The Urethane Blog

Huntsman Builds MDI Splitter in Europe

Huntsman celebrates as “Keystone“ splitter joins growth strategy

The decision to build one of the world’s largest splitters, at its site in Rozenburg, the Netherlands, will allow Huntsman Polyurethanes to become more flexible and cost competitive as a supplier of MDI products to the European polyurethane industry. The project – named Keystone, for obvious reasons – is a critical link between crude MDI and downstream applications using derivatives.

Opening ceremony for Huntsman's new “Keystone“ MDI splitter

The Huntsman family, associates, customers, suppliers, and local dignitaries, including those from the Dutch government, Rotterdam Investment Agency, and the Port of Rotterdam recently celebrated the opening of the company’s new MDI splitter. The MDI splitter is an integral part of a current investment project worth USD 350 million (~ EUR 315 million) at sites in the Netherlands and Geismar, LA ,USA.

Peter R. Huntsman, President and CEO of Huntsman Corporation

Peter R. Huntsman, President and CEO of Huntsman Corporation, congratulated the Board of Management for its foresight and vision in approving the investment 18 months earlier, in spite of being in the midst of an economic downturn.

With partners Forefront (USA) and Taborin (NL) the new splitter became operational by March this year, just in time to cover a gap in the supply chain caused by a maintenance shutdown on the existing splitter. In addition, a fourth melt crystallisation plant will be constructed this year, adding further to the site’s MDI processing capability.

The new “keystone” MDI splitter at the Rozenburg, the Netherlands, site

Peter Huntsman also thanked the local authorities for their encouragement and support with the investment, since unlike many areas of the world including China, India, and Brazil, Huntsman had found a level playing field in Rotterdam on which it could compete without risking technology losses, higher taxes, and subsidised labour.

He also explained that the expertise of the Huntsman associates at this site had made it possible to undertake such a project with the certain knowledge that the products would be excellent. Huntsman is one of some 1,600 US companies invested in Rotterdam.

Anthony P. Hankins, CEO Asia Pacific and President Huntsman Polyurethanes

“This investment provides flexibility, an increase in quality and versatility. Its allows us to benefit from excellent knowledge of MDI chemistry amongst our staff while being able to use the lowest cost crude MDI from any of the three Huntsman sites globally,” explained Anthony P. Hankins, CEO Asia Pacific and President Huntsman Polyurethanes. The products produced by the splitter can then be fed into the derivatives unit to produce value-added MDI products to the systems business.

“The investment will allow us to supply our customers with material that is of sufficient quality to meet future environmental standards for the next ten years,” stated Nick Webster, Vice President, Europe, Huntsman Polyurethanes, referring to the step change in product quality and reduction in VOCs.

A personal affair

Jon M. Huntsman, Snr. and four of his 56 grandchildren

Jon M. Huntsman, Snr., Founder and Executive Chairman of Huntsman Corporation, also spoke during the opening ceremony and was joined at the podium by four of his 56 grandchildren. His personal fight against cancer continues as do his charitable donations to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. His fight against cancer had also inspired a team of workers from the Rozenburg site to cycle up Alpe D’Huez six times in a day for a cancer charity. The team leader presented Jon Huntsman, Snr. with a signed team shirt.

Force majeure should end soon

As far as current supplies are concerned, Huntsman is still operating two Force Majeures, but Webster hopes to lift the one on standard PMDI grade by the end of June and the one on diiso’ and derivatives by mid-July 2013. Huntsman is considered by some to have been fortunate to have had to enforce Force Majeure at a time of slow demand, so that the impact on customers has been reduced.

http://www.gupta-verlag.com/polyurethanes/news/industry/13100/Huntsman-celebrates-as-Keystone-splitter-joins-growth-strategy

Sika Acquisition

Sika acquires UK manufacturer of adhesives and sealants

Updated: 2013-06-18 08:46 Source: PUWORLD share:

Adhesive and sealant manufacturer Sika A.G. has acquired Everbuild Building Products Ltd., which it says is England's largest independent manufacturer of sealants, adhesives and construction chemicals.

Leeds, England-based Everbuild makes adhesives and sealants, including those from polyurethane, and has annual sales of more than $97.5 million. With a work force of 270, the company runs a manufacturing facility for the full range of construction chemical products with laboratories and a logistic hub.

