Solvay testing production at new Tavaux ECH plant

13 March 2007 17:14  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS news)--Solvay is testing production at its new epichlorohydrin (ECH) plant at Tavaux in France, a company source said on Tuesday.

With the initial testing and start-up process underway, commercial product was expected to be available by the beginning of April, if everything goes well, said the source.

The plant, described as small but innovative by the source, would have an initial capacity of 10,000 tonnes/year, and would use Solvay’s patented Epicerol technique.

The main feedstock for the plant will be glycerine, a renewable derivative of rapeseed oil, rather than the traditional propylene.

The plant would be one of the first in Europe to capitalise on the rapid growth of the biofuels industry which produces glycerine as a by-product.

Solvay has secured an exclusive long-term contract with French company Diester Industrie for the supply of glycerine.

ECH is a key feedstock used in the production of epoxy resins, for water purification and paper reinforcement.

By: Adal Rafiq
+44 20 8652 3214

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