Rueil-Malmaison, France, 10 September 2026 — Following the license agreement signed between S-Oil and Axens in late 2024 for Axens’ Liquid Phase Xylene Isomerization (LPI) technology, the project has now reached Final Investment Decision. The unit, which is to be installed at S-Oil Aromatics Complex #1, is scheduled to start-up in Q2 2027.
Axens’ scope of work includes the technology license, process design package and technical services to support the project execution and start-up. By investing in Axens’ LPI technology, S-Oil continues to strengthen the performance and competitiveness of its petrochemicals operations. Through this LPI license contract, S-Oil and Axens aim to enhance overall aromatics complex performance with improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions. The project will help meet growing demand for paraxylene while contributing to improved energy efficiency of the petrochemicals industry.
Owned by ExxonMobil and licensed by Axens, LPI technology has been successfully implemented in several aromatics complexes worldwide, benefiting from continuous improvements in catalyst performance and process optimization.
By optimizing the balance between liquid-phase and vapor-phase isomerization units, the technology delivers substantial energy savings across the xylenes loop and contributes to improved complex economics.
Through our long-standing relationship with S-Oil, we are pleased to support the development of its aromatics assets with our Liquid Phase Isomerization technology. This project highlights the value of LPI in optimizing the xylenes loop through the efficient integration of liquid-phase and vapor-phase isomerization units. By improving overall aromatics complex efficiency, the technology enables significant energy savings while supporting stronger operational and economic performance.
This project represents an important milestone in S-Oil’s strategy to further strengthen its petrochemical competitiveness. We are confident that LPI technology will contribute to enhancing the performance and efficiency of our aromatics complex.
About Axens
Axens group (www.axens.net) provides a complete range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass to cleaner fuels, the production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates, the chemical recycling of plastics and all natural gas treatment and conversion options. The offer includes technologies, equipment, furnaces, modular units, catalysts, adsorbents and related services. Axens is also specialized in Carbon Capture. Axens is ideally positioned to cover the entire value chain, from feasibility study to unit start-up and follow-up throughout the entire unit life cycle. This unique position ensures the highest level of performance with a reduced environmental footprint. Axens global offer is based on highly trained human resources, modern production facilities and an extended global network for industrial, technical supports & commercial services. Axens is an IFP Group company.
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