A “cutting-edge” catalyst that solves a critical problem in styrene production has been launched by Swiss specialty chemicals company Clariant. The Swiss specialty chemicals group’s proprietary StyroMax UL3 catalyst is said to offer superior activity as well as enhanced selectivity in ultra-low steam-to-hydrocarbon (SHR) ratios, something that has been an ongoing challenge for styrene producers.

Styrene is made from ethylbenzene using superheated steam as an energy source and relies on catalysts to facilitate the required dehydrogenation reaction. As generating steam consumes considerable energy, plant process designs rely on ultra-low SHR conditions to reduce costs. But, as Clariant explained, previous generations of styrene catalysts have performed suboptimally at such low SHR conditions, demonstrating either favorable activity or selectivity, but not both.

StyroMax UL3 was installed at Grand Pacific Petrochemical’s styrene plant in Taiwan in May, and Clariant said design-rate production has already been achieved at lower temperatures than previous operations. In addition, catalyst selectivity has improved by 0.5% compared to previous performance. The catalyst’s higher activity increases yields while better selectivity decreases the occurrence of by-products such as toluene and benzene, which are typically less valuable than the styrene. This results in increased productivity and significant savings for producers, said Clariant.

In separate news, Clariant Mining Solutions has boosted its geographical footprint with two acquisitions as well as increases in capacity. The company has agreed to buy Australian specialty chemicals supplier Chemical & Mining Services, as well as the specialty mining chemicals business of SNF Flomin, a US subsidiary of France’s SNF Group. Financial details of the transactions were not revealed.

In addition, Clariant Mining Solutions has opened its Mining Application and Development Center in Tucson, Arizona, USA, which now serves as the regional hub for mining research. The firm said the center’s close proximity to key mining customers will provide more and better cooperation on customized products and solutions.

An existing facility in Reserve, Louisiana, has also been expanded and is now able to blend chemicals for the mining industry. John Gordon, global head of Clariant Mining Solutions, said the investments strengthen its global position as a leading supplier of specialty chemicals to the mining market. He added that Chemical & Mining Services is a complementary strategic fit, while SNF Flomin expands Clariant’s geographic footprint as well as its product and service portfolio.