Wedoany.com Report-Dec.11, Clariant has confirmed the continued strong performance of its CATOFIN catalyst system at Ningxia Runfeng New Material Technology Co., Ltd.'s 300,000-tonne-per-year propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plant located in the Ningdong Energy and Chemical Industry Base, Yinchuan, Ningxia province.

The facility, which successfully commenced commercial operation in 2021 using CATOFIN technology licensed by Lummus Technology, has consistently demonstrated stable and reliable production. Following a planned maintenance turnaround, the unit restarted in August 2025 with a fresh charge of Clariant's tailor-made CATOFIN catalyst and heat-generating material (HGM). Since restart, the plant has operated smoothly, achieving excellent results across all key performance indicators.

Jace Wang, Global Vice President of Propylene, Business Unit Catalysts at Clariant, stated: "We are honored to once again provide Ningxia Runfeng with our innovative catalyst solutions. This outstanding achievement is not only a testament to the catalyst's superior quality, but also to the close collaboration between our teams—particularly the exceptional professionalism of Ningxia Runfeng's operations team."

A spokesperson from Ningxia Runfeng commented: "Clariant's CATOFIN catalyst fully meets our requirements for highly efficient and stable plant operations, helping us achieve superior process performance and stronger operational competitiveness. We look forward to achieving even greater results in the future."

The CATOFIN process integrates Lummus Technology's advanced dehydrogenation technology with Clariant's high-selectivity catalyst and HGM system to convert propane into propylene with industry-leading reliability and yield. The combination is recognised for delivering higher productivity, lower energy consumption, and improved daily operating margins.

As the first PDH project to start up in Northwest China, the Ningxia Runfeng plant represents a significant development for the region's petrochemical sector and serves as an important reference for diversified downstream processing in the Ningdong industrial base.

Since 2017, CATOFIN technology has been selected for 45 new PDH awards globally, representing more than 30 million tonnes of additional annual propylene capacity. The majority of these facilities are located in China, reflecting strong ongoing demand for on-purpose propylene production to support growing downstream derivatives industries.

The successful long-term operation and rapid restart performance at Ningxia Runfeng further validate the robustness of the CATOFIN catalyst system under commercial conditions, reinforcing its position as a preferred solution for propane dehydrogenation projects worldwide. Both companies expressed confidence in continued cooperation to maximise plant efficiency and support sustainable propylene supply.