Midway through May, BASF (Ludwigshafen / Germany; www.basf.com) in Ludwigshafen made a start on switching the new TDI plant that has been rocked by setbacks to commercial operation. When contacted by Plasteurope.com, a spokesman confirmed that production of “on spec” material was now up and running.

While the latest breakdown might have been fixed, the line that has a capacity of 300,000 t/y is running at a reduced output. This is because the phosgene reactor from Antwerp fitted as a substitute cannot match the output of the unit that was originally installed (see Plasteurope.com of 17.02.2017). The spokesman did not disclose the extent of the capacity reduction.

The new reactor is scheduled for delivery next year. Further stoppages will result during the fitting process. Customer supplies are said to be guaranteed, however.

https://www.plasteurope.com/news/BASF_t237030/