Oxo technology beefs up Simon Carves
15 Jan 2000
Synetix, ICI's catalysts division, has forged an agreement with process contractor Simon Carves to sell ICI's oxo-alcohols technology worldwide. The firms expect considerable interest from Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
The process involves reacting olefins with syngas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) to produce oxo-alcohols. A range of differernt products, with carbon chains seven to fifteen atoms in length, can be made by varying the feedstock, while careful control of factors such as catalyst concentration and temperature maximise the conversion of olefin to alcohol.
The products are intermediates in the production of plasticiser esters, which are generally used in PVC electrical cabling insulation.
The rise in electricity consumption in developing markets around the world is expected to fuel demand for cabling, says Simon-Carves managing director Alwyn Bowen. `The ability of the technology to provide alcohols with a range of volatilities allows the resulting PVC cabling to be used in virtually all climatic conditions.'
