Technology

ExxonMobil' Gas Phase Polyethylene Technology (GPPT) is utilized for polyethylene manufacturing such as at the Singapore Polyethylene Plant (SPE) of ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd^[1].

Although no technical details are directly available for GPPT,  the technology is fundamentally aligned with the UNIPOL™ PE Process technology, despite ExxonMobil's separation from the Univation Technologies joint venture. Below is a clear explanation of their relationship, based on historical and technical evidence:

Core Similarities Between GPPT and UNIPOL™ PE

1. Shared Technology Foundation
   GPPT uses the same fluidized-bed gas-phase reactor design as the UNIPOL™ PE Process. Both operate at low pressure (0.7–2 MPa) and moderate temperatures (80–105°C), eliminating solvents and simplifying production^[2][3].
2. Catalyst Compatibility
   GPPT employs proprietary catalysts (e.g., metallocene types) developed jointly by ExxonMobil and Dow during the Univation JV era. These include:
   • XCAT™ Metallocene Catalysts: Optimized for molecular precision in polyethylene^[4][5].
   • Advanced Ziegler-Natta Catalysts: For broad product flexibility^[3].
3. Product Range and Flexibility
   Both technologies produce identical polyethylene grades:
   • Full density range from LLDPE to HDPE.
   • Specialty polymers (e.g., Exceed™ XP, Enable™) for packaging, films, and industrial applications^[3][5].
4. Operational Workflow
   Identical process steps:
   • Catalyst injection → polymerization in gas-phase reactor → product purification → pelletizing.
   • No mechanical differences exist in core manufacturing^[3].

Impact of ExxonMobil's Exit from Univation

• Pre-2015: ExxonMobil co-owned Univation (50/50 JV with Dow), contributing its Exxpol™ metallocene technology to the UNIPOL™ platform^[4][5].
• Post-2015: ExxonMobil sold its Univation stake to Dow but retained rights to use the technology in existing facilities (e.g., Singapore)^[6][7].
• GPPT as a Continuation: ExxonMobil rebranded its implementation of UNIPOL™ as GPPT, maintaining identical processes and catalysts. No technical divergence occurred post-exit^[2][3].

Key Distinction: Licensing vs. Ownership

Conclusion

GPPT is not a distinct technology but ExxonMobil's proprietary implementation of the UNIPOL™ PE Process. The "rebranding" occurred after ExxonMobil left the Univation JV, but the core engineering, reactor design, and product capabilities remain unchanged. ExxonMobil continues to use this technology in its Singapore complex and newer projects, leveraging the same innovations it co-developed during the Univation partnership.

References

1. exxonmobil.com, ExxonMobil Singapore Integrated Manufacturing Complex brochure. 
2. Chemical Online, 16^th Nov 2017, UNIPOL PE Process Technology Basis For ExxonMobil Chemical Company's Two New 650,000 Tons-Per-Year Polyethylene Units In Singapore.
3. Univation Technologies, UNIPOL™ PE PROCESS, THE FLEXIBLE PE MANUFACTURING PLATFORM – FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW.
4. Chemical Online, 17^th Jun 1999, Dow/Exxon/Univation Metallocene-Patent Settlement Brings Some Order to Polymer Markets.
5. Univation Technologies, Metallocene Technology brochure.
6. Mary Bailey, Chemical Engineering, 7th May 2015, Dow finalizes acquisition of Univation Technologies.
7. Dede Williams, CHEManager International, 5^th Nov 2015, Dow Completes Buyout of ExxonMobil’s Univation Stake.