Basell’s Hostalen process can be used to produce unimodal or bimodal high density polyethylene (HDPE). The low-pressure, slurry phase continuous polymerization process consists of two stirred tank reactors. Hexane is used as a heavy diluent. The reactors are operated in parallel to produce unimodal products or in series (cascade) to produce polyethylene products with bimodal or broad molecular weight distribution. The Hostalen process can be used to produce specialty polymer grades such as bimodal HDPE for film applications, blow molding applications, and for PE 80 and PE 100 pipe resins. In this review, the process economics for Basell’s Hostalen process were evaluated. The evaluation was based on a single-line plant capacity of 350,000 mta of bimodal HDPE.
By Susan L. Bell
