SHELL PLANS MTBE UNITS

Shell Oil Co. plans to build three methyl tertiary butyl ether plants in the U.S. Start-up of the three plants, with a combined capacity of 15,000 b/d, is expected by late 1993. The MTBE plant construction program, including ancillary facilities, will begin in early 1992 at Shell's refining complexes at Deer Park, Tex., and Norco, La. The site of the third plant remains under consideration. Shell didn't disclose capital costs of the program.

Dec. 16, 1991

Shell Oil Co. plans to build three methyl tertiary butyl ether plants in the U.S.

Start-up of the three plants, with a combined capacity of 15,000 b/d, is expected by late 1993.

The MTBE plant construction program, including ancillary facilities, will begin in early 1992 at Shell's refining complexes at Deer Park, Tex., and Norco, La.

The site of the third plant remains under consideration. Shell didn't disclose capital costs of the program.

Shell, which markets an MTBE blend unleaded premium gasoline, SU 2000E, in Washington, D.C., and the nine metropolitan areas identified as having the worst air quality problems in the U.S., said the new units will insure long term supply of MTBE for a significant portion of its oxygenate needs.

The Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 also require higher oxygen levels in gasoline by fall 1992 for about 40 major U.S. metropolitan carbon monoxide nonattainment areas. Shell Refining & Marketing Co. Pres. Steven L. Miller said, "Additional investments to enhance our competitive position by upgrading our clean fuels manufacturing capabilities will be announced in the future."