Aug 2 2002
It was announced today that chemical giants BASF and Dow would pool their resources for the development of technology for the manufacture of propylene oxide (PO). Both organisations have significant knowledge and correspondingly patents regarding production of PO using the hydrogen peroxide route (HP-PO process).
The production of PO is of significant interest as it is an important raw materials for the manufacture of polyurethane and related products such as propylene glycol, chemical intermediates, flame retardants, synthetic lubricants and textile surfactants.
EniChem pioneered the process back in the 1980’s. Dow acquired the technology when they purchased EniChem in May of 2001. BASF on the other hand have been developing the technology in parallel since 1995 are in the final stages of development.
The HP-PO process is a much more cost effective way to produce PO, compared to existing technologies and eliminates the need for handling co-products.
Both parties are delighted about working together and view the joint development agreement as an opportunity to accelerate the development of the HP-PO technology for mutual gain. They hope to have the basic designs for a commercial scale plant available for a commissioning as early as 2006.
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