Oil/Gas Unit (CO & H2 Production):
This unit produces carbon monoxide (which is a feedstock for the DMF production process) by the partial oxidation of natural gas in oxygen using Texaco gasification technology. By-products of this reaction are hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
Methyl Amines Unit (Mono, Di, and Tri Methyl Amines Production):
This unit is the heart of the plant and is by far the largest unit with a capacity of 46 kMTA mixed amines production. This unit produces monomethylamine (MMA), dimethylamine (DMA) and trimethylamine (TMA) from the reaction of methanol and ammonia. Methanol and Ammonia is delivered via pipeline.
Higher Amines Unit:
This unit takes the “lower” amines from the Methyl Amines plant and attaches them to a higher molecular weight molecule such as Ethanol, I-Propanol, and Butanol. This is followed by hydrogenation in a 300 PSIG shell and tube carbon steel reaction vessel with catalyst. Separation follows in a series of six columns and evaporators.
Di-methyl Formamide (DMF) Unit:
DMF is produced by the reaction of DMA (from the Methylamines Plant) and carbon monoxide (from the Oil Gas Plant) at a capacity of 24 kMTA. Approximately 800 tons of DMF is stored at the site in two large tanks. Sodium methoxide (received as a solution in methanol) is used as a catalyst in the manufacture of DMF.
Di-methyl Amine Ethanol (DMAE) Unit:
This derivatives unit produces DMAE by the reaction of DMA (piped from methylamines plant) and ethylene oxide (EO) at a capacity of 7 kMTA. Crude DMAE is purified in a continuous distillation unit. The resulting product is then stabilized by hydrogenation in the hydro-refining column using a Palladium catalyst.
Choline Chloride (Vitamin B12 for Chicken Feed):
This derivatives unit produces Choline Chloride at the rate of 12 kMTA by the reaction of TMA (from the Methylamines Plant) with hydrochloric acid and then EO in a glass lined, batch reactor. Crude choline chloride is purified in a continuous glass distillation column.