BASF expands special amine manufacturing capacity
The expansion of an existing production facility is scheduled to come on stream in the first quarter of 2007. By enhancing its special amines capacity, BASF is responding to the increase in demand by the gas purification and electronics industries. The company makes these products at its Ludwigshafen plant only.
"By expanding our manufacturing capacity, we accompany our customers' growth in these innovation-driven businesses," says Dr. Walter Gramlich, President of the BASF Group's operating division Intermediates. "This is yet another investment that will make our successful global amines business even stronger."
Gas purification and the electronics industry are providing a major growth impetus for the chemical intermediate ADG. ADG removes mainly carbon dioxide, which is a known greenhouse gas, as well as other contaminants from natural gas and refinery gases. Inter alia, ADG thus contributes significantly to making the gas liquefaction process easier. In the electronics industry. ADG is used to formulate so-called photoresist strippers; these are special solvents that play a major role in the manufacture of computer chips and LCD screens.
ADG is also utilized in the manufacture of cooling lubricants for metal-working and to make crop protectants. Major morpholine applications include, for example, the production of vulcanization accelerators in the rubber industry, corrosion inhibitors for use in water treatment, optical brighteners for detergents and paper, as well as pharmaceuticals and crop protecting agents.
