Arkema successfully starts up HFC-32 production plant at Calvert City, Kentucky, USA
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Arkema successfully started up a HFC-32 production plant at Calvert City, Kentucky, USA. In an ever-changing fluorochemicals market, HCFC-22 will be phased out from the North American market beginning in 2010 in favor of next-generation refrigerant blends such as Forane®410A, of which HFC-32 is an essential component.
According to Pierre Chanoine, Vice President of Arkema's Fluorochemicals Business Unit, "with this new HFC-32 production plant, an investment of $45 million, Arkema intends to consolidate its leading position in the development of new HFC fluorinated fluids to assist its customers in their transition toward HFC blend technology".
The new HFC-32 refrigerant fluid production plant in Calvert City has benefited from the technological expertise gained at the Zaramillo site in Spain, which started up an HFC-32 plant successfully a few years ago. The 25,000 tons-per-year Calvert City plant is the largest in the world, and will help supply the North American market.