Aker Solutions :: Maleic Anhydride & Butanediol

Davy Process Technology has developed a process technology route from butane via maleic anhydride to 1.4-butanediol (BDO). This process makes use of a polymeric solid acid catalyst for the formation of diethyl maleate, followed by hydrogenation to BDO, and has been licensed to eight projects. Over the last ten years, there have been a number of major improvements and the number of plant equipment items has been halved with consequent reduction in capital cost.

There are various derivative products from BDO, which can be produced in the Davy process, namely Tetrahydrofuran (THF) and Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL). THF is used as an industrial solvent and as a precursor for speciality derivatives, such as PTMEG used to make Spandex fibres. GBL is an important solvent, plastics additive and chemical intermediate. It is used in a large number of agricultural, pharmaceutical, dye, fibre and plastic compounds.

Aker Solutions has worked closely with the technology owners, Davy Process Technology (DPT) for Butanediol and Huntsman for Maleic Anhydride, to ensure that licensee requirements are effectively translated into the final design in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Experience
Eight plants have been licensed with DPT technology representing a significant percentage of world-wide capacity. Aker Solutions has performed engineering, equipment and material procurement and construction of three DPT Butanediol / Huntsman Maleic Anhydride projects.

1998: TCCC, Taiwan - 34,000 tpa BDO & derivatives
2000: BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia, 100,000 tpa
2003: International Diol Company (previously known as GACIC), Saudi Arabia, 75000 tpa