Braskem, one of the largest polyolefins producers in the Americas and a global pioneer in industrial-scale biopolymer production, and Ardent Process Technologies have successfully concluded a joint development program for a next-generation olefin-paraffin separation technology. This milestone marks a major step toward enhancing polyolefin production efficiency and sustainability.
Successful Pilot of Optiperm™ Membrane Technology
Braskem and Ardent launched the collaboration in November 2020, focusing on developing and validating Ardent’s Optiperm™ membrane technology. They rigorously tested the technology at a dedicated demonstration unit installed within Braskem’s production facilities.
Over the course of the program, the technology met and exceeded key performance benchmarks, including:
*Membrane efficiency
*Operational stability
*Long-term durability
“The successful pilot program demonstrates the tremendous potential of this technology to revolutionize olefin-paraffin separation processes,” said Bill Charlton, COO of Ardent and project lead. “We are excited to move forward with Braskem toward full commercial deployment,” Charlton added.
Commercial Implementation Underway
Encouraged by the pilot’s strong results, Braskem has confirmed plans to integrate the Optiperm™ technology into its commercial operations. Engineering and design work are already in progress for the first commercial-scale installation.
“This technology represents a significant leap forward in our innovation and sustainability agenda,” said Gus Hutras, Global Process Technology Director at Braskem. “It aligns perfectly with our commitment to transforming the chemicals and plastics industry and achieving our long-term carbon neutrality goals. We are thrilled to bring this breakthrough to commercial reality,” Hutras added.
Driving Innovation and Sustainability in Polyolefins
Braskem adopts Ardent’s cutting-edge membrane technology to lead the way in delivering innovative, energy-efficient, and sustainable process solutions for the petrochemical industry. The Optiperm™ system will reduce energy consumption, enhance product purity, and support a more responsible and resource-efficient production model. According to the company press release, this milestone signals a new era in separation technology, driven by collaboration, cutting-edge science, and a shared commitment to industrial innovation.
