Honeywell discovers one-step methane-to-ethylene process

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Honeywell International Inc. has discovered a one-step process to convert household natural gas into a plastics raw material, Bloomberg reported.

The technology could give Honeywell a steady profit stream from licensing the technique in the $150 billion plastics raw-material industry, the article stated.

The process would allow companies to make ethylene — the substance from which plastic and other materials are created — from methane.

Honeywell’s approach, proved in the laboratory by the company’s UOP petrochemical unit, won’t be marketable for several years. Honeywell is designing and seeking partners for a pilot plant.

“This will basically for the first time take natural gas and directly convert it to a chemical, not through a multistage process,” UOP Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Gautam said.