BP Amoco mulls acetic derivatives in China

11 February 1999 06:46  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (CNI)--BP Amoco said Thursday it is considering the development of downstream derivatives at its acetic acid plant in Chongqing, China, following the successful start-up of the 150 000 tonne/year facility.

Bob Baldwin, managing director of Yangzi River Acetyls (YRA), told CNI that broad plans include units for the production of butyl acetate, ethyl acetate and vinyl acetate.

"We're at the earliest stages of studying the potential, so we're not going to make any firm announcement soon," he added.

He said the study is part of a wider review of domestic Chinese demand for acetic acid and its derivatives. BP Amoco may also double YRA's capacity.

"The majority of China's acetic acid plants use outmoded technology, with ethylene as the feedstock, and therefore are uneconomical," Baldwin added. "Our new plant uses more cost-efficient technology, and feeds on methanol and carbon monoxide."

He said the mulled derivatives units would be of worldscale capacity - or more than three times the average 20 000 tonne/year unit in China.

BP Amoco owns 51% of YRA. Sinopec's Sichuan Vinylon Works owns 44%, and Chongqing Investment and Construction Company owns 5%.

By: Leslie Chua
+65 6780 4359

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