Everbuild will operate as a subsidiary of Welwyn Garden City-based Sika and will be led by the existing management team. Founder David Seymour will stay with the company and ensure a smooth transition.

"With Sika we have the possibility to further grow our business and to benefit from the broad R&D capabilities for further product innovation," Seymour said in a statement.

The acquisition will strengthen Sika's position in the construction chemical market and in the professional distribution and do-it-yourself channels. "We are very proud to welcome the successful team of Everbuild in the Sika family. The acquisition will give us a strong position in the (United Kingdom) distribution market and offers considerable potential to further leverage Everbuild's sales channels with Sika's product range," said Sika CEO Jan Jenisch.

http://en.puworld.com/html/20130618/394672840.html

Tosoh Shuts Down EDA Line

Tosoh to Shut Down Ethyleneamine Line – Focus on High Amines and Improved Profitability

Updated: 2013-06-18 16:41 Source: PUWORLD share:

Tokyo, Japan-Tosoh Corporation has chosen to shut down one of its Nanyo Complex's three ethyleneamine production lines in Yamaguchi, Japan. The recent construction of ethyleneamine plants has disrupted the ethyleneamine supply-demand balance, softened amine markets, and decreased profitability. Global demand for amines is expected to grow annually, but conditions are such that the largest amines market, for ethylenediamine (EDA), will remain oversupplied for some time to come. Reduced profitability for EDA and poor market conditions generally are behind the shutdown.

Focus on High Amines and Improved Profitability

Tosoh is shutting down its oldest ethyleneamine production line. That line began operations in 1967 and has an annual capacity of 18,000 metric tons, the largest percentage of which is the low-profitability low amine EDA. The old line will permanently cease operating in August 2013.

Tosoh's two remaining lines together provide the company with an annual ethyleneamine production capacity of 71,000 metric tons. Specifically, the two lines yield a higher percentage of high amines than the old line slated for termination. They are thus better aligned with Tosoh as an EDC process-based supplier to focus strategically on the production and sale of high amines while also making efforts to cut costs and improve the profitability of ethyleneamines overall. 

Ethyleneamines are commonly used as building blocks in the chemical synthesis of products with value-added features. They and their derivatives are widely used in epoxy hardeners, wet-strength resins for paper, chelates, pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates, and other industrial chemicals. 

EDA and similar grades have low molecular weights and are called low amines, while high molecular weight amines, such as diethylenetriamine (DETA) and triethylenetetramine (TETA) are called high amines. Among those of Tosoh's high amine products popular in Japan and overseas are triethylenediamine (TEDA) and Toyocat catalysts for polyurethane production. To stay ahead of the competition, Tosoh seeks to maintain strong or dominant positions in selective markets by continually shifting toward more competitive and profitable high-grade products.

http://en.puworld.com/html/20130618/394672961.html

Mattress Sales Strong at Walmart

Heard during Wal-Mart's (WMT +0.4%) presentation at the Jefferies Global Consumer Conference: 1)...

• Tuesday, June 18, 11:16 AM ET
  Heard during Wal-Mart's (WMT+0.4%) presentation at the Jefferies Global Consumer Conference: 1) Sam's Club CFO Michael Dastugue notes online channels are picking up as the chain dabbles with more social media promotions. 2) On products trending well, Dastugue notes mattress sales are strong. Should Sealy (ZZ) and Tempur-Pedic (TPX) be worried with Serta and Night Therapy leading sellers at Sam's? 3) The company plans to open 15-20 new and relocated clubs during FY14. 4) New tech initiatives include self checkout kiosks, convertible registers, and scan & go testing. (webcast)

http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1091042

Slovenian Foamer Sold

Slovenia's polyurethane foam maker TKK sold to Belgian Soudal Holding

Invest in Slovenia - 18.06.2013

The Abanka bank and construction materials company Salonit Anhovo sold their combined 92.5% stake in polyurethane foam maker TKK Srpenica to Belgian company Soudal Holding NV in Monday's auction in Bovec, Abanka told the STA.

Abanka sold a 62.3% stake in TKK, which is based in Srpenica in western Slovenia, which it seized from the Church-owned Zvon ena and Zvona dva holdings, which are in receivership. Salonit Anhovo sold its 30.2% stake.

http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=176816

Evonik Opens Asian Tech Center

Evonik’s Comfort & Insulation business opens Technical Service Center in Singapore

Evonik’s Comfort & Insulation business line has inaugurated a new Technical Service Center in Singapore, its fifth operating laboratory to date and the second in Asia. Catering for the region, the new facility will also host a Know-How and Training Center.

