DESIGN OF PLANT FOR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION OF STYRENE

Abstract

Styrene is a key industrial compound extensively used in manufacturing plastics such as crystalline polystyrene, expandable polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile resins, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, styrene-butadiene latex, and unsaturated polyester resins, which play a critical role in sectors such as packaging, construction, automotive, and electronics. Its global demand is steadily increasing due to its adaptability, light weight, and cost-efficiency. This capstone project centers on designing a chemical plant capable of producing styrene on an industrial scale, with the goal of supplying roughly 25% of the projected demand within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) by 2027. The primary use of the resulting 99.7% pure styrene product is in the polystyrene production. The project encompasses the full development of the plant, from raw material feed to final product, focusing on the integration of both main and minor processing units to ensure continuous operation. Process simulation and optimization were performed using Aspen Plus, with particular attention given to economic viability, energy efficiency, and safety.