German chemicals firm BASF has begun trial operations at the mononitrobenzene plant within the integrated 400,000-tonne methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) complex in Chongqing, China.
Mononitrobenzene is a precursor for the production of MDI and the plant is one part of RMB 8billion (approx. EUR860 million) BASF investment.
This MDI site covers an area of more than 50 ha, including facilities of 400,000 tonnes/year of Mononitrobenzene, 300,000 tonnes/year of aniline, 400,000 metric tonnes/year of crude MDI, and an MDI splitter with a capacity of 400,000 metric tonnes/year. The MDI production will support key industries in China’s western areas, says BASF.
MDI is an important component for polyurethanes – a plastics material that contributes towards improved insulation for appliances and reefer containers, provides lighter and more modern materials for cars, and helps save energy in buildings.
(PRA)
