Before I start talking about what is PTA, let me give an introduction to the company responsible for producing this PTA.
BP Chemicals Malaysia (BPCM) is a BP company, which is one of the world's largest energy companies with well established operations in the UK and other parts of the world. The plant in Kuantan produce Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA), a prefered raw material for polyester. The plant is in Gebeng Industrial Estate cost RM1.2 billion to build and equip.
What is PTA?
PTA is the short form for Purified Terephthalic Acid. It was developed by BP scientists in the US. This white crystaline powder is very important because it is used to make polyester. Polyester is in great demand all over the world. It can be used to make many kinds of things, like textiles, video and audio tapes, film and soft drink bottles. It is even used to make bulletproof vests.
How is it made?
PTA is made from para-xylene (I don't even know what the HELL is this thing), which is a petroleum by-product. The process to convert para-xylene to PTA is complex. However, BP scientiest and engineers have developed high technology equipment to produce PTA efficiently. They are very well-known for designing the most advanced equipment which is used in PTA production all over the world.
That's about it on PTA. Any question? Don't ask me OK!
This is how PTA looks like.
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