Clariant expands production of maleic anhydride catalysts in China
Published by Tom Mostyn,
Editorial Assistant
Hydrocarbon Engineering,
Clariant has announced it will significantly expand the capacity of its catalysts production facility in Panjin, Liaoning province, Northeast China. A double-digit CHF million investment will further optimise the existing facility and enable the creation of a new state-of-the-art production line for Clariant’s SynDane maleic anhydride (MA) catalyst.
“This investment supports Clariant’s strategy of focusing on its core high-value speciality businesses to intensify growth. Asia-Pacific, and especially China, is a main growth market and therefore it is vital that we continue to enhance our presence and customer proximity,” said Hans Bohnen, Clariant’s Chief Operating Officer.
The ambitious project will allow Clariant to enable its customers to meet the dynamically growing global demand for MA, as production is expected to jump from 1.75 million t in 2018 to 2.07 million t in 2022. MA is a fundamental component of polymers and coatings used in the construction, automotive, marine, and energy industries.
Stefan Heuser, Senior Vice President & General Manager Business Unit Catalysts at Clariant, commented on the development: “With a high-performance MA catalyst range and extensive R&D investment, Clariant is well positioned to support MA producers globally. The expansion of our catalyst production in Panjin will further strengthen our leading role in this market.”
Clariant’s SynDane catalysts are optimised for cost-efficient MA production via selective oxidation of n-butane in fixed-bed tubular reactors. Thanks to their innovative microstructure and chemical composition, they offer superior yield, selectivity and operating stability. This greatly reduces the formation of by-products (such as acrylic acid and acetic acid) as well as their downstream polymerisation, thus minimising downtime for equipment.
Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/27082019/clariant-expands-production-of-maleic-anhydride-catalysts-in-china/
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