BP Introduces Next Generation Maleic Anhydride Catalyst
09-Aug-2002
7th August 2002 - BP is making its latest generation catalyst for fixed-bed maleic anhydride (MAN) production available to commercial MAN producers worldwide. BP is already using the new catalyst, BP-5, for all its own fixed-bed MAN production.
BP-5, used for the production of MAN from butane, offers producers a number of distinct benefits:
* The catalyst is delivered ready to use
* It has a very short break in/start up period allowing full design operating rates to be achieved rapidly after plant start up
* BP-5's activated catalyst provides additional production in the first month of operation
* BP-5 offers excellent MAN product quality, both initial and aged colour, from start-up
* BP-5 can operate under high butane concentrations
* BP-5 has a long life
* Low pressure drop
* BP-5 offers low fouling of effluent heat exchangers
BP-5 is suitable for butane-based fixed-bed MAN producers who wish to take advantage of its superior performance and also for benzene-based producers who wish to switch to butane feed.
The development of the new BP-5 technology resulted from BP's extensive in-house MAN expertise. The company continues to advance its catalyst technology using state-of-the-art pilot plants, which allow rapid evaluation of catalysts and accurate prediction of commercial performance. BP has dedicated catalyst manufacturing facilities which ensure the highest quality product and security of supply to customers.
BP's expertise in MAN technology comes particularly from the 1998 merger of BP and Amoco, which brought together two companies with extensive experience in fixed- and fluid-bed MAN technology and production as well as catalyst manufacturing: Amoco started their first commercial fixed-bed butane-based MAN unit in 1975 and BP commercialised their fluidised-bed MAN technology and FV-100 catalyst in a joint venture in 1988. By 2000, BP's MAN technology was being used in the world's largest fluidised-bed MAN reactor at its new butanediol plant in Lima, Ohio. The introduction of BP-5 is the latest product of this knowledge and experience.
Other news from the department research and development
Get the chemical industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the chemical industry, analytics, lab technology and process engineering brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
