AtoFina expands bromine derivatives

AtoFina has opened a bromine derivatives plant at its Port-de-Bouc plant in Bouches-du-Rhone, France. The plant opening marks the completion of the second phase in a reconversion of the site's capabilities for fine chemicals at a cost of FFr100m. The finished project includes a 1,200t p.a. capacity plant for production of bromo acids and bromo esters for use as synthesis intermediates in pharmaceutical manufacture.

In addition to the bromo compounds facility, the plant is to have constructed a 10t/day facility for the production of hydrobromic acid gas, the main raw material for compound production. The project adds to existing alkyl bromides plants and an ultra pure hydrobromic acid gas generator.

The company intends to have in operation five self-contained multipurpose plants for brominated derivatives production, allowing for integration of a series of synthesis stages.