Sibur (Moscow; www.sibur.com) has signed an agreement with Conser, an Italian engineering company, to acquire a license for maleic anhydride (MAN) production technology for its Tobolsk facility.
Maleic anhydride is used in the construction, agriculture, automotive, paint and varnish, furniture, pharmaceutical and other industries. It serves as feedstock for films, synthetic fibres, pharmaceuticals, detergents, fuel components and oils. The use of MAN allows achieve high strength of the material as well as its resistance to moisture, extreme temperature and mechanical stress.
Russia currently does not produce maleic anhydride, with the domestic consumption fully covered by imports. The estimated output of the new Tobolsk facility will be 45,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr). Production of a high-margin product using own feedstock (butane) will enable Sibur to improve the hydrocarbon processing rate in Russia, fully substitute MAN imports, and export it to Europe and the Middle East. In addition, a state-of-the-art Russian MAN production facility will provide new development opportunities for many domestic industries.
Conser, being the owner of a cutting-edge MAN production technology, was chosen as the licensor for the project. SIBUR has also engaged NIPIgaspererabotka, a leading Russian center for facility design, supply, logistics and construction.