Acrylonitrile Production Unit

The Acrylonitrile Production Unit is a key facility in modern petrochemical complexes, producing acrylonitrile as a high-value intermediate for acrylic fibers, ABS resins, nitrile rubber, and specialty chemicals. The primary objective of an acrylonitrile unit is to convert propylene into high-purity acrylonitrile with stable operation, high on-stream availability, and optimized production economics. Commercial acrylonitrile plants are designed for continuous operation, long campaign lengths, and strict compliance with environmental and product quality requirements. These units are typically integrated with downstream polymer and chemical production facilities and are based on proven, licensed industrial technologies.

Production Process Overview

Ammoxidation of Propylene

Acrylonitrile is produced through the catalytic ammoxidation of propylene in the presence of ammonia and air. The reaction takes place in a fluidized-bed reactor, allowing excellent heat transfer and stable catalyst performance.

Key commercial features:

  • High propylene conversion efficiency
  • Continuous operation with excellent temperature control
  • Co-production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and acetonitrile
  • Proven and scalable industrial technology

This process is widely adopted due to its reliability, flexibility, and competitive operating costs.

Licensed Technologies and Process Providers

Acrylonitrile production is based on established licensed technologies supplied by globally recognized licensors.

Major technology providers include:

  • INEOS Nitriles
  • Asahi Kasei
  • Sinopec Engineering (SEI)
  • KBR
  • Technip Energies

These licensors provide complete process packages covering reactor design, catalyst systems, separation sections, and environmental control systems.

Catalysts

Catalysts are critical for achieving high selectivity, long operating cycles, and stable reactor performance in acrylonitrile units.

Common catalyst systems:

  • Metal oxide catalysts for fluidized-bed reactors
  • Promoted formulations for improved selectivity and yield

Leading global catalyst suppliers:

  • BASF
  • Johnson Matthey
  • Evonik
  • Sinopec Catalyst Company
  • Albemarle

OGSCM Group supports acrylonitrile producers by sourcing and supplying licensor-approved catalysts with full technical documentation and logistics coordination.

Chemicals

Feedstock and Process Chemicals

Acrylonitrile production units require consistent and reliable supply of feedstock and auxiliary chemicals to maintain stable operation.

Key chemicals include:

  • Propylene (C₃H₆) – primary hydrocarbon feedstock
  • Ammonia (NH₃) – nitrogen source for ammoxidation
  • Air / Oxygen – oxidant for the reaction
  • Caustic Soda (NaOH) – neutralization and purification
  • Process Water / Demineralized Water – absorption and washing

Standard Industrial Packaging and Supply Modes:

  • Bulk pipeline or tank storage (propylene, ammonia)
  • ISO tanks and road tankers
  • IBC containers (1,000 L)
  • Steel drums (200–220 L)

OGSCM Group supplies acrylonitrile process chemicals in approved industrial packaging formats, ensuring safe handling, regulatory compliance, and uninterrupted plant operation.

Major Global Chemical Brands

Chemicals and auxiliaries used in acrylonitrile units are typically sourced from internationally recognized manufacturers.

Key global brands include:

  • BASF
  • SABIC
  • INEOS
  • Linde
  • Air Liquide
  • Sinopec

OGSCM Group collaborates with approved global suppliers to deliver consistent quality, competitive commercial terms, and full technical documentation.

Main Equipment

Reactors and Process Vessels

The fluidized-bed reactor is the core equipment of an acrylonitrile production unit, supported by absorbers, strippers, and purification columns.

Well-known manufacturers and suppliers:

  • L&T Heavy Engineering
  • Doosan Enerbility
  • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)
  • Technip-approved fabricators
  • Sinopec-approved manufacturers

OGSCM provides sourcing and supply solutions for acrylonitrile reactors, separation columns, process vessels, and associated internals and mechanical components.

Heat Exchangers and Cooling Systems

Heat exchangers are essential for reaction heat recovery, cooling, and condensation across the unit.

Leading suppliers include:

  • Alfa Laval
  • Kelvion
  • API Heat Transfer
  • Hisaka
  • Tranter

OGSCM Group supplies heat exchangers and critical spare parts suitable for acrylonitrile service.

Instrumentation

Reliable instrumentation is essential for safe and efficient acrylonitrile plant operation.

Major brands:

  • Emerson
  • Yokogawa
  • Honeywell
  • Endress+Hauser
  • ABB
TagFull NameFunction
PTPressure TransmitterReactor pressure monitoring
TTTemperature TransmitterReactor temperature control
FTFlow TransmitterFeedstock flow control
LTLevel TransmitterColumn level management
ATAnalyzer TransmitterProduct purity monitoring

Valves

Valves used in acrylonitrile units must be suitable for corrosive and high-temperature service.

Major manufacturers:

  • Emerson (Fisher, Vanessa)
  • Cameron (SLB)
  • Flowserve
  • L&T Valves
  • Kitz
  • Neway

OGSCM Group offers comprehensive procurement solutions for control, isolation, and safety valves required in acrylonitrile production units.