BASF begins trial run at mononitrobenzene facility in Chongqing

BASF has begun trial operations at the mononitrobenzene plant within the integrated 400,000 metric ton methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) complex in Chongqing, China. The plant to manufacture mononitrobenzene, a precursor for the production of MDI, is one part of BASF’s RMB 8 billion (approximately Euro 860 million) investment plan.
 
This MDI site covers an area of more than 50 hectares, including facilities of 4,00,000 metric tonnes per year of mononitrobenzene, 300,000 metric tons per year of aniline, 400,000 metric tonnes per year of crude MDI, and an MDI splitter with a capacity of 400,000 metric tonnes per year.
 
MDI is an important component for polyurethanes – an extremely versatile plastics material that contributes towards improved insulation for appliances and reefer containers, provides lighter and more modern materials for cars, and helps save energy in buildings.