BASF expands acetylene capacity

in LouisianaJune 19, 1997 BASF will build a new acetylene plant with a capacity of more than 100 million pounds at its site in Geismar, Louisiana. Start-up is scheduled for the second half of 1999.
The plant is based on BASF's own new partial oxidation technology, which provides more efficient conversion of natural gas into acetylene and syngas. Both of these intermediates are increasingly required by BASF in its chemical value chains at Geismar.
The acetylene plant investment will be supported by additional related projects. These will be implemented at BASF's manufacturing site as well as at sites of other Geismar area companies. These other companies will supply or buy products synergistically associated with BASF's new unit. The total investments by all parties involved will amount to more than $ 300 mm, including enhancements in BASF's infrastructure system as well as three additional companion projects.
"This investment further secures the long-term competitiveness of our butanediol value chain and creates a win-win situation for all four local companies involved," said Carl A. Jennings, President, Chemicals Division, BASF Corp. "The new acetylene plant and the new partnership arrangements at Geismar will further enhance the manufacturing cost advantages of our acetylene-based butanediol process," he added.
BASF uses large amounts of acetylene to produce butanediol. With an annual capacity at Geismar of 280 million pounds, BASF is the largest merchant supplier of this product in the NAFTA region.