thyssenkrupp nucera has commissioned a chlor-alkali plant for Kutch Chemical Industries Limited at Padana in Gujarat, India. The plant has an annual production capacity of 220,000 metric tons of caustic soda and can produce up to 675 metric tons per day of 100% NaOH, according to the company. It is described as one of India's largest single-train chlor-alkali plants.
Capacity and technology
The project uses thyssenkrupp nucera's BM Generation 6+ technology. Five electrolyzers are installed, each capable of producing up to 135 metric tons per day of 100 percent NaOH. The company says this makes each unit the highest-capacity single electrolyzer currently installed in India. The electrolyzers have started operation.
At full rates, the five units align with the plant's stated daily capacity of 675 metric tons of 100 percent NaOH. The annual figure of 220,000 metric tons refers to caustic soda output.
Scope of supply and site use
thyssenkrupp nucera provided engineering services, proprietary technology and equipment, and support during start-up and commissioning. The plant will support Kutch Chemical's production activities and strengthen its supply to the domestic market. Kutch Chemical will use the caustic soda and chlorine produced at the facility in its own processes and sell volumes in the Indian market.
The commissioning adds a large caustic soda source in western India. Caustic soda and chlorine are the two products named in the project, and Kutch Chemical's integrated complex also carries out chlorination and nitration. Using output internally while selling in the domestic market connects the new capacity to both the company's own chemical operations and local supply.
Customer and cooperation
Kutch Chemical Industries Limited is part of the Goyal Group of Industries and is an Indian manufacturer and exporter of specialty and bulk chemicals. It operates an integrated chemical complex in Gujarat with activities in chlorination, nitration, and dye intermediate products. The cooperation between Kutch Chemical and thyssenkrupp nucera began in 2017. Since the initial chlor-alkali plant, thyssenkrupp nucera has supported the facility's progressive expansion in line with the customer's growth plans.
Executive comments
Kiran Joseph, CEO of thyssenkrupp nucera India, said the project illustrates the importance of efficient and reliable chlor-alkali technology for customers expanding production capacity. He said Kutch Chemical's choice of BM Generation 6+ builds on a platform designed to further improve efficiency and reliability, and that thyssenkrupp nucera is proud to contribute to the expansion project.
Jai Prakash Goyal, Whole-time Director at Kutch Chemical India, said the plant's successful commissioning is an important step for the company and supports its continued growth in the Indian market. He said the company is pleased to build on its longstanding cooperation with thyssenkrupp nucera, which he described as combining proven chlor-alkali technology with extensive project execution expertise.