The opening ceremony for the upgraded polypropylene and polyethylene production facility was attended by Sergey Zhvachkin, Governor of the Tomsk Region, Kirill Molodtsov, Deputy Minister of Energy, Leonid Mikhelson, Chairman of SIBUR’s Board of Directors, Dmitry Konov, Chairman of SIBUR's Management Board, and other representatives of the Company's management.

In 2012, Tomskneftekhim embarked on the major upgrade of its polymer production capacities launched back in the 1980–1990s. The government-supported project was implemented under an investment agreement with the Tomsk Region's authorities, Overall project investments exceeded RUB 10 bn net of VAT.

Polypropylene production at the Tomsk site

They included a 72% upgrade of the site's two core lines producing polypropylene and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Engagement of the NIOST, SIBUR's R&D centre, in the renovation process helped improve the existing LDPE and polypropylene grades and significantly expand the polymer offering. On top of that, the aggregate LDPE and polypropylene production capacities increased by 9.3% (from 130 to 140 ktpa and from 245 to 270 ktpa, respectively).

Overall, some 219 domestic equipment and materials suppliers and contractors contributed to the upgrade, including 55 suppliers and contractors from the Tomsk Region. The project involved the installation of 3,373 tonnes of metal structures, the use of 10,406 cu m of concrete, and the routing of 1,020,166 meters.

In addition, 226 Tomskneftekhim employees were further trained to be able to operate the high-tech equipment installed during the upgrade.

Sergey Zhvachkin, the Tomsk Region’s Governor, said: “This investment project has hit two targets: it has increased the quality of the products and also determined the future of the entire petrochemical cluster of the Tomsk Region, with Tomskneftekhim at its heart".

Dmitry Konov, Chairman of SIBUR's Management Board, commented: “The key objective of the major upgrade at Tomskneftekhim (as supported by the Government of the Tomsk Region) is to improve the quality of our existing products and launch new ones. As a result, we will be able to substitute a significant amount of imported polymers used by Russian companies in the utilities, road construction, packaging and consumer goods production.”

As part of the opening ceremony, Kirill Molodtsov, Deputy Minister of Energy, gave Mikhail Karisalov and Vladimir Razumov government awards for their contributions in the development of the industry. Mikhail Karisalov was awarded with a Letter of Acknowledgement from the President of the Russian Federation “for the labour accomplishments, active public posture and persistent dedicated work”. Vladimir Razumov received a Medal of the Order of Service to the Motherland of the 2nd Class “for the labour accomplishments and persistent dedicated work”.

“I am pleased to be given this prestigious award here, at the Tomsk site,” said Vladimir Razumov. “I have known quite a lot of people here for several dozen years. We have faced quite a number of challenges, including the year 2007, but now we can see the results of our efforts. This is our common cause. And I am extending my congratulations to everyone. Let’s keep working even better.”

Vladimir Razumov received a Medal of the Order of Service to the Motherland of the 2nd Class

Sergey Tutov

Head of Product Marketing and Development at SIBUR’s Basic Polymers Division

---

As a result of the upgrade of the Tomsk polyethylene site, Russian consumers can now enjoy not only products of a better quality but also three new product grades aimed at catering for SIBUR’s Clients’ current and future needs in the packaging segment:

PE LD20220 FE is a modern version of the 15803-020 grade with improved properties. A higher density of the material is intended to improve the optical, physical and mechanical properties of the end products.

PE LD08220 FE is a new product that expands the range of grades for film extrusion. The product offers an optimal combination of density and melt fluidity for usage in thin films, especially in combinations with linear polyethylene.

PE LD80210 EC is a new product for extrusion coatings, lamination and casting. This solution targets primarily cardboard-based aseptic packaging; however, it can be used quite as successfully in production of multi-layered films, cast products and various compounds.

It is planned to produce both the basic grades (PE LD03210 FE, PE LD20190 FE) and new ones with a selection of additives that should expedite their processing and reduce the cost of end products thanks to the use of a comprehensive solution.

Currently, our key focus is on the two modifications used in production of these five grades. First of all, this is a modification with an antioxidant and a processing additive as well as a solution with an antioxidant and slip and anti-block additives. Going forward, we plan to offer new modifications of the product to respond to the fast-changing trends and meet the requirements of the processing companies in the Russian market.

Download PDF