Borealis completes construction of PP polymerization reactors; will help accelerate product development

04-Sep-08

Borealis has completed the construction of the R&D polypropylene (PP) polymerization reactors, an accompanying gas purification system and supply station with highest safety standards at its Innovation HQ in Linz, Austria at a total investment of EUR 5.5 mln. This is an important advancement in Borealis' strategy to accelerate product development and advance its step change innovation programme. The construction of the PP polymerization reactors gives rise to an advancement in which a continuous pilot or plant process can be imitated leading to quick product evaluations and in turn, bringing innovations to the market more quickly lowering development cost. The very first polymerization carried out in a laboratory PP reactor capable of mimicking Borealis' proprietary Borstar® technology exhibited brilliant activity, process stability and polymer morphology. These polymerization reactors will be an important tool for accelerated product development while coordinating with experts in catalysis, process and polymer design, various business units, pilot, plant and asset management. Infrastructure, automotive and advanced packaging are slated to be the chief end user markets for Borealis' PP polymerization rectors which will enhance the firm's PP grades to a great extent. Construction of the reactors and an accompanying gas purification system and supply station was completed according to highest safety standards within only four months without a single safety incident. The EUR 5.5 million investment reflects the company's decision to develop Linz as the headquarters for its international research and development activities. "Considering the technical and organizational complexity of the overall project, the successful start-up of both reactors from the very first experiment is a significant breakthrough achievement" says Alexander Krajete, Borealis Polymerization Expert and Project Manager of the PP investment. "This valuable research tool complements our new Parallel Pressure Reactor (PPR) catalyst research facility in Finland, opening up new opportunities for Borealis to respond more quickly and efficiently to the needs of our customers," comments Alfred Stern, Borealis Vice President for Innovation and Technology. "We are looking forward to exploring the full potential of this research system across our business teams". (Press Release)