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10/18/2005
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| Lonza Polymer Intermediates with new highly efficient catalyst generation to improve production performance for Maleic Anhydride |
Lonza has announced the development of a new generation of fluid bed catalysts at its R&D facility in Scanzoroscate, Italy, that is applied in its proprietary Maleic Anhydride production process. The newly developed catalyst generation will further strengthen Lonza’s competitiveness as a leading producer of Maleic Anhydride and catalysts. It is another important step towards operational improvements to keep cost leadership.
The new catalyst generation not only allows for a better performance in terms of conversion and selectivity it also becomes active at a lower temperature than the catalyst generation applied so far.
Only after one month of application in the large-scale plant the positive results obtained in the pilot plant could be replicated. The major benefits of the newly developed catalyst generation are reflected in a reduced raw material consumption, in a production volume increase of 10’000 t/p.a., boosting the plant capacity from the previous 50’000 t/p.a. to 60’000 t/p.a. As it is activated at a lower temperature the new catalysts life-cycle is expected to increase by a year.
Lonza, a chemical and biotechnology company driven by the life sciences, generated sales of CHF 2.18 billion in 2004. Headquartered in Switzerland, Lonza operates 18 production and R&D sites around the world. Its 5700 employees are passionately committed to delivering sustainable value to their customers. Lonza is one of the leading custom manufacturers of chemical intermediates, active ingredients and biopharmaceuticals for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. On the basis of organic chemical, oleochemical and biotechnology platforms, Lonza creates value-added solutions for the nutrition, hygiene & personal care, wood & water treatment and industrial specialty markets. Lonza also offers polymer intermediates, resins and compounds. Further information can be found on our website www.lonza.com.
For further information:
Media Relations
Christine Menz
Tel +41 61 316 8253
Fax +41 61 316 9253
christine.menz@lonza.com
Investor Relations
Laura Gerber
Tel +41 61 316 8347
Fax +41 61 316 8220
laura.gerber@lonza.com |
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