Company News
November 29, 2023
Fire in Spain Impacts Urethane Raw Material Production
Tarragona Petrochemical Plant Fire: Industry Disruption and Safety Concerns
PUdaily | Updated: November 29, 2023
On the evening of November 22 (last Wednesday), a notable fire broke out in the ethylene tank area of the northern petrochemical facility in Tarragona, Spain, operated by Repsol. This unforeseen incident may have far-reaching effects on Repsol itself as well as the neighboring facilities of Covestro and Dow Chemical in the same industrial park.
Repsol’s industrial complex in Tarragona covers multiple sectors, ranging from the production of various petroleum products to industrial and transportation fuels, making it a large-scale operation. The cause of the fire is still unclear, but the company claimed that the ignition originated from a storage tank in the cooling area of the olefin plant, leading to an ethylene leak and subsequent ignition. The occurrence of this event prompts us to reflect on whether the petrochemical industry places sufficient emphasis on safety management while striving to improve production efficiency.
Fortunately, firefighters from the company and the professional fire brigade at the industrial park responded quickly and successfully controlled the fire, avoiding casualties. This accident has raised a high level of alertness among other companies in Tarragona. Covestro and Dow Chemical quickly halted production, including multiple grades of PO and polyols production. Covestro has four production sites in Spain, one of which is located in the Tarragona industrial park where the fire occurred. This site includes an MDI facility, a hydrochloric acid hub, and infrastructures for serving other companies within the park. Dow Chemical produces a variety of products including olefins, ethylene derivatives, pyrolysis products, and octenes at its Tarragona complex.
This fire has had a significant impact on the Spanish chemical industry, testing the crisis response capabilities of various companies and causing a production stagnation in Tarragona industrial park. As one of the leading chemical companies in Spain, Covestro’s production halt will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on the entire supply chain, further affecting the supply of chemical products in the international market.
Dow Chemical’s expansion plans at its Tarragona facility and the construction of Pack Studios demonstrate their confidence in the future market. Pack Studios, equipped with state-of-the-art film production and testing capabilities, is aimed at primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging applications. Pack Studios Tarragona will drive world-leading innovations in food and industrial packaging sectors, while also providing innovative adhesive solutions for global label customers. However, the recent unforeseen fire incident serves as a reminder that safety remains the utmost concern, even in highly modern petrochemical plants. The petrochemical industry must continually enhance safety training, strengthen equipment maintenance and monitoring, and reduce the probability of accidents through technological innovations.
Repsol has stated that an investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the fire, and companies like Covestro and Dow will assess the losses and develop response plans. This event should also prompt other chemical companies to reevaluate their own safety systems to ensure not only efficient but also stable production.
November 28, 2023
Ingevity Expands Relationship with TRiiSO
Ingevity extends partnership with TRiiSO, LLC, expands Capa® distribution
footprint for customers in the United States and Canada
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 28, 2023 – Ingevity Corporation (NYSE:NGVT) today
announced an extension of the distributorship with TRiiSO LLC (TRiiSO) to expand the
distribution footprint for the company’s Capa® products from the current western
United States (U.S.) to include all the U.S. and Canada. The new agreement will broaden
capabilities to serve existing Capa customers and support growth into new markets in
North America.
“Growing our partnership will allow for wider adoption of Ingevity’s Capa technology
and improved support for existing and new applications,” said Ingevity senior vice
president and president, Advanced Polymer Technologies, Steve Hulme. “Leveraging
TRiiSO’s nationwide reach and 50-year track record of supplying the coatings,
adhesives, sealants and elastomers (CASE) market strengthens our commitment to
providing current and future customers with innovative products and best in class
technical and customer service.”
“Ingevity’s focus on providing solutions to difficult formulating challenges aligns well
with TRiiSO’s technical support strengths,” said TRiiSO, vice president, Principal
Management, Mark McBee. “We are excited to expand our business footprint with
Ingevity throughout North America for the benefit of our existing and new customers
interested in high performance specialty polyols.”
The new distributorship agreement will take effect as of December 25, 2023.
