The 130,000-MTA SM plant of Kaucuk a.s. in the Czech Republic was expanded to 170,000 MTA
with the addition of a SMART reactor. The capacity of the 60,000-MTA plant of Beijing Yanshan
Petrochemical Corporation (BYPC) similarly was increased to 84,000 MTA. Due to the simplicity of
the plant modifications, both projects were completed within 12 months from project award.
PROCESS CHEMISTRY
The major reaction in the “classic” styrene (SM) process is the dehydrogenation of EB to SM and
hydrogen (H2). Side reactions produce benzene and toluene and some light compounds. The reactions
are represented in Fig. 11.1.1