New clean technology to produce PO only leaves water as a byproduct

24-Jul-08

With a view to gain recognition as an eco-friendly company, Korean firm SKS has stated the commercial production of the 'clean' propylene oxide using the hydrogen peroxide propylene oxide (HPPO) technology. Unlike the existing technology which uses chlorine or ethyl benzene, the HPPO technology uses hydrogen peroxide to produce PO which forms a chief component in car and construction materials and heat insulators for refrigerators. While the current PO technology leaves the toxic chlorine and high-density waste water which require costly reprocessing costs for the manufacturers, the SKC's HPPO technology only gives water as a byproduct. According to the company, the commercial production of PO by the new technology has kicked off at its Ulsan plant with a capacity of 100,000 tpa, thereby making SKC's total PO capacity to 280,000 tpa and will cost W 200 bln. This technology will make SKC a dominant player in the Asian polyurethane market especially in the light of many countries facing environmental concerns.