Ingevity: Purify, Protect and Enhance
Ingevity provides products and technologies that purify, protect and enhance the world
around us. Through a team of talented and experienced people, we develop,
manufacture and bring to market solutions that help customers solve complex
problems and make the world more sustainable. We operate in three reporting
segments: Performance Chemicals, which includes specialty chemicals and pavement
technologies; Advanced Polymer Technologies, which includes biodegradable plastics
and polyurethane materials; and Performance Materials, which includes activated
carbon. Our products are used in in a variety of demanding applications, including
adhesives, agrochemicals, asphalt paving, bioplastics, coatings, elastomers, lubricants,
pavement markings, publication inks, oil exploration and production and automotive
components. Headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, Ingevity operates
from 31 countries around the world and employs approximately 1,900 people. The
company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:NGVT). For
more information visit www.ingevity.com. Follow Ingevity on LinkedIn.
November 28, 2023
Chairman’s Letter
Wanhua Chemical : Converging Passion, Moving Forward Together – A Letter of Gratitude from Chairman to All Wanhua Staff
November 28, 2023 at 10:07 am
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Converging Passion, Moving Forward Together – A Letter of Gratitude from Chairman to All Wanhua Staff
TIME ：2023-11-28
Dear Colleagues,
As sure as day turns to night, another year has flown by, bringing us back to our annual day of gratitude at Wanhua. On this meaningful day, I want to extend my sincere regards to all our teammates, the families of Wanhua teammates, and our friends from every corner who’ve had our back – a massive thank you! We’re truly grateful for your understanding, support, trust, and belief in us.
The year 2023 holds exceptional significance. We’ve seen the international order was going through some real roller coaster changes. As we came out of the pandemic, the global economy is picking itself up, dusting off, and moving forward amidst challenges and opportunities. In this game-changing time, every one of us at Wanhua has pulled together, bringing our surging momentum, and fueling our drive for high-quality development.
Thank you for your contributions that have brought success to Wanhua. Our front-line production crew has been great like never before, fine-tuning our lean manufacturing process. Your dedication to excellence makes our products the go-to choice for customers. Our marketing team has been nailing it with the “broadening sales channels, cooperating in a win-win relationship” approach, continuously delivering value to our customers with standout products and services, and beefing up Wanhua’s global reach. The procurement team, focusing on business needs, has been sticking to the rules and making progress in securing feedstock supply, supplier diversification, and equipment localization. You all have played a part in Wanhua’s success story, winning rave reviews from customers with our stellar products.
A round of applause for sparking Wanhua’s innovation. With continuous innovation, our R&D folks have brought to reality our seventh-gen MDI manufacturing tech, pushing the boundaries of the polyurethane industry and leading a wave globally. You’re driving us towards greater efficiency, better quality, and lower energy consumption. Seizing the opportunities, you’ve made breakthroughs in advanced materials, helping Wanhua’s high-quality development and standing on the cutting edge with world-class products and technology, with your innovative spirit. In an era of ‘innovation inside the box,’ creating an environment where innovation isn’t just encouraged but a norm. Your collective efforts are the fuel that’s propelling Wanhua forward.
Thanks for mapping out Wanhua’s journey. You’ve been trailblazers, across continents, leaving a mark of Wanhua’s diligence everywhere. Our Penglai low-carbon industrial park is rising with the construction of mega ethylene project phase II, not to mention Fujian TDI, Ningxia MDI, Ningbo HDI phase II, and Meishan NMP started operation. You’re painting a picture of Wanhua’s growth day by day, pushing us towards greater heights.
I feel thankful to every unsung hero at Wanhua, for your tireless work and contributions, as even a bit of effort counts and deserves a salute. The sweat, and tears on this journey, the heroes who’ve stepped up when it is the time, and the incredible achievements we’ve accomplished together, have merged into an unstoppable force, moving us confidently towards an extraordinary future of Wanhua.
While the prospects are bright, the road has twists and turns. We’ve ridden the waves of a momentous journey and are now gearing up for even more remarkable glory! Fellow teammates, let’s carry the spirit of gratitude, our grand mission, and our heartfelt passion, and unite as one for exponential growth. Let’s aim to build a world-class enterprise, a legacy that will last for centuries, and write a dazzling story!
A heartfelt gratitude to every one of Wanhua for your unwavering dedication!
Liao Zengtai
November 23, 2023
November 22, 2023
Wanhua Moving Into BDO and Derivatives
Wanhua Chemical : Launched NMP Material Solutions
November 22, 2023 at 07:18 am
Wanhua Chemical Launched NMP Material Solutions
TIME ：2023-11-22
Recently, methylamine facility of Wanhua started production successfully in one shot. It initials from natural gas, through acetylene, then BDO, GBL, methylamine and finally NMP, with an annual capacity of 80kT which is the single largest line in the world. The establishment of this plant is a firm step of Wanhua’s ambition on battery industry.
