CEW Industry News

KBL Launches Revolutionary ROMAK Pump

Orica to Cut Down Ammonium Nitrate Production

Frankfurt, Germany: Kirloskar Brothers Ltd (KBL) announced the

launch of technologically advanced ROMAK Pump at ACHEMA,
worlds most-followed event for the chemical process industry
held in Frankfur t, Germany. The ROMAK (RMK) pumps are
process pumps used for handling various types of clear / clean
chemical liquids without any suspended particles by various
process industries.

Melbourne, Australia: In response to challenging market conditions,

Orica is adjusting its operating model at the Yarwun site in Gladstone.
Dave Buick, General Manager Yarwun, said, While we remain
confident in the long term outlook for ammonium nitrate, there is a
near term oversupply in the market. As a result, we have made a
preliminary decision to adjust the capacity requirements at Yarwun.

RMK pump is magnetic drive pump comprising per manent

magnets. With a size ranging between 32mm to 100mm, the
pump has a discharge capacity of up to 300 m3/hr. The pump
can handle temperatures from -50 0C up to +180 0C. The design
aids interchangeability of components among different pump
sizes. The sealless pump has liquid protected magnets for longer
performance. The design will have a total of 22 models.
KBL also launched the technologically advanced GK-P Pump
at ACHEMA. GK-P is a process pump used for handling various
types of chemical liquids from various process industries. It is an
End Suction centrifugal process pump having discharge capacity
upto 500 m3/hr at 1450 rpm. With a size ranging between 25mm
to 150mm, the pump can handle temperatures in the range of
-50 0 C upto +350 0 C. The wide range of smooth hydraulics will
meet the customers requirements and promote better efficiency
of the product. The back pullout design will help in easy and
quicker maintenance.

Solvay Opens Asias Largest Alkoxylation Plant

Singapore: Solvay inaugurated its new large-scale alkoxylation
plant in Singapore, the largest plant of its kind in Asia, as part of
its global strategy to expand the growth of its specialty surfactants
in the region. The nearly USD 50 million on-pipe investment will
help meet that demand, complementing existing India and China
facilities and joining Solvay Novecares seven other alkoxylation
plants in Europe and North America.
Located in the world-class integrated petrochemical hub of Jurong
Island, the plant receives a key raw material, ethylene oxide via a
dedicated pipeline, and fatty oleochemicals from nearby countries,
providing a safe and sustainable source of supply for the near
and long term.
The unit produces specialty alkoxylate formulations for the
agrochemicals, coatings, home and personal care, industrial
and oil & gas markets in Asia, especially for those in key South
East Asia countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.
The plant bolsters Solvays competitive position in the region,
ensuring the development of alkoxylate solutions for customers
who will be supported by strong technical teams from the R&I
centre located near the plant.
10 July 2015

This decision follows extensive analysis of the market and was

previously flagged in our interim financial results market briefing in
May 2015. Today, we have begun consulting with our employees to
understand and address any impacts on the workforce. We expect
there will be some impact on staffing levels from this decision.
However, the fact remains that Orica is operating in a highly
competitive market in which supply of ammonium nitrate is higher
than demand levels, and we need to pursue strategies that secure
the long-term viability of the business.

Ferro Completes Acquisition of Nubiola

Cleveland, USA: Ferro Corporation has completed the acquisition of
Nubiola Pigmentos on a cash-free and debt-free basis for Euro 149
million (approximately USD 165 million), subject to customary working
capital and other purchase price adjustments.
The acquisition was previously announced on April 29, 2015. Nubiola
is a worldwide producer of specialty inorganic pigments and the worlds
largest producer of Ultramarine Blue, a pigment for the plastics and
construction industries, highly valued for its durability, unique colour
attributes and whitening capability. Nubiola has production facilities
in Spain, Colombia, Romania, and India and a joint venture in China.
We are excited about the Nubiola acquisition and the opportunities it
provides to drive shareholder value, enhance our current position in
inorganic pigments, and accelerate our strategy to become a leading
global functional coatings and colour solutions company, said Peter
Thomas, Chairman, President and CEO, Ferro.

AkzoNobel to Sell Zeta Fraction Biofunctional

Technology to Ashland
Amsterdam, Netherlands: AkzoNobel announced the sale of its
biomaterials technology to Ashland Inc. The transaction is expected to
be completed in the third quarter of 2015. The business is in its early
phase of commercialisation and the divestment of this biomaterials
technology follows a strategic review of the business fit within
AkzoNobels portfolio. This transaction will enable us to focus on our
core technology platforms - specialty surfactants and polymers - and
help reinforce our leadership position in both areas. The biomaterials
activities are focused on plant-based chemistry, which is used to
develop products for various applications, such as high performance
beauty technologies.
Chemical Engineering World