BASF Sonatrach PropanChem lifts propylene FM at Spain PDH plant

18 May 2012 11:32  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS)--BASF Sonatrach PropanChem has normalised output from its propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit in Tarragona, Spain and lifted force majeure on propylene at the site, a company spokesperson said on Friday.

The unit had been taken off line for outstanding repair work in early May, following several months of recurring technical problems. It came back on line this week and resumed normal operating rates. Supply restrictions on propylene have since been removed.

Last September, the unit was unexpectedly shut down for technical reasons, and force majeure declared on propylene at the site.

The unit restarted in October, but output was hampered by ongoing technical difficulties. In early November, it went into a turnaround for repair and maintenance work to be carried out.

Operating rates had been improved in December, but there were still some ongoing output constraints, which required further repairs.

The nameplate capacity of the PDH unit in Tarragona is 350,000 tonnes/year, according to the company.

BASF Sonatrach PropanChem is a 50:50 joint venture between Germany’s BASF and Algerian oil and gas producer Sonatrach.

By: Heidi Finch
+44 20 8652 3214

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