Clariant says it has been awarded a major contract by Wanhua Chemical Group to supply catalysts for a new maleic anhydride plant, which reportedly will be one of the largest in the world. Designed to produce 200 kilotons of maleic anhydride annually, the plant will rely on Clariant’s SynDane catalyst for the production process, according to the company. The facility will be located in Yantai city, Shandong province, and is scheduled to commence operation in 2023. Also based in Yantai, Wanhua is one of the largest chemical producers in China and is among the top 30 chemical producers globally by 2020 sales, according to Clariant.
The Wanhua plant reportedly will be the first to use a new maleic anhydride production technology. Compared to the conventional technology, it improves production efficiency and reduces power consumption, according to Clariant. The technology licensor Conser estimates a reduction in energy consumption of 2.5 to 3.0 MW per hour of production at the Wanhua plant. Assuming 8,000 hours of production per year, Wanhua’s annual energy savings reportedly will amount to 20,000 to 24,000 MWh.
Clariant says SynDane is suitable for the new production technology and that this was previously confirmed in successful performance testing with MAN DWE. SynDane reportedly 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 maximize 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 residues1. PBS is another biodegradable plastic with a high degree of biodegradability.
Read the press release at: www.clariant.com
