Green groundbreaker

Apr 28 2008 Evening Gazette

WILTON chemical firm Huntsman Polyurethanes has developed a groundbreaking new “green” technology that could save around 121,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year - the equivalent to the CO2 output from 4,000 cars.

The technology - which the company believes is the first of its kind in the world - will be used to step up production of aniline, a material found in polyurethane foam used in car seats, furniture, building panels and footwear.

Huntsman has invested £7m in the technology to make efficiency improvements to its manufacturing process and satisfy growing demand for aniline.

The company plans to establish a new aniline production plant in Rozenburg near Rotterdam in 2012 to complement its Teesside operation.

The technology consists of an 85-tonne, 23-metre reactor that converts raw materials, nitrobenzene and hydrogen, into aniline.

Mike Brabanski, project manager at Huntsman, said: “As far as we are aware, no other company in the world has developed this technology.

“It uses fewer raw materials, which result in cost savings and a significant reduction in CO2.

“In addition, steam generated by the process can be re-used in other parts of the plant.”

He believes the burgeoning heat insulation market is ramping up demand for aniline.

“Building regulations require homes to be insulated to a certain standard”, he said.

“The project represents a major improvement in our technology for the future and further enhances the operational efficiency of our existing production facility.”

Project management and services company, Darlington-based AMEC and engineering and construction firm Foster Wheeler were the prime contractors working on the project along with more than 100 employees based at Huntsman Polyurethanes at Wilton.

The installation involved the use of a 1,000t crane and was overseen by two AMEC apprentices, who were based on site throughout the project.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Huntsman’s operating companies manufacture products for a variety of global industries, including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, technology, agriculture, health care, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging.

Originally known for pioneering innovations in packaging and, later, for rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals, Huntsman today has 13,000 employees and operates from multiple locations worldwide.