Technip Zimmer Process Technology
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
The PET production process
In our three reactor process, PET is produced starting from
ethylene glycol (EG) and pure terephthalic acid (PTA). The
raw materials are esterified in a 2-stage reactor while the
final reaction step is done in our unique Zimmer Disc Ring
Reactor (DRR).
PET for packaging: You have a choice
We offer two processes for the production of PET for
packaging or film. Our global project experience enables us to
help you select the best option for your application.
Direct High Intrinsic (DHI) viscosity - a cost
Disc Ring Reactor effective process
Years of continuous improvement and development of
Technip Zimmer PET Technology the PET process has culminated in the DHI process which
for continuous polycondensation eliminates the Solid State Polycondensation step. We have
reduced the number of process steps, resulting in lower
process energy consumption, less capital investment, which directly
The most recognized, used and versatile polymer is produced translates to CAPEX and OPEX savings. The DHI process
with the Zimmer PET process based on raw materials pure increases yield and reduces cost for utilities.
terephthalic acid (PTA) and ethylene glycol (EG). Zimmer has During the dealdehydization (DAH) process operated under
designed the PET plant using a three- or four-reactor process. conditioned air, acetaldehyde is removed to lowest levels
below 1 ppm.
Proven technology
Technip Zimmers track record of working with PET The production plants are prepared for recycling PET flake
polycondensation plants stretches back more than 60 years. feed up to 30% and in turn, reducing potential contaminants
below the threshold of regulatory concern of the Food and
We build plants ranging from small batch facilities for Drug Administration (FDA).
specialty products to single-line
plants with capacities of up to
2000 tons of PET per day for
Spinning
Melt
Beams
Technip Zimmer 3-Stage Distribution
commodities. PET Polycondensation Process
for Direct Spinning or Chip Production
Efficient reactors: high
DIRECT SPINNING
reliability at a low cost
Strand Cutting
or Under
Our reactors are proven and PTA Water Cutting
ensure a long life time of the EG/Catalyst
Unit
plant with low maintenance. The
reactors are based on a standard
design which is adapted to client
specifications.
CHIP PRODUCTION
Paste Preparation Esterification Prepolycondensation Polycondensation
3-Reactor PET Polycondensation Process for Direct Spinning or Chip Production
Standard melt polycondensation HEADQUARTERS
Technip
Technip Zimmer
with Solid State Polycondensation Crystal-SSP 89 Avenue de la Grande Arme
for PET Bottle Grade 75773 Paris Cedex 16
(SSP) chip production France
Nitrogen Phone: +33 (0)1 47 78 24 00
The amorphous, medium viscosity produced Purification
chips are fed into the SSP plant. Under CONTACTS
Under Water Cutting
lifted temperature, resident time and under Bottle Grade PET melt Latent heat
crystalization
Technip Zimmer
nitrogen atmosphere, the viscosity increases. Process Technology
PET to Technip Zimmer GmbH
Storage
During the SSP process, acetaldehyde is Friesstrasse 20
60388 Frankfurt
removed and the nitrogen is purified and
Hot Nitrogen
AP Conveying
Germany
reused. The resulting resin is dried and can be
Conveying
Phone: +49 (0)69 667784 500
Crystal SSP for PET Bottle Grade Chip Production Email: technipzimmer@[Link]
easily filled in big bags or containers.
Technip Zimmer Research Center
Zimmer is well known for having decades of Direct Spinning for Filament and
Technip Zimmer GmbH
experience and a long track record with this Staple Fiber Gwinnerstrae 27-33
60388 Frankurt
dependable technology. To fully utilize the economics of big scale Germany
production, the PET melt is pumped directly Phone: +49 (0)69 667784 500
The latest, Crystal SSP process combines the Email: technipzimmer@[Link]
traditional PET melt production with the to the spinning system for filament or staple
latent heat under water cutting by producing fibre. Highlights of our spinning technology
crystallized chips. Crystal SSP plants omit include: [Link]
the crystallization process in SSP. The result nn Optimized melt pipe distribution system
is a very economical operating SSP process.
nn Bottom loading spin packs with quick
The Crystal SSP is suitable for revamping
connection
traditional SSP processes.
nn Self-sealing spin packs
nn Closed outside-to-inside quenching for
staple fiber
nn Special designed spin finish applicator.
Technip Zimmer 3-Stage
PET Polycondensation Process
with DHI (Direct High Intrinsic Viscosity)
for food grade packaging applications
(high throughput with double drive
Disc Ring Reactor) Under water cutting
Latent heat
crystalization
Air conditioning
EG/Catalyst
PET Chips
Paste Preparation Esterification Prepolycondensation Polycondensation Chip Production Dealdehydization
3-Reactor PET Polycondensation Process with DHI for Food Grade Packaging Applications
Technip Zimmer the last 60 years. This helped us to build an
outstanding track record of more than 800
Technip Zimmer Process Technology
plants.
provides technology, engineering, project
management and procurement services From our offices and lab in Frankfurt
for polyesters (PET, PBT, PTT, PBS) and Germany, we have access to Technips
polyamide (PA6, PA6.6) production plants. leading global engineering, procurement,
project management and construction
Focused on customer needs, our engineers
network. With close to 32,500 employees,
have enhanced our portfolio of well-
Technip operates in 45 countries around
proven technologies using our own
the world.
research and development facilities over
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This document is the property of Technip and is not intended to be a binding contractual
document. Any information contained herein shall not result in any binding obligation on
the part of Technip, or any of its affiliates, and is provided for information purposes only.
Technip Stone & Webster Process Technology Communications June 2015.
Photo credits: Technip.
