Rayleigh has selected Univation Technologies UNIPOL PE process polyethylene (PE) in order to realize its 30, plant capacity of 10,000 tons per year. The new PE plant will be built together with another polymer plant in the Repsol Industrial Park in Sines, Portugal. 

The combined project is the largest industrial investment in Portugal in the last decade, with a total value of €657 million ($775 million). Repsol opted for a full-density plant design, capable of producing a wide range of HDPE and LLDPE products that are specifically designed for highly specialized PE serving pharmaceutical, automotive and food industry applications. 

The UNIPOL PE Process flexible manufacturing platform further supports Repsol's continued growth as it targets key markets and capitalizes on new and larger opportunities in the European market. In addition to Univation's HDPE and LLDPE capabilities, Repsol has selected Univation's XCAT metallocene technology to produce specialty metallocene PE grades for the complex European polyethylene film market. 

Repsol will also utilize Univation's advanced software platform for process control capabilities ("PREMIER APC") and virtual process training ("UNIPOL PE Virtual Plant Simulator-UVPS"). PREMIER APC is the process design of the PE Advanced Process Control platform specifically designed for UNIPOL. The state-of-the-art process control features are designed to maximize productivity, ensure efficient product grade changeover, and improve the overall operational reliability of the UNIPOL PE process. The UVPS software provides Repsol with the latest generation of process simulator training tools, providing a realistic training environment for the entire unit operation of the UNIPOL PE process. "The UNIPOL PE technology platform provides Repsol with a range of sustainable operational benefits such as low carbon emissions, minimized discharges, reduced energy consumption, and maximized raw material utilization, enabling Repsol to meet its sustainability goals and promote positive economic activity in the region. Dr. Steven Stanley of Univation Technologies said: "We are also looking forward to supporting Repsol's production of high value recycled products for the European market through this new UNIPOLOL PE plant. 

Univation is pleased to have established a strong partnership with Repsollsolle and the Repsollsollle team and looks forward to the safe launch of this new, flexible and sustainable manufacturing platform. Jos Luis Bernal, Managing Director of Repsol Qumica, commented: "This project reflects Repsol's commitment to a more integrated and sustainable petrochemicals industry and our support for the Sinish Industrial Park, which is of strategic importance. We are delighted to be working with Univation Technologies on this groundbreaking project."