Plant #1 > PE
The PE process involves manufacturing the raw material naphtha into HDPE (high-density polyethylene), using catalysts in a state of low or medium pressure. In 1979, PE1 plant was built with the introduction of technology of Japan’s MPC Corporation, followed by PE2 and PE3 plants. All the plants including PE4 plant, which was additionally built by our own technology, have their own processes such as catalyst production, polymerization, separation, drying/granulation, packaging, HX refining, etc. We have been achieving annual cost reduction of about KRW4.5 billion through the catalysts produced 100% on our own, along with the production of multi-grades of PE and stable quality effect. HDPE has a total of about 50 grades which are used as raw materials for plastic bag, fishing net, pipe, electric cable, palette, small container, etc.
■ Production process
01 Catalyst Making Process
The catalyst making process involves manufacturing ZIEGLER-NATTA-based highly active catalysts. Imported catalysts were initially used, but in the present process we are producing HDPE by making catalysts 100% on our own.
02 Integrated Process
The integrated process basically determines HDPE’s physical properties. The integrated reaction mode is divided into PARA-A, PARA-B, and SERIES for operation aimed at adjusting the molecular weight.
03 HX Refining Process
The HX refining process eliminates LMP and impurities in the HX used as solvent in the production of HDPE and makes high-purity HX for the reuse in the polymerization process.
04 Separation Process
The separation process separates HX in the slurry by centrifuge to make it into wet cake.
05 Drying and Granulation Process
The drying and granulation process dries the separated wet cake (wetness: 30wt%) and goes through granulation process to produce the pellets of the product.
06 Product Storage and Packaging
The pellets granulated in the granulation process are stored in the silo, after which they are packed in the bags that meet customers’ requirements.
