Propylene Fractionation
Our propylene fractionation and related activities consist primarily of two propylene fractionation plants located in Texas and Louisiana, approximately 680 miles of propylene pipeline systems and petrochemical marketing activities. These operations also include an export facility located on the Houston Ship Channel and associated above-ground polymer grade propylene storage spheres located in Seabrook, Texas.
In general, propylene fractionation plants separate refinery grade propylene (a mixture of propane and propylene) into either polymer grade or chemical grade propylene along with by-products of propane and mixed butane. Polymer grade and chemical grade propylene can also be produced as a by-product of ethylene production. The demand for polymer grade propylene primarily relates to the manufacture of polypropylene, which has a variety of end uses, including film packaging, fiber for carpets and upholstery and molded plastic parts for appliance, automotive, houseware and medical products. Chemical grade propylene is a basic petrochemical used in the manufacturing of plastics, synthetic fibers and foams.
| Description of Asset | Ownership Interest | Total Plant Capacity (MBPD) | Length (Miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
Propylene Fractionation Facilities |
|||
Mont Belvieu (six units) |
Various(1) |
87 |
|
BRPC |
30% (2) |
23 |
|
Total Capacity |
110 |
|
|
Petrochemical pipelines |
|||
Lou-Tex and Sabine Propylene |
100% (3) |
|
288 |
North Dean Pipeline System (TX) |
100% |
|
147 |
Texas City RGP Gathering System (TX) |
100% |
|
86 |
Others (6 systems) (4) |
Various (5) |
|
225 |
Total miles |
746 |
||
(1) Enterprise owns a 66.7% interest in three of the units which have an aggregate of 41 MBPD of total plant capacity. We own 100% of the remaining three units.
(2) Our interest in this facility is held indirectly through our equity method investment in Baton Rouge Propylene Concentrator LLC (“BRPC”).
(3) Reflects consolidated ownership of these pipelines by EPO (34%) and Duncan Energy Partners (66%).
(4) Includes our Texas City refinery grade propylene delivery system and Port Neches, LaPorte, Port Arthur and Bayport petrochemical pipelines.
(5) We own 100% of these pipelines with the exception of the 17-mile LaPorte pipeline, in which we hold an aggregate of 50% indirect interest through our equity method investments in LaPorte Pipeline Company LP and LaPorte Pipeline GP, LLC.