Jun 16 2004
Today, Rein Willems, President of Shell Nederland B.V., and Bill Rothwell, Vice President EO/Glycols, officially inaugurated the third ethylene oxide (EO) reactor in the MEOD plant of Shell Nederland Chemie B.V. at Moerdijk.
Besides the construction of the new EO reactor, the ethylene glycol plant was also expanded. This means the annual production capacity of ethylene oxide and monoethylene glycol has increased to 305 and 155 thousand tonnes respectively. A new compressor was also installed and the control and safeguarding systems were modernized.
“The conclusion of this project and next year’s scheduled production launch in Nanhai, China, enable Shell chemicals companies to strengthen their leading positions in the manufacture and sale of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol,” Bill Rothwell said.
Most of the new construction work was realized while the plant was operating normally, while modifications were made during the annual catalyst replacement and maintenance shutdown. With preparation time the project spanned three years.
The project was completed on time and on budget. The plant underwent a successful startup and has since reached design throughput.
The extra ethylene glycol and ethylene oxide will be used to meet the growing demand in the European market. These products are mainly used in the plastics industry for bottle manufacture and to produce polyester fibres for clothing and furniture, coolants (antifreeze), detergents and surfactants. EO is also an intermediate in the manufacture of flexible and rigid polyurethane foams, brake fluids and water soluble solvents.
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