. In addition, the FCC-based design will deliver higher on-stream factors and much better energy efficiency when compared with existing designs."