Raw Materials

• Two major raw materials used for polyester production

PTA ( Pure Terephthalic Acid)

MEG ( Mono Ethylene Glycol)

PTA
PTA is an organic compound, with oxalic group attached on each side of the benzene ring.

Physical appearance
PTA is physically a fine white powder

Chemical formula of PTA

C8H6O4

Properties
Color White

Physical form Powdered

Particle size 70-140 microns

Impurities (in ppm) Acetic acid, Mo, Cr, Ni, Fe, Ti, Mn, Co

Molecular Weight 166.14 AMU

Melting point 427°C

Boiling point Decomposes

pH 2.16

Production
PTA is basically produced by the oxidation of p-xylene in air by the following reaction

Transportation
PTA is transported in two forms

i. Bags
Each bags weighs 1.1 Tons
 ii. Containers
Each container has 22 Tons PTA

Comes from
PTA comes from two brands.

1. Lotte, Karachi

2. Siam Mitsui, Thailand

PTA From Lotte, Karachi.

 PTA IFL gets from Lotte comes in bags.

 PTA from this brand is comparatively preferable because it causes less tripping or no tripping at all.

PTA From Siam Mitsui, Thailand.

 PTA imported from Siam comes in containers.

 PTA from this brand causes tripping when treated for IFL-3.

PTA Bags Charging

PTA bags are stacked in order. For the charging of PTA bag, it is placed near the bag charging area with the help
lifters. The bag is lifted on the charging pan. The helper first lifts it up and then moves it towards the charging pan.
It takes almost 50 seconds to place the bag in the charging pan. After placing the bag in the pan, blue colored ribbon
is opened. Then worker adjusts the opening for smooth flow of PTA and loading of PTA begins in the feed. It takes
almost 3.5 min to 4.5 min to charge a bag in the chute. Charging is the phenomenon of transporting PTA from the
shooters to the main storage silo.
PTA container charging
Container from the container is lifted with the help of crane having 25 ton capacity. Two cranes are being used for
lifting. Angle to the lifting station is provided between 0° and 45°. When pressure on the Pressure indicator becomes
0 at 45 angles, it means that there is no more PTA in the container. So the total time required for the charging of
container is one hour. Nitrogen is also present already in the container. So in same way PTA from container move to
storage silo

Vibrating screens
The purpose of vibrating screens is to pass the PTA particles and protect it from unwanted particles which later
collected in dust bags

Silos
In silo PTA is entered from the top and nitrogen is entered from the bottom. PTA then falls where again nitrogen is
used to flow PTA and move it to day silo.

Amount of silos
1 silo for IFL-1

2 for IFL-2

2 for IFL-3

Conveying of PTA
From the storage yard, PTA bags or containers are charged on charging station. Then compressed line of nitrogen is
used to charge it to main silos and then it is conveyed to Day silo. From where PTA is taken continuously for
process.

Why only nitrogen is used for conveying

PTA is an explosive material it is necessary to use material which does not react with it and cause combustion.
Nitrogen is not combustible gas that is why it is used.

COMPRESSOR
Compressor are used to increase pressure of nitrogen. Compressor used in this section are of single stage screw type.

Uses of PTA
 PTA is used to 

Manufacture polyester coatings resins 

In the formulation of metal, appliance, automotive, industrial maintenance, and coil coatings. 

In audio and video recording tapes, data storage tapes, photographic films, labels and other sheet material.

In fabrication of powder and water-soluble coatings.

In Pharmaceutical industry.

HSE related to PTA

PTA wastewater is extremely toxic at concentrations higher than 1000 mg/L

It can irritate the nose, throat and lungs cause coughing wheezing and shortness of breath.

Contact can irritate the skin and eyes.

Repeated exposure to PTA may affect the kidneys

So store in tightly closed containers in cool and ventilated area. use dry chemical, H2O spray, and CO2, alcohol or
polymer foam extinguisher. Wear protective equipments like gloves , goggles , closed shoes ,apron etc
Precautions
Wear mask to avoid inhalation of PTA.

Wear gloves to avoid the contact of PTA with skin.

Wear safety shoes

Ensure that the charging process take place with minimal contact of air with PTA to avoid any combustion

Handle the bags with safety.

MEG
Ethylene glycol is an organic compound It is mainly used for two purposes, as a raw material in the manufacture of
polyester fibers.

Physical appearance
It is an odorless, colorless, sweet-tasting, viscous liquid.

Chemical formula

(CH₂OH)₂
Properties
Boiling point  197 °C
Molar mass 62.07 g/mol
IUPAC name  Ethane-1,2-diol
Density 1.11 g/cm³
Melting point  -12.9 °C

Transportation
• MEG is transported to plant through tankers. Each tanker has two chamber with capacity of 20 Tons each.
Transferred to Polymer Building with help of centrifugal pumps. MEG is stored in Main Storage Tanks

Unloading
 Tanker ball valve butterfly valve strainer centrifugal pumps
strainer discharge valve flowmeter storage tank pump
go to process

Comes from
MEG come from two countries

. 1. Saudi Arabia.

2. Kuwait

Uses
 MEG is a vital ingredient for the production of polyester fibres, film, PET, resins and engine coolants.
 And used in engine coolants and antifreeze.

HSE related to MEG

Breathing in vapor can result in headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and possible nausea.
Skin irritation
Serious eye damage
So If skin contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with water. In case of eye contamination it is
a sensible precaution to seek medical advice

Precautions
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
Wear protective equipments.