MOSCOW (MRC) - Nizhnekamskneftekhim has reached its design capacity for the production of polyethylene glycol - NPEG-2400, from which a superplasticizer of fifth generation concrete mixtures is made, Realnoe Vremya reports.
The new technology allows the concrete to be stored longer before being placed. For two years, from 2019 to 2020, in the Scientific and Technological Center of PJSC "Nizhnekamskneftekhim", a macromer of unsaturated polyethylene glycol of the NPEG-2400 brand was developed. The technology of synthesis and methods of analysis of the finished product were worked out.
Based on the results obtained, a report on research work and initial data for the design of production were issued. For the production of NPEG-2400, one of the operating lines of the oligomers and glycols plant was reequipped. Pilot tests began in November 2020.
Already at the end of the first week of testing, the NPEG-2400 was received, which fully meets the technical requirements for the finished product. During the next month, the synthesis technology was tested in the factory, and the production capacity of 10,000 tons per year was reached. Since January 2021, the design capacity of the NPEG-2400 production has been reached.
NPEG-2400 is an unsaturated polyethylene glycol ether. Due to the presence of a double bond in the polyglycol molecule, it has the ability to further polymerize, which makes it an extremely valuable product. Its main application is the production of superplasticizers for concrete mixes. A superplasticizer is a chemical additive that is introduced into a cement or concrete mixture in order to improve its physicochemical characteristics.
The main consumer of NPEG-2400 is the world leader in the production of reagents for concrete - the Swiss company SIKA, which has enterprises in Asia, Europe and America. Earlier it was reported that NKNK has mastered the production of thermoplastic elastomers. The products are used for the manufacture of road surfaces, which improves the quality and durability of asphalt. Thermoplastic elastomers are also used in the production of roofing materials.
The largest petrochemical holdings in Russia - SIBUR and TAIF - in April announced plans to combine their assets. Within the framework of the merger, a company will be created on the basis of SIBUR Holding, in which the current shareholders of TAIF PSC will receive a 15% stake in exchange for the transfer of a controlling stake in a group consisting of petrochemical and energy enterprises. The remaining stake in TAIF can be subsequently purchased by the merged company. The merged company of SIBUR and TAIF will include the parent company of the Tatarstan group, as well as two of its chemical plants and an energy company, including NKH and KOS.
According to the ICIS-MRC Price Report, Russian factories have reduced the cost of PS this month under pressure from external markets and the declining cost of raw materials. Nizhnekamskneftekhim has reduced the cost of the polymer by a greater amount than other plants.
PJSC "Nizhnekamskneftekhim" (NKNKH) is one of the largest Russian producers of petrochemical products. The production complex of the company includes ten factories of the main production and ten departments (railway transport, main ethylene pipelines, etc.). NKNKh produces over 120 types of chemical products, including synthetic rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, surfactants. Nizhnekamskneftekhim is a part of TAIF Group.
MRC