The world leader in DMDS, Arkema announces a 30% capacity increase at its Lacq production plant

03/21/2007    Press Release

To improve its position in the global DMDS (dimethyl disulfide) market and better meet customer needs, Arkema has announced a 30% increase in the production capacity of its Lacq plant (France / Pyrénées-Atlantiques).

 

DMDS, one of Arkema’s Thiochemicals offerings, has applications in a number of industrial sectors, including petrochemicals and oil refining.

 

In petrochemicals, it is used to delay coke formation in steamcracker furnaces, and to inhibit the formation of carbon monoxide, which can impair the ethylene purification process.

 

In oil refineries, DMDS is used as a catalyst activation agent in hydrotreating reactors, which reduce sulfur, nitrogen and metals in petroleum fractions. In this application, Arkema offers customers its Carelflex® service, which covers DMDS handling and injection operations during the activation of the hydrotreating catalyst. The Carelflex® package is available around the world using specialized teams  that provide on-site services that comply with quality, safety and environmental standards.

 

The growth of the DMDS world market is linked to the growth of petrochemicals and to the tightening of sulfur content standards in transportation fuels. This latest capacity increase affirms Arkema’s intent to continue its leadership in DMDS, with production facilities capable of fulfilling the volume and quality requirements of customers. On the strength of its technological know-how, Arkema is committed to being ahead of the demand curve for DMDS and has made the decisions necessary to support this effort.

 

A global chemical player, Arkema consists of 3 coherent and related business segments: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Present in over 40 countries with 17,000 employees, Arkema achieved sales of 5.7 billion euros in 2006. With its 6 research centers in France, the United States and Japan, and internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.

 

 

 

 

 

CONTACTS :

Jacques Badaroux     Tel. : +33 1 49 00 71 34      E-mail : jacques.badaroux@arkema.com
Sybille Chaix               Tel. : +33 1 49 00 70 30      E-mail : sybille.chaix@arkema.com