High-Quality Product:
N-Mthylpyrrolidone (NMP) is an organic solvent used in a variety of industries and applications. For example, anode paste, conductive paste, photoresist, screen cleaner, and as solvent for a series of polymer synthesis like aramid, polyphenylene sulfide(PPS), polyimide(PI). Besides, it can also be seen in insulation coating and some other pharma and petrochemical applications.
When it comes to battery field, the purity, chroma, and free amine are among the key parameters that customers are concerned about. Through innovation and continuous optimization on process and high precision test, Wanhua established comprehensive quality control system resulted a more than 99.9% purity.
Industrial Chain Advantage:
Leveraging Sichuan production base that is deeply integrated and power by green electricity, plus its natural gas supply advantage, the supply chain is secured with consistency.
In the future, Wanhua Chemical will promote the development of li-ion battery industry with the advantages of R&D capability, supply chain competitiveness and industrial park integration. We will participate and build a sustainable battery ecosystem.
November 20, 2023
Hennecke Open House Highlights
Hennecke Inc. looks back on a remarkable Open
House event
Hennecke Inc, the U.S. headquarters of the global Hennecke
GROUP, hosted a highly successful Open House event with
more than 100 visitors from across the country in October. The
event focused on innovation and customer-driven solutions in
polyurethane processing as well as a commitment to a
sustainable future. Customers and partners were offered a
unique opportunity to learn first-hand how Hennecke’s diverse
innovations can drive the success of their own businesses.
The successful Open House was a testament to Hennecke’s North American
subsidiary’s customer-centric approach and commitment to helping them
succeed with customized solutions. “We remain focused on our mission to
provide best-in-class solutions and lead the way in innovation and customer
satisfaction,” said Lutz Heidrich, president of Hennecke’s North American
business unit. “Our success and progress would not be possible without the
partnership and trust of our customers. We are committed to help companies
succeed with our solutions,” added Heidrich.
During the Open House, visitors had the opportunity to learn about various
innovative solutions such as the NEXT-GEN high-pressure metering
machines that offer a wide range of applications to increase customer
efficiencies using digitalization and precision. Hennecke Inc. also offers
solutions that are specially adapted for the North American market such as
the new ECOPLUS MK2 which will be available with Allen-Bradley-based
automation in Q1 of 2024. Another highlight was Hennecke’s mixhead
technology of the MT-E and MT-A series. Visitors were able to explore the
mode of operation and specific advantages using AR technology. The NEXT-
GEN lineup was one of the largest development projects in Hennecke’s
history. Attendees were also able to see firsthand the performance scope of
the new HX pump generation.
In the field of systems technology, Hennecke Inc. is an innovation driver in
the field of tank farm solutions and raw material handling. Hennecke’s
specialists presented unique selling points and advantages and discussed
the profitability of large-scale production facilities using sample calculations.
In addition, the revolutionary FOAMWARE control system for slabstock and
molded foam lines was demonstrated. The attendees were informed about
the increasing importance of blowing agents in PU production and the latest
technological developments in this field. Attendees also had the opportunity
to see live demonstrations of innovative production technologies such as
laser cutting and 3-D printing, and virtual glasses used for assisting
customers remotely saving both time and money.
When it comes to absolute focus on the customer, however, the portfolio in
the field of machine and systems engineering is only part of the measures
that Hennecke Inc. combines under one roof. The modern company
headquarters also includes a customer trial laboratory, a mixhead and pump
repair and training area and a state-of-the-art spare parts warehouse which
utilizes a VLM to store over $2.5 million in inventory.
In addition to these innovations, the open house highlighted Hennecke’s
commitment to sustainability and the steps the company has taken to reduce
its own, as well as its customers’, carbon footprint to ensure a more
sustainable future for all. The customer feedback was very positive: “It was
great to meet the welcoming team of Hennecke Inc. at the Open House. The
machines on display and numerous presentations were impressive and very
informative. It was immediately clear to us that the event will prove very
useful for several current projects.” Says Vinnie Bonaddio of Rogers Foam
Cooperation in Somerville (MA).
www.hennecke.com
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