INEOS Oxide has successfully expanded its ethylidene norbornene (ENB) plant at its Antwerp facility, increasing its capacity to 28,000 tpy. This makes it the single largest ENB plant in the world.
The expansion was completed during Q4 2013.
“We are pleased to be able to announce that we have successfully expanded our ENB plant to support our customer’s needs.” said Hans Casier, CEO of INEOS Oxide.
“Ongoing global growth, and demand from new ENB customers, in particular those producing ethylene propylene diene rubber, requires new capacity. Debottlenecking the Antwerp plant is a unique step by INEOS that will provide sufficient ENB for the next 2 to 3 years.”
ENB is used primarily in the production of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM). Since it is extremely wear and weather resistant this high performance rubber is increasingly favored for use in the automotive, white goods and construction industries. Its unique molecular structure means ENB is also used in the high value fragrance and flavors industry as a scent carrier.
Source: Hydrocarbon Processing
Published: 17 Feb 2014