DATE : 2017-10-27

An explosion at Synthomer's Sokolov acrylic acid (AA) facility this week is not expected to affect availability of product or capability to supply, a source from the company said on Friday.

The company said in a statement that an explosion was reported in the bulk storage area of Synthomer in Sokolov, Czech Republic on 25 October, at 08h45. Synthomer have production facilities for AA, acrylates and dispersions at this site.

"The cause of the incident is unknown at this time, but a full investigation in conjunction with the local authorities has been initiated. The incident happened during maintenance work on a methyl acrylate (methyl-A) storage tank," the statement said.

No injuries resulted from this incident, and no further offsite impact is anticipated, the statement added.

Synthomer is undergoing planned maintenance at its AA facility in Sokolov, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month.

The turnaround is taking place on one of its two AA lines at Sokolov, and began at the end of September.

Synthomer has the capacity to produce around 55,000 tonnes/year of acrylic acid.

Acrylic acid is used as a raw material to make superabsorbent polymer (SAP) for the manufacture of disposable nappies, surgical pads and other personal care items.

Source Icis News