Merichem to Add Copper Naphthenate at Alabama Site

14 December 1998 00:00  [Source: ICB Americas]

Merichem Chemicals & Refinery Services plans to strengthen its offerings in the naphthenic acid chain by building copper naphthenate capacity at its Tuscaloosa, Ala., facility. The company says the project will make the site the largest copper naphthenate plant in the world.

Feedstock naphthenic acid produced at the site will be used to supply the new capacity for copper naphthenate, which is expected to come on stream by the second quarter of next year. The Tuscaloosa plant is already the world's largest source of naphthenic acid, the company says.

Copper naphthenate, which the company will market under the brand name CuNap-8, is used primarily as a wood preservative. It enjoys extensive use in the treatment of utility poles, cross-arms, bridge timbers, posts, lumber and laminated beams. It is also used in non-pressure applications including field-applied preservatives for remedial treatments, wood shingles, coatings and various home projects.

Environmental Protection Agency classifies copper naphthenate as a non-restricted use wood preservative and allows it to be applied without any licenses, Merichem says. Other major US producers of copper naphthenate include Akcros Chemicals America and OM Group Inc.

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