BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen, Germany, has developed a new process for producing propylene oxide based on hydrogen peroxide. In a pilot plant with integrated operation of all relevant process units, BASF researchers have collected and analyzed all the data required to design and operate a world-scale plant. Within the next two years a decision on the location and construction of the plant will be made. It would have an annual capacity of about 250,000 metric tons. The most favorable site is currently being assessed and is dependent on the economic environment in the upcoming years.
To supply the PO plant with hydrogen peroxide, BASF is cooperating with Solvay S.A., Brussels, Belgium. A basic agreement between both companies was signed recently in Brussels. Propylene oxide is the most important raw material for the manufacture of polyols. Polyols are building blocks for polyurethanes. These versatile polymers are used in the automotive industry, in refrigerators, sports equipment, upholstery, flooring and the soles of shoes.
