- The new plant in Ludwigshafen has an annual capacity of 15,000 metric tons.
- It replaces the existing multi-product facility for isopropanolamines.
- The plant produces mono-, di-, and triisopropanolamine from propylene oxide and ammonia.
- Isopropanolamines are used in gas scrubbing, cement additives, colorants, surfactants, pharmaceuticals, and crop protection agents.
New Isopropanolamine Plant
BASF has started up a new production facility for isopropanolamines (IPOA) at its Ludwigshafen site. With an annual capacity of 15,000 metric tons, this is the sole dedicated facility of this type in Europe. It replaces the existing multi-product facility used to date to produce isopropanolamines. By expanding its capacity, the company responds to the growing demand for these versatile intermediates.
Improved Production Process
The new plant uses an improved process where a product mixture comprising mono-, di-, and triisopropanolamine (MIPOA, DIPOA, TIPOA) is produced from propylene oxide and ammonia. This new process ensures better control over the composition of the mixture, enabling BASF to respond more flexibly to its customers’ needs.
Applications of Isopropanolamines
Isopropanolamines are high-grade intermediates suitable for various applications. They are used in gas scrubbing, cement additives, colorants and pigments, surfactants, pharmaceuticals, crop protection agents, corrosion inhibitors, and lubricants. Customers appreciate the high level of delivery reliability and consistently high product quality BASF achieves through complete backward integration.
Product Range and Flexibility
The new plant covers the entire IPOA product range, from standard isopropanolamines to symmetrical DIPOA and dimethylisopropanolamine. BASF can now respond with great flexibility to customers' individual needs, supplying these intermediates in their pure form or as aqueous solutions available at different concentrations.
