Inovyn (London, U.K.; www.inovyn.com) has entered into the final phases of its project to deliver a new large-scale potassium hydroxide (KOH) production facility at its Antwerp/Lillo Site (Belgium), which remains on track for Q3 2017 operation.
Following successful completion of major civil and engineering works by KH Engineering, the final elements of the construction program are now well under way. In the latest phase, a new loading facility is being built, which will allow the efficient 24/7 loading of product to road tankers and barges for onward transport to customers by road and water.
Overall construction of the project is due for completion by the end of July, with final testing of main plant equipment to take place over the summer period. The first production run of membrane quality KOH for supply to customers is expected by the end of September.
Comments Filipe Constant, Business Director for Inovyn: “We continue to make excellent progress on our project, which when complete will deliver a major investment that will not only underpin Inovyn’s leading position in KOH, but will provide long-term continuity of supply to our customers.”
Inovyn’s new KOH plant (155,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr) of KOH with 100.000 m.t./yr of chlorine) will use the latest membrane technology and forms a key part of Inovyn’s Chlorine Strategy.
Antwerp/Lillo Site was selected for the investment as it is well situated to serve customers both in Europe and beyond, with the nearby Port of Antwerp facilitating KOH movements by ship. The Site is a highly competitive location given it has major customers for the co-produced chlorine, which are linked directly to the Site by pipeline. It is also strategically positioned for imports of potassium chloride, a key raw material in KOH production.