Honeywell Process Solutions has announced that it will supply a new integrated control and safety system for Qatar Fuel Additives Company (Qafac)’s  Mesaieed Industrial City plant, 50 km south of Doha. The upgrade will help the plant reduce operating costs and improve efficiencies as it increases production of methanol and MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), a key gasoline additive that reduces tailpipe emissions.

Honeywell said its integrated control and safety solution, including a new fire and gas system, will improve automation at the plant, increase cyber security and enhance operator effectiveness. Qafac will also benefit from ongoing long-term services through Honeywell’s lifecycle support.

Qafac, a joint venture between state-backed Industries Qatar, OPIC Middle East, LCY and IOL, plans to become one of the top five international producers of methanol and butane derivatives by 2020. It is also planning to commission an $80 million carbon dioxide recovery project this year to capture 500 tonnes of CO2 a day for re-injection into the production cycle.

When added to gasoline, MTBE enhances octane levels to reduce engine knocking. It also helps the gasoline burn more completely, which reduces tailpipe emissions and helps to meet Euro 5 standards. Qafac produces MTBE using process technology licensed from UOP, a Honeywell company that is a leading developer of technology, catalysts, adsorbents, equipment, and consulting services to the petroleum refining, petrochemical, and gas processing industries.

“This project will help us meet growing demand for methanol, MTBE and clean fuels efficiently, while achieving the highest levels of safety and environmental performance at our site,” said Nasser Al Kuwari, Qafac general manager.

The solution includes Honeywell’s Experion PKS distributed control system, Honeywell’s Safety Manager and its XLS fire detection systems.

“Honeywell’s technology offers a truly integrated control and safety system that will improve operational effectiveness, as well as providing cost-saving features and applications for improved process performance,” said Mansour Al Belhadj, Middle East sales director for Honeywell Process Solutions.

Work under the multimillion-dollar contract has already begun and is due for completion this year.

Qafac commenced operations in 1999. The company was set up as an outcome of Qatar’s strategic plan to diversify its petrochemical base and expand its downstream industries. It aims to optimise the utilisation of the country’s vast hydrocarbon resources through producing and exporting methanol and MTBE

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Honeywell Process Solutions is a pioneer in automation control, instrumentation and services for the oil and gas; refining; pulp and paper; industrial power generation; chemicals and petrochemicals; biofuels; life sciences; and metals, minerals and mining industries. Process Solutions is part of Honeywell’s Performance Materials and Technologies strategic business group, which also includes UOP, a leading international supplier and licensor of process technology, catalysts, adsorbents, equipment, and consulting services to the petroleum refining, petrochemical, and gas processing industries.

Honeywell is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials.

Based in Morris Township, NJ (US), Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London and Chicago Stock Exchanges.