SK Chemicals orders first continuous PPS-production plant from Uhde Inventa-Fischer  

The plant engineering company Uhde Inventa-Fischer (Domat/Ems, Switzerland; www.uhde-inventa-fischer.com) has received an order from SK Chemicals Co., Ltd. (Korea) to build the first plant for the continuous production of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The new plant will be integrated into the industrial complex of SK Chemicals in Ulsan, Republic of Korea. Operation of the plant will be based on Uhde Inventa-Fischer’s proprietary process technology, which uses the patented Espree and Discage reactors. This proven, energy-saving, versatile process has been customer-tailored in close cooperation with SK Chemicals. Unlike the conventional batch process, the continuous polymerization process that will be used in the plant does not employ solvents during the production of PPS. In addition, the core equipment will be produced to a high quality standard. For example, only high-quality, highly alloyed steel will be used for their construction. PPS resin, a very robust engineering plastic, exhibits excellent thermal and chemical resistance, mechanical strength and dimensional stability. It is suited for precision injection molding and primarily used for parts surrounding vehicle engines as well as electrical components, connectors and sockets.…