“Opening this Technical Service Center represents a milestone in our regional strategy of becoming preferred cooperation partner by ensuring a greater coverage of our trustworthy partnership and technical expertise on the Asian market”, said Dr. Tammo Boinowitz, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Evonik's Comfort & Insulation business.

“With the official opening of the Technical Service Center, Comfort & Insulation opens a new chapter of our polyurethane business in this region. This center enables us to expand our competitive edge as well as acquire a more sustainable market share and profitable business via our value selling approach,” said Kim Leng Goh, regional business manager of Comfort & Insulation.

The new lab will strengthen the Comfort & Insulation business in this growth region by offering consultative support and reinforcing customer relations. To increase the response time, understanding of regional needs, and local trouble-shooting of technical problems, Singapore has been chosen as the regional hub. In addition, Singapore offers access to a highly educated work force in the region and is in ideal proximity to customers’ facilities.

Beside the new Technical Service Center in Singapore, which supports application development, Comfort & Insulation has been successfully producing polyurethane additives for over ten years at the Shanghai-Xinzhuang Site in China. According to Evonik, this underlines the philosophy of continued innovation and improvement that the business line espouses for its future global polyurethane additive business.

http://www.gupta-verlag.com/polyurethanes/news/industry/13068/Evonik-s-Comfort-Insulation-business-opens-Technical-Service-Center-in-Singapore

BASF Recognized by Ford

Wyandotte Business Gets Top Certification from Ford Motor Company

One Wyandotte business recently earned a Q1 certification from Ford Motor Company for quality.

Posted by Nate Stemen (Editor), June 14, 2013 at 03:47 pm

Comment Recommend

Daniel Dickson, Thomas St. Henry, David Grimes, Jim Miller, Veronica Braker, Saddat Hameed, Norman Kreuzer and Greg Pflum.

Wyandotte's own BASF was recognized by Ford Motor Company on June 6.

The BASF Wyandotte Cellasto plant was named a preferred supplier and given a Q1 certification for quality, delivery and ongoing implementation of an effective quality system.

"The Q1 certification is the highest commendation Ford gives to its deserving suppliers," said Marika Diamond, public relations representative for the BASF Corporation.

Representatives from Ford visited BASF to present a plaque and a Q1 flag to employees. The flag was raised in front of the Cellasto plant during the award ceremony, according to Diamond.

http://wyandotte.patch.com/groups/business-news/p/ford-motor-company-recognizes-wyandotte-business

Jilin Shenhua to Build the Largest Propylene Oxide Plant in China

Jilin Shenhua to Possess the Largest Propylene Oxide Plant in China

2013-06-07    [Source:PUdaily]

 

PUdaily, Shanghai-Jinlin Shenhua 300ktpa propylene oxide facility is under smooth construction and the whole production facilities are expected to be completed and put into operation in the end of 2013. When the time comes, it will become a reality for Jilin Shenhua Group to possess the largest production capacity of propylene oxide plant in China.

In June, 2011, German specialty chemicals producer Evonik and representatives of the delegation of Jilin province have signed a non-exclusive license agreement to build and operate a hydrogen peroxide-to-propylene oxide (HPPO) plant at Jilin city of Jilin province in northeast China.

Under the license agreement, Jilin Shenhua and Jilin North Chemical Company will enter into a proposed joint venture to build a 300,000 tonne/year HPPO production facility. The plant will produce PO using a process developed by Evonik and German engineering company Uhde. The total investment of the project is 2.5 billion RMB.

 

Project Background

By the end of 2010, Jiin Shenhua Group proposed a development goal in the coming five years: by the end of 12th Five-year Plan, making the Group become a large-sized enterprise with an annual output value of more than 10 billion RMB and profit plus tax over 1 billion RMB .

Jilin Shenhua Group decided to enter the field of propylene oxide production, depending on the propylene raw material superiority by Jilin Petrochemical Company of PetroChina.

Propylene oxide is a downstream petrochemical product from propylene, as well as an important raw material for organic synthesis, which is mainly used for producing polyether polyol, a key feedstock for fine chemical production.

