Shell Chemicals has completed a project to strengthen the flexibility of its polyol production facility in Europe. A direct result of this will be an immediate increase in CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers) polyol capacity from the site at Pernis in the Netherlands.

Modifications made to both the plant and process technology are enabling CASE-grade CARADOL polyols to be made on a continuous production line for the first time in Shells history. This is providing a boost in capacity, designed to enable Shells Propylene Oxide and Derivatives (PODer) business to respond quickly to increasing demand from customers across Europe.

"We have been in the polyols business for over 50 years and intend to maintain our position as a leading supplier to the CASE sector," says Colin McKendrick, General Manager, Propylene Oxide and Derivatives (PODer) Shell Chemicals.

"Our customers are seeing higher demand for their CASE systems and we want to support their growth plans. By taking an innovative approach to our manufacturing we have been able to significantly boost our CASE production capacity within a very short time frame."

CASE polyols are used in a myriad of polyurethane (PU) applications across the automotive, construction and surfacing industries. The flexibility of CASE-based PU systems means they can be formulated to deliver tailored performance properties for specific end-uses.

"To achieve this increase in capacity we are making CASE polyols using our proprietary continuous technology," says McKendrick. "Its the same grade, just made in a more efficient way."

Utilising continuous technology avoids interruptions in production due to batch changes, and achieves higher overall plant throughput. The continuous process technology also imparts some beneficial properties to the polyol including less odour and lower levels of volatile organic compounds.

"This project is the latest in a series of projects implemented over the past decade to strengthen our core PODer manufacturing position," says Sean Clarry, Commercial Manager, Propylene Oxide and Derivatives Europe, Africa and Middle East.

"It means more product to meet the needs of both existing CARADOL polyols customers, as well as new ones that we havent been able to support with the required quantities before."