Clariant’s catalyst chosen for Wanhua’s maleic anhydride plant

The Wanhua plant will be the first to use a new maleic anhydride production technology. Compared to the conventional technology, this improves production efficiency and reduces power consumption. The technology licensor Conser estimates a reduction in energy consumption of 2.5 – 3.0 MW/h of production at the Wanhua plant. Assuming 8000 hr of production per year, Wanhua’s annual energy savings will amount to 20 000 – 24 000 MWh.

Jace Wang, Head of Business Unit Catalysts at Clariant in China, commented: “Sustainability is a vital aspect of our company strategy, and we are proud to support Wanhua in this ambitious and important project with our innovative catalysts.”

Clariant’s SynDane is suitable for the new production technology. This was previously confirmed in successful performance testing with MAN DWE®. Moreover, SynDane further intensifies the production and energy efficiencies of the new process, providing its exceptionally low pressure drop. The catalyst’s special structure and chemical composition also increase the selectivity towards maleic anhydride and thus maximise product yield.

China is in the process of gradually eliminating the use of non-degradable plastics, which is expected to boost demand for biodegradable plastic. Maleic anhydride is an important base material for polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) biodegradable plastics. PBAT plastic offers similar properties to low-density polyethylene plastic. However, when buried in soil, it is completely decomposed by naturally occurring micro-organisms, leaving no toxic residues. PBS is another biodegradable plastic with a high degree of biodegradability.

A second catalyst was selected for the existing nitric acid plant in Ningbo: EnviCat N₂O-S, is designed for highly-effective purification of offgas containing nitrous oxide (N₂O), a powerful climate gas. Wanhua can expect up to 95% of N₂O emissions, to be converted into harmless oxygen and nitrogen. This is particularly important for the producer, as nitrous oxide is 300 times more harmful to the climate than carbon dioxide (CO₂). To help minimise the damaging effects of this greenhouse gas, Clariant launched a major campaign offering a free load of its EnviCat N₂O-S to 10 nitric acid producers worldwide, who will be able to reduce their N₂O emissions by more than 4 million tpy of CO₂ equivalent when using the catalyst.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/15072022/clariants-catalyst-chosen-for-wanhuas-maleic-anhydride-plant/