Hoechst Celanese Chemical Group, Inc.

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Chemical Synthesis

Industry: Chemical Manufacturing

Wastes Reduced: Solvent

Location: Bay City TX

No. of employees: 375

Contact: I. O. Coleman, Jr., Dwight Michalk

Phone: (409) 245-4871, (409) 245-4871

Description:

At the end of February 1993, the Hoechst Celanese Chemical Group, Inc., Bay City Plant began operation of an upgraded portion of the higher oxo aldehyde oxidation process. This event culminated several years of planning, testing and design work on the new technology. The old process, which had been in operation since 1980, required handling of several solid and liquid chemicals in the production of organic acids. These chemicals had to be mixed by the operators, added to the process, removed from the crude product and finally disposed of pursuant to applicable regulations. Various personnel protective equipment was required to protect the operators during the chemical mixing operation. Removal of waste chemicals from the process was labor intensive for operations and maintenance personnel and made housekeeping in the production unit difficult.

P2 Application:

Proprietary technology was licensed from Hoechst AG, the parent company of Hoechst Celanese. The improved oxidation technology was found to be applicable to the Bay City Higher Oxo Process. It was the goal of the new project to eliminate solids disposal and to produce a purer product with higher process yield.

Environmental Benefits:

Since the new process has been in operation, it has performed up to the high expectations. Disposal of SARA listed solid chemicals has been reduced by about 33 tons/year and disposal of non-listed solids into the Bay City Plant landfill has been reduced by 348 tons/year. Emissions to both the atmosphere and to the plant's waste water disposal system have also been reduced.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

The new process required a substantial capital investment which was justified by the savings obtained in raw materials and chemicals. In addition to the significant environmental, health, and safety benefits obtained, a purer product is produced which gives downstream benefits for the customers.

Source: TCEQ