Detail Engineering

A Brazilian producer of general-purpose (GPPS) and high-impact (HIPS) polystyrene resins needed to double its production capacity of GPPS. The process licensor (a large North American petrochemical company) prepared the basic design for the new unit, which was based on a vertical CSTR for pre-polymerization and three horizontal PFRs in series for polymerization completion, in addition to peripherals for devolatilization, extrusion and packaging, having a nominal capacity of 40,000 metric tons per year. Upon completion of the basic design, the company needed a local partner to develop a detailed executive project for the construction of the new unit.

Pro-Tech was then hired to provide detailed engineering services in the disciplines of Process, Piping, Mechanical, Electrical and Instrumentation. Working with the consultant of the licensing company, who was based in Pro-Tech’s offices for effective interaction with each engineering discipline, the detailed design was developed within the quality and schedule expected. Pro-Tech was also responsible for technical assistance during the electro-mechanical assembly, as well as support to start-up activities.