Technology Comparison

In the early of 2011, Jilin Shenhua Group selected the technologies of environmental-friendly hydrogen peroxide and HPPO licensed by German Evonik Degussa Co., Ltd and ThyssenKrupp Uhde GmbH through a deliberate technological comparison of different technologies.

According to Evonik, HPPO technology is environmentally friendly and consumes less energy as it requires fewer raw materials compared with other traditional measures such as chlorohydrin and PO/styrene monomer technologies.

Construction Plan

Review of process design package (PDP) of HPPO Project was completed in December 2011. Civil works started on April 20 2012 and review of extended process design package (EPDP) of the project was completed in May 2012. Right now, the detailed engineering design and construction are under way. The construction of all the buildings, underground pipe networks and concealed engineering will be finished by the end of 2012.

The whole production facilities will be completed, accepted and put into operation in October 2013. When the time comes, it will become a reality for Jilin Shenhua Group to possess the largest production capacity of propylene oxide plant in China.

A chain of Supporting Industries 

The 300 KTA HPPO Plant operated by Jishen Chemical Industry Co., Ltd under Jilin Shenhua Group will definitely give rise to a chain of upstream and downstream.

The natural gas shall be supplied by Kunlun Gas Co.,Ltd under PetroChina to German Linde  through an annual supply of 940 Million cubic meters of natural gas gate station .

German Linde will build a hydrogen plant with an annual consumption of 100 million cubic meters of natural gas, the output of 25000 NM3/Hr of hydrogen is to be supplied to German Evonik to produce the high-concentrated hydrogen peroxide.

German Evonik will invest 150 million Euros to build a high-concentrated hydrogen peroxide plant, the hydrogen peroxide is directly transported to Jishen Chemical HPPO plant through pipeline.

In order to guarantee steam supply for propylene oxide industrial chain facilities, the new steam generator will be built by Songhua River Thermal Power Plant to provide stable source of steam; Jilin Municipal Government also bore the cost in building Songhua River Xiushui Bridge which helps transport the steam across the river to the Chemical Park.

In order to ensure industrial water supply for the propylene oxide industrial chain, a new water intake project is to be built on the Songhua River by Jilin Shenhua Group. Meanwhile, a water purification plant with an annual capacity of 100 KTA  of industrial water is to be built up.

 

About Jinling Shenhua

Jilin Shenhua Group Co., Ltd was established in 1998, with fixed assets of 2.6 billion RMB and 1700 employees, consisting of Jishen Chemical Industry Company Limited, Juyuan Chemical Industry Company Limited, Changbailshan Pharmaceutical Co., Limited, Jilin Wanli Real-estate Development Company, Jilin Shenhua Automobile Industry company, Jilin Jiuhao Hotel Company, etc.

http://www.pu366.com/News/NewsView.aspx?nid=38824

Fire at Nu Foam

Firefighters Head Off Fire At Nu Foam On Thursday

Thursday, June 06, 2013

- photo by Bruce Garner

Chattanooga firefighters rushed to Nu Foam Products at 1101 Wisdom Street shortly before 3 p.m. on Thursday, on a reported commercial fire. 

Employees told firefighters that a fire broke out in the “looper area” where chunks of foam are cut into blocks. When they discovered the fire, one employee grabbed a portable fire extinguisher and tried to put the fire out, but was unsuccessful. Another employee immediately got to a phone and called 911. This foam is petroleum-based and very flammable, so the potential was there for this to turn into very large fire.

The Chattanooga Fire Department responded with seven fire companies. Battalion Chief Jeff Eldridge said firefighters with hand-held hose lines made their way inside the building and worked quickly to get the fire under control.

There were reportedly only three employees in the building where the fire was located and all got out safely. An estimate on the dollar loss was not available. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Chattanooga police, Hamilton County EMS and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue also provided assistance on the scene.

- Photo2 by Bruce Garner

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2013/6/6/252782/Firefighters-Head-Off-Fire-At-Nu-Foam.aspx

LyondellBasell Increasing PG Prices

Effective July 1, 2013 or as contracts allow, Lyondell Chemical Company (“Lyondell”) is
increasing off list prices for all grades of Propylene Glycol in North America and South
America per the following:



Propylene Glycol Industrial Grade  (PGI): $0.03/ lb.