S-Oil and Axens have reached Final Investment Decision (FID) on a new Liquid Phase Xylene Isomerisation (LPI) unit at S-Oil’s Aromatics Complex #1, following their licence agreement signed in late 2024.

 Start-up is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.

Axens will provide the technology licence, process design package and technical services for project execution and start-up.

The investment is expected to strengthen S-Oil’s petrochemical operations by improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions and supporting growing demand for paraxylene.

Axens’ LPI technology, owned by ExxonMobil, has been deployed at several aromatics complexes worldwide.

By optimising liquid- and vapour-phase isomerisation, the technology can deliver energy savings across the xylenes loop while improving overall complex economics.

"Through our long-standing relationship with S-Oil, we are pleased to support the development of its aromatics assets with our Liquid Phase Isomerisation technology. This project highlights the value of LPI in optimising the xylenes loop through the efficient integration of liquid-phase and vapour-phase isomerisation units. By improving overall aromatics complex efficiency, the technology enables significant energy savings while supporting stronger operational and economic performance," Luc WOLFF Vice-President Petrochemistry Product Line at Axens.

"This project represents an important milestone in S-Oil's strategy to further strengthen its petrochemical competitiveness. We are confident that LPI technology will contribute to enhancing the performance and efficiency of our aromatics complex," added Jungmin Seo Vice-President CDU/LUBE/ARO Plant at S-Oil.  -OGN/TradeArabia News Service