Ludwigshafen, Germany — German diisocyanates major BASF has announced its intention to restart production of TDI at its 300 kT/year plant "in the next few weeks", according to a press release.
The company said that production stopped on 22 November 2016 owing to "technical difficulties at the plant". BASF appears to have completed analysis of the damaged equipment which was enclosed in a safety chamber, a process is announced in November 2016.
BASF added that the damaged reactor will be repaired, and a new reactor will be ordered, but this will have a long delivery time and is expected to be completed in 2018. BASF added that it has been supplying customers from its global network of TDI production facilities.
The contract for plant construction was awarded to Fluor in 2012. The plant started operation in November 2015. The plant was delayed in 2013 when an explosion occurred on the construction site. BASF declined to comment on whether it was seeking compensation from the original contractor or whether the plant was insured.
