Exxon Isoamylene Recovery Unit

Fluor performed detailed engineering, procurement and construction management for the Exxon proprietary process to produce isoamylene via etherification. The high purity (99%) isoamylene is used in the production of resins and agricultural products. The 25,000 ton per year plant displaced all competitors in North America and was the first plant constructed using this technology.

Fluor performed construction work on the Isoamylene Recovery Unit that included associated offsites, a remodeled control building and a separate new control building.

Client's Challenge

Exxon was investing in new, first-of-a kind technology and required the proven execution to design and build their first commercial Isoamylene Recovery Unit.

Fluor's Solution

Fluor has previous engineering, procurement and construction experience at Exxon's Baytown refinery, having worked on their 350,000-barrels-per-day expansion project and more recently the paraxylene expansion project in 1984.

Conclusion

The project was successfully turned over to the owner on September 19, 1986. During the eleven months of construction, over 207,700 field hours were achieved without a lost time incident or a recordable injury. With this exemplary performance, Exxon Chemical Americas awarded Fluor a Safety Recognition commemorating this achievement.