Under the terms of the MoU, Casale will provide engineering, procurement and construction services on a turnkey basis, including plant design, supply of all equipment and materials, and commissioning, which is scheduled for 2024.

The unit will be integrated into Metafrax’s existing ammonia-urea-melamine (AUM) complex, which was also built by Casale and employs the Swiss firm’s technology. Current capacity at the complex is 300,000 t/y ammonia, 575,000 urea and 40,000 t/y melamine.

“The development of the AUM complex, which will finally include two melamine production units, is the result of a close cooperation with our partner Metafrax Chemicals,” said Casale CEO Federico Zardi, adding that the project also confirms its worldwide leadership in designing and constructing such plants.

Metafrax general director Vladimir Daut also commented: “With this investment we will become one of the largest producers of melamine in Europe, provide ourselves with raw materials for the expanding production of resins and create new high-tech jobs for residents.”

Separately, Casale has announced that it has won a contract to supply a new hydrolyser for a major European melamine producer. The hydrolyser, which will treat wastewater from two melamine plants, will replace two existing treatment units, which Casale said are based on obsolete technology that “makes them inadequate to the new environmental standards.”

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist