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Kawasaki Caribe Corporation Isoprene Extraction Plant

Historic Project: Groundbreaking Work From Earlier in Fluor’s History

Client: Kawasaki Caribe Corporation

Location: Guayanilla, Puerto Rico


Business Segment: Energy Solutions

Industry: Chemicals

Map showing the location of Kawasaki Caribe Corporation Isoprene Extraction Plant

Executive Summary


Kawasaki Caribe Corporation awarded Fluor Caribe the construction of a greenfield isoprene extraction plant to be built in Guayanilla in Puerto Rico. The isoprene product produced was a major component of butyl rubber, which is used in the production of tires.

Client's Challenge


The project scope was complex in its geographical partner locations. The management required close coordination as a local Puerto Rican firm was responsible for the civil engineering, all equipment purchases were handled by Mitsubishi Corporation, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries and the process involved technology from Nippon Zeon Corporation.

Fluor's Solution


The construction effort on the Guayanilla site required over 700 personnel at its peak and a 60-member Houston-based engineering task force.

Conclusion


The Kawasaki Isoprene Extraction plant was successfully completed in 22 months from contract signing and went into operation in August 1975.