Bayer builds new chlorine recycling plant for TDI production in Shanghai

Cost leadership through implementation of best available technologies / License agreement with Sumitomo Chemical

Leverkusen – Bayer MaterialScience plans to build another chlorine recycling plant at the Bayer Integrated Site Shanghai (BISS). The process for this new unit is based on the catalytic oxidation of hydrogen chloride using oxygen. The new technology has been developed by the Japanese company Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., and was licensed to Bayer MaterialScience. The plant will ensure the chlorine supply of the new 250,000 tons/year toluene diisocyanate (TDI) facility in Shanghai. Bayer MaterialScience has now broken ground for this new plant, which is based on the company’s innovative gas phase phosgenation process and is scheduled to come on stream in 2010.

The new chlorine recycling technology was awarded the prestigious Green & Sustainable Chemistry Award in Japan for being both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. It enables a reduction in energy consumption of more than half versus the conventional process.

“By introducing this new chlorine recycling process at Bayer MaterialScience we continue to implement the best and most innovative process technologies to strengthen our leadership position in the polyurethane industry,” says Peter Vanacker, head of the Polyurethanes Business Unit and member of the Executive Committee of Bayer MaterialScience.

The process will take hydrogen chloride co-produced during the manufacture of isocyanates, and will convert it very efficiently to chlorine which is re-used as raw material. During the past years, Sumitomo Chemical has enhanced the process and proven its technical viability in combination with already operating manufacturing plants.

At BISS, Bayer MaterialScience has just started a new hydrochloric acid electrolysis plant to supply the 350,000 tons/year diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) train with chlorine. It uses the energy saving Oxygen Depolarized Cathode technology, which has been developed by Bayer and partners.

“By combining these two innovative technologies, we will strengthen our cost leadership in the isocyanate production. We will also be able to significantly reduce energy consumption and by that contribute to climate protection,” adds Peter Vanacker.

About Bayer MaterialScience:
With 2007 sales of 10.4 billion euros, Bayer MaterialScience is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction and the sports and leisure industries. At the end of 2007, Bayer MaterialScience had 30 production sites and employed approximately 15,400 people around the globe. Bayer MaterialScience is a Bayer Group company.

Find more information at www.bayermaterialscience.com and www